Phew.
“What might that be?”
“As you know, my schedule has been lighter. More time for golf, the grandkids, the things in life that are not in the office. I’ve also had more meetings with Julian. I’m not getting any younger. I’ve invested wisely through the years and made some great stock choices, which means I can retire early.”
My stomach sinks because I know where our conversation is going. He’s been subtly dropping hints about his future over recent months, and deep down, I anticipated this happening at some point.
“I’m retiring,” he says at last.
I force a smile, wanting to be happy for him. "That’s... wonderful."
Selfishly, I can’t help but wonder what this means for me.
His head lolls to the side gently, and he examines me. “Say that with a little more conviction, will ya?” he jokes.
I straighten my posture. “Sorry. I’m not surprised, it’s merely that I thought it would be another year, perhaps.”
He shrugs. “I’m ready. I have a house in Hilton Head to enjoy when I’m not here in Illinois.”
I nod, listening, unsure what to say. My intuition told me this moment would come.
After a stiff silence, he grins. “Wondering what’ll happen to your role?”
A long exhale leaves me, and I’m thankful he can read my mind and bring it up. “Yes,” I admit.
He claps, eyes shining. “You’re one of the best—bright, high-energy, tough. You keep me moving. You’re essential. That’s why I’m promoting you.”
Suddenly, my mood perks up. My drooping shoulders straighten; my neck elongates. I ask, "Really?"
“Yep. My role as COO is to ensure we run a tight ship, including staff. I need to be confident that whatever we do will improve and ensure the strategy is met. Day-to-day operations need to run smoothly. I see a significant risk if I don’t act, as we urgently need to fill a role. Should have thought of this solution sooner, since it’s so obvious. Not many people can handle him, but I know you can.”
No. Oh no. Why does worry now hit me?
“Assistant to the CEO is perfect for you, and you will do great.”
My face sours. I force composure. "Julian? You want me to be his assistant?"
Charles’s face falls with understanding, and he holds his hands up to calm me. “I’m aware that he may not have the…bestrecord with assistants. All the more reason I need to be assured that he has someone who won’t quit, especially during the transition of somebody new in my role.” I’m not impressed with this turn of events, and it’s apparent. “You’re great with challenges, and you’re the only one I can think of to handle the job. You always update your in-case-of-emergency handover sheet, so I can easily get a temp in to fill yourcurrent role. Julian? Well, he needs someone as soon as possible. Someone who can jump in. He needs organization more than me, as I’m going to slowly transition out with fewer days in the office.”
Professional. Remain professional. “Uh…” That’s all I can croak out.
His face turns to stone, so unlike Charles. “It means a pay raise,”he says bluntly.
Ah, he’s desperate.
It’s tempting. Or miserable. "Trying to sweeten the deal for dealing with Satan?" I joke. With Charles, I can be direct.
He lets go of the flattery. His face relaxes. "The company will cover all tuition loans for your master's degree if you stay with us, and you will be debt-free. Of course, should you quit within a certain amount of time, then you would need to pay it back. But you are not a quitter," he says, expression flat.
“W-What?” I stammer. It’s a profound offer, with major implications for my financial future. “You’re very desperate, it seems. That’s a big offer.” It’s more than immense. I managed to get a scholarship, but it didn’t cover everything, and as much as I’m paid well here, paying the remaining tuition does make me check my savings more often than I would like.
He snaps his fingers. “It is. But it makes sense, too. Your degree fits with your work here. Plus, I hope this emphasizes this big change. Your contract states that we can move you to a different role, provided your salary and benefits remain unchanged. You will now be getting paid more, a degree paid for as long as you don’t quit, and the experience of a lifetime. I know you can’t run from that.”
“Well, your bribery game is strong,” I deadpan.
“I’ve made up my mind.”
My jaw drops slightly. “So,I’mhis new assistant?”
