He stepped closer. “How about we discuss it over dinner?”
Why does he keep asking me to eat or drink with him? And why is he so pleasant outside of the office?I didn’t know whether to make heads or tails of him, so I took a moment, my brow furrowed.
He, on the other hand, kept smiling like a fool. “Kelli?”
“Tell me who you are first. Ian or Mr. Greyson?”
“I’m both.”
“That doesn’t work for me.”
He frowned. “Why do you have to complicate things?”
Oh. That phrase. My hand flew to my heart as if that would protect it. That was his response when I had told him I loved him. It was a complication to him. I knew it shouldn’t have affected me but hearing him say those words to me again triggered my emotions. All of the painand confusion I’d felt came rushing back, overwhelming me. “I guess it’s just something I’m good at, isn’t it? Good night, Mr. Greyson.” I jumped in my car. At least I was the one who got to walk away this time.
“Dammit,” I heard him say before I shut my door.
In my rearview mirror I watched him stand there in the parking lot running a hand over his hair, looking as if he’d lost his best friend. I knew the feeling.
AFTER THAT FUN FIRST DAY, the rest of the week was less interesting, thank goodness. Mr. Greyson and I didn’t avoid each other, but we both seemed to make it a point to spend as little time together as possible, which was A-Okay in my book. When we did have to be in each other’s presence, it was filled with that forced politeness that makes everyone uncomfortable. I could tell this worried Boss, but I assured him it would all get ironed out as we got used to one another. It was a big fat fib, but I wanted Boss to be able to enjoy retirement.
To help Boss feel better, I took my licks, in a matter of speaking, and then nursed my wounds at home. And there seemed to be plenty every day. Mr. Greyson had suggestions for everything from my PowerPoints to the way I formatted my proposals. They weren’t really suggestions; he expected them to be to his liking and specifications. I think he kept looking for me to fight back, and believe me I wanted to, but I figured what good would it do?
When Friday rolled around, Boss moved all his personal belongings out of the big office and Mr. Greyson moved in. I couldn’t help it, I cried. I was losing my mentor and champion. I felt like an idiot crying in the office for the world to see, but it had been a rough week, and now reality was really setting in. As Boss held me, Delfia and Mr. Greyson looked on, concerned.
Boss kissed my head. “Make me proud, kiddo.”
I sniffled and nodded.
“You always have.” He gave me a good squeeze.
More tears came. Would it be shameful if I grabbed onto his legs and begged him not to leave?
Boss let me go, turned toward Mr. Greyson, and shook his hand. “Well Ian, I trust I’m leaving my company in good hands. I expect nothing less than greatness and high profit margins.” Boss looked between him and me, before sternly saying to Mr. Greyson, “Ian, don’t forget our earlier conversation.”
Mr. Greyson focused on me. “You have my word.”
I wondered what that cryptic conversation was about. Delfia looked perplexed too.
Boss hugged me one more time. “Well, I guess I’m off.” He waved to everyone. “See you all next weekend.” He and Holly were leaving the next morning for Cancun, but they were coming back next weekend for his retirement party.
As soon as Boss was out of sight, I went to my office, closed the door, and cried a little more. I was terrible with change, and this had been a week of nothing but change, and not the good kind either.
Amid my mourning, there was a knock on the shared door. No one ever knocked on that door. Boss and I had an open-door policy. I wiped away the last straggling tears. “Come in,” I called out.
Mr. Greyson took a moment to look at me before he spoke. His eyes were softer than I had seen them in days. “Would you join me in my office? I would like to get your opinion on the new company logo,” he asked kindly.
“You want my opinion?”
“Why does that surprise you?”
“Is that a trick question?”
“Ms. Bryant, please.”
I stood and walked toward his office. He smiled with lips pressed together as I neared him. He waited for me at the door and held it open. When I passed him, he touched my shoulder and I stopped.
“I know this is a difficult transition for you and I’m sorry.”
