The move to Indy was becoming more and more real. Astrid had texted Monday before 7:00 a.m. that Ben’s contract was ready to sign. Once he signed the offer, the Akron paperwork would happen almost automatically.
When Cami arrived in the office a little before eight, she emailed the contract to Ben with a soft personal touch. “I had fun this past weekend.”
He emailed back right away. “Give me a few days to go over this. Ben. P.S. I had a great time with you.”
She smiled. All over. Right down to her Louis Vuitton–clad toes.
But she had Akron work to do. The inn could wait. Top of her list was to invite Astrid to join her in Indy. Cami wasn’t sure she could do the job without her.
“Sorry I’m late.” Astrid came in with her iPad and a mocha and took the seat across from Cami. She said that every week.
“You’re not late.” Cami’s reply every week.
Astrid smirked, her blonde hair, pinned up on the sides, swaying as she shook her head. “How was your weekend? Did you see Ben? You must’ve, because you’re smiling.” Astrid made a face, peeking over the lid of her mocha.
“I always smile.”
“Not like that.” Astrid pointed to Cami as she set her coffee down. “Did you go over the résumés I sent you?”
“No.” Cami leaned back in her chair, unable to stifle her smile, feeling for a flash moment like she was fifteen again. “I’ll do it today. How was your weekend?”
“My weekend? You see I’m not smiling.” The sadness in Astrid’s voice was palpable.
“Sounds like things aren’t improving with you and Boyfriend.”
“He says he loves me, but—” Her eyes filled, and a small tear tipped the corner of her eye. She caught it with the edge of her finger as she focused on her iPad. “Let’s get to work. We have a lot to do this week.”
Cami walked around her desk and perched on the edge in front of Astrid. “This may not be the right time to ask, but will you come to Indy with me? I need you. I’m not sure?—”
“Oh, Cami.” Astrid launched to her feet and wrapped Cami in a tight hug. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Cami laughed and breathed in Astrid’s spicy perfume. “You could’ve asked.”
The woman stepped back, wiping her eyes. “I know this will sound so stupid, but I’ve been waiting five years for Boyfriend to propose. Face it, he’s not going to, is he? I would’ve asked you for the job, but I don’t know, I guess I needed someone to ask me. To make me feel loved, needed, and…” Astrid covered her sob with her hand. “Feel special. I’m sorry I’m blubbering. It’s so unprofessional.”
“No, it’s not. You’re human. You have a right to weep over things that break or hurt your heart. Even in the workplace.” Cami tugged a tissue from the box on her credenza. “Now, let’s go over our schedule so you can get back to your desk and start looking for a place to live. Akron will pay for your relocation costs. And I’ll have your new salary to you by the end of the day.”
“Really? I’m at the top of my salary range. Brant will?—”
“Sign it. I’ll stand over him until he clicks all the approval boxes and sends the copy to human resources.” She would, too, because Astrid deserved a raise.
“Cami, you’re the best boss ever.”
As they worked, they nailed down details for the week, booked a trip up to Indy.
“Let’s do as much as we can from here. I’d rather not go up to Indy until next month.” Cami opened up the résumés they’d collected.
“Brant’s not going to like that.”
“He doesn’t have a choice.” Cami shrugged as she scanned another résumé.
“You know, if Geoffrey was willing to relocate, he’d be an excellent project manager.” Astrid tucked some hair behind her ear.
“Geoffrey is Brant’s man.” Dad had hired him and groomed him. Geoffrey was good—not as good as her, thank you very much—but Geoffrey was loyal to Dad and would be a spy, monitoring her every move. A not-so-secret spy.
Astrid nodded. “I’m not sure you’ll have a choice. I think Geoffrey is angling for a move.”
“He’s qualified to lead as director. I can’t imagine he’d be okay coming to work for me as second-in-command.” There was no way she’d take a man who would report her every move back to Dad.
