"You've earned every penny." And she had. Eight years of loyalty, discretion, and competence. "You deserve this retirement."
The conference room door opened.
Julia walked in, and my attention shifted like a compass finding north.
One week. I'd worked closely with her for one week, and already I was in trouble.
"Good morning, Julia."
"Morning, boss." That smile—warm, genuine, dangerous. She turned to Barbara. "I can't believe the week went by so fast.Thank you for your patience. I still feel overwhelmed, but you've given me a solid foundation."
Stone arrived, striding in with his usual confidence. "Are you ladies going to cut that cake?"
Barbara laughed. "It's a bit early for cake, Stone."
"It's your cake." He hugged her, thanked her for years of pulling his ass out of fires. Then turned to Julia, raised an eyebrow. "You've got big shoes to fill."
Julia stiffened slightly. "I'll do my best."
Stone did that to everyone. But I noticed Julia didn't back down. Just straightened her spine and met his gaze.
Interesting.
I approached the cake—an elaborate creation from La Crumbedonna. Picked up the silver serving knife, surprised by the weight.
"Tiffany's?" I asked. "Seriously?"
Barbara grinned. "You can't cut a La Crumbedonna cake with anything less. It's a law."
"Stone is eyeing this cake like it’s his last meal." I gestured to the dessert. "Should we put him out of his misery?"
"Do your worst."
Stone grabbed a plate. "I could have waited. But why?"
Forrest appeared, eagerly accepting a slice from Barbara. He took one bite and his eyes rolled back.
"You okay, Forrest?" I asked.
"I've just had an out-of-body experience." He took another bite. "Millefoglie with limoncello-infused custard. This is incredible."
One of Forrest's guys mentioned to Julia that she was now responsible for the Friday zeppole run.
Julia glanced at me for approval.
I nodded. "Most vital duty of your position. I limit my pastry consumption to Fridays."
"Got it." She smiled. "Weekly zeppole run. La Crumbedonna. Fridays."
That smile could disarm a man.
Barbara put her hand on Julia's shoulder. "I'll get you all the details."
Cake in hand, Stone and I moved to a corner where no one could overhear us.
"Okay, this is good," Stone admitted, taking another bite. "Rich for breakfast, but good. Doesn't mean I'm not still mad at you."
I glanced at Julia across the room. Watched her laugh at something Barbara said. The way she tilted her head. The grace in her movements.
