“I can have the petition itself ready by Thursday. The signatures will likely take several weeks.”
Mr. Randolph glanced at his planner. “Do you think we can turn it in by October first?”
Trey performed a quick mental calculation. That would give him sixteen days. “I believe so.”
“Perfect.” The first glimmer of approval sparked in Mr. Randolph’s eyes. “Would you be able to email a copy to each of us before collecting signatures?”
“Yes, sir.”
They discussed a handful of other issues before adjourning the meeting. Congenial conversations began, but Trey wasn’t included. He didn’t believe it was purposeful, but he didn’t have the personal connections like the other members had with each other. Feeling out of place and uncomfortable, rare emotions for him, he gathered his belongings and slipped out the door.
He was almost to his SUV when he heard Alexis call his name from behind. Tempted to ignore her and pretend he hadn’t heard, he took another step forward. Integrity got the better of him, and he turned around, bracing himself for a repeat of Friday evening.
“You forgot your pen,” she called out, holding up a simple ballpoint pen.
“Thanks,” he told her with a raised brow. He found it hard to believe she’d chase him down for a pen that cost pennies.
“I like these pens.” She stood in front of him now. “They’re cheap but glide right over the paper with no smearing.”
“Exactly. Someone gifted me a nice set of pens with my name engraved, and those don’t begin to compare with these. I order them in bulk.”
A smile crept to her mouth. She wagged a finger between them. “Did we just agree on something?”
“I think we did.” The corners of his lips curved upward. “Who would have thought.”
“You impressed the board in there.”
“I’m part of the board,” he quipped, covering his pleasure with sarcasm. He didn’t want to admit a part of him craved approval.
“You know what I mean.” She handed him the pen.
With effortless motion, he tucked it in the interior pocket of his suit jacket. “How’s your new resident?”
Her smile disappeared, replaced with worry. “This is her first stop out of rehab. She’s had a thirty-day stay before coming here.”
“Any children?”
“Two, but the grandparents have temporary custody of them.”
Even in the dark, he saw the old memories cast a shadow over her. The situation was too familiar to her. “She’s in the right place.”
Alexis sighed a released breath full of heavy emotions. “She’s the first new resident of my tenure. What if I mess up?”
Tentatively, he placed his hands on her shoulders and let his eyes locked with hers. “You were made to be here, Lexi. This is your calling, and you’re not on your own. You have an entire staff of professionals to help you succeed in helping your new resident to succeed.”
She seemed to absorb his words slowly, and her mouth gaped a tad—probably surprise that he’d shown support for her. “Thank you.”
Not being at odds with her was a strange feeling. He realized his hands still rested on her shoulders, and he pulled them away. Unsure what to do with the conflicting emotions, he took a step backward. “Have a good night.”
“You, too.”
Neither moved.
“Trey?”
“Yes?”
She twirled her thumbs in front of her, likely unaware of her fidgeting. “I’m sorry for last week. The things I said to you were uncalled for.”
