“Okay…”
“Do you know what Max is up to?” I ask.
“I don’t know what you mean,” he lies.
I know he’s lying because the corner of his mouth twitches when he does. I learned that when he told me he wasn’t getting shit from one of the other assistants who was angry they got passed over and didn’t get his job.
“Chad, you are an amazing assistant, but you are a shit liar. I know Max said he was meeting with employees to make the company better, but the board meeting is this week, and Max has made sure I won’t be there. I need to know what is going on,” I tell him, remembering the email asking me to handle an issue at a hotel here in the city at the same time as the board meeting.
“I promised I wouldn’t say anything,” he admits
“It’s me. His CFO and best friend. Your boss too,” I remind him.
“Please,” he pleads.
“Give me something at least. I have his back. I need to know if I’m about to walk into a shitstorm.”
He looks away from me for a moment as he tries to decide how much to tell me. Finally, after what feels like eternity, he looks back at me.
“Look, I promised Max I wouldn’t say anything, and I refuse to break my promise. What I can tell you, though, is that a big change is about to happen.”
“How big?” I ask, heart racing.
What kind of change would Max keep from me? Has he decided to step down as CEO? Was he scared to tell me?
My mind races with the possibilities of what it could be.
“Major, but I think once it comes out, you’ll be excited. I know I am,” he confesses.
“Are you sure that’s all you can tell me?” I press again.
“I’m sure. I know it’s not your strong suit, but just be patient. Once it comes out, I think you’ll be happy. Can I go to lunch now?” he asks, pointing toward the door.
“Yeah, thanks. Have a good lunch,” I sigh.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you more.”
“It’s fine.” I force a smile as he steps out, shutting the door behind him.
Sighing, I look up at the ceiling.
A surprise that will leave me happy when it comes to light. That could be so many things, I don’t even know where to start speculating.
Maybe I should call the girls and see if any of them know. As I reach for my phone, it begins to ring. I wince when I see the number flash across the screen.
Shit. I don’t want to have this conversation, but I have to.
“Hello, Julius.”
“Iris, darling, how are you?” he asks in his posh accent.
“I’m good. How are you?”
“Quite lovely. I’m getting ready to leave the office for the day.”
My eyes drift to the clock, and I quickly do the time difference in my head.
“Working late?” I ask.
