Page 117 of Last First Date

The walk to Richard’s room felt like an eternity, my heart pounding loudly in my ears. As I pushed open the door, a hush fell over the room. There he was, lying frail on the hospital bed surrounded by machines beeping sporadically. The sight that greeted me was both comforting and heart-wrenching.

Richard managed a weak smile when he saw me. His spirit seemed unbroken, but the fragility in his eyes betrayed the toll the stroke had taken on him. It broke my heart to see my old boss, the pillar of strength, reduced to this vulnerable state.

“Richard,” I greeted, my voice a mixture of concern and relief. “How are you holding up?”

He chuckled, a sound more fragile than I had ever heard from him. “One day at a time, Waverly. One day at a time.”

“You’re tired,” I said. “I won’t bother you. I just wanted to stop by and let you know I’m thinking about you.”

“Nonsense,” he said. “I’ve been lying in bed for days. Sit down. How’s the office? Tell me good things.”

I forced a smile, eager to provide him with some sense of normalcy. “The company is doing great, Richard. The team is working hard to uphold everything you’ve built. We are staying very busy. We are booked for months. I think we’re going to have to hire a few more planners to handle all the new business.”

His eyes sparkled with pride, and for a moment, the heaviness in the room lifted. “That’s what I like to hear. It warms my heart to know the company is in good hands.”

We spent some time discussing the successes of the company, a welcome distraction from the harsh reality of the hospital room. But as the conversation flowed, I couldn’t shake the awareness that there was an elephant in the room—or rather, a person.

And then, inevitably, Richard turned the conversation toward Knox. “And what about my grandson?” His tone was more serious now. “How’s he handling things?”

I took a deep breath, knowing that honesty was crucial in this moment. “He’s handling things well,” I began cautiously. “The company has seen growth under his leadership. I won’t deny that he’s done a good job steering us through some major challenges.”

Richard scrutinized my face, sensing the unspoken tension in my words. Even in his weakened state, he knew me well. “But?” he prompted, knowing there was more to the story.

I sighed. “But, Richard, I can’t pretend that everything is smooth sailing. Knox and I still have our disagreements. I’m upset about certain things, but I can’t ignore the positive impact he’s had on the company.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Richard’s face, and I felt a pang of guilt. “I had hoped you two would find a way to work together,” he admitted. “It’s crucial for the stability of the company.”

“I know,” I replied, the heaviness returning. “I’ve tried, Richard. But sometimes, personalities clash, and it’s challenging, but ultimately, we are getting through. Knox is a strong leader. It’s been an adjustment, but that’s not a bad thing.”

Richard nodded. “Keep pushing forward, for the sake of the team.”

“I will,” I promised. I was more dedicated than before to sticking with the company and doing what I could to make sure it was a success. Even if it meant I had to work alongside Knox.

“How have you been?” he asked.

“Good.”

“And your mother?” he asked. “How is she?”

Though I had never shared the intricacies of my relationship with my mom, Richard seemed to sense the frustrations that lingered beneath the surface. He knew things weren’t great, but he never pressured me to talk about it.

“So, tell me the truth,” he said. “How has Knox really been at the office?”

I laughed. “I told you, he’s doing a good job. Yes, he is a little strict and he is pushing people outside their comfort zone, but that’s what you want, right? You want someone that’s going to elevate us to the next level.”

He chuckled. “I didn’t ask how he’s running the office. I’m asking how has he been with you? You’re a valuable part of that office. I made it clear he was to treat you well. Has he been kind to you?”

“For the most part,” I replied honestly. Despite the unresolved tensions and personal conflicts that existed between Knox and me, I couldn’t deny that, in a professional context, he had been fair and considerate. Richard nodded, his eyes reflecting a silent approval.

“He can be a stubborn boy,” Richard said, the trace of a smile curving at the corner of his lips. “Reminds me of someone else I know.”

“Really?” I asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement.

“Yes,” he affirmed, managing to hold my gaze despite the fatigue seeping into his features. “You. You’ve both got that stubborn streak. You are two very strong people. I had a feeling you guys might clash a little, but if you can figure out a way to work together, I know you’re going to be unstoppable.”

“You’re right, as always,” I conceded with a reluctant grin. “We both want what’s best for the company. He’s stubborn and demanding and drinks more coffee than I think is natural, but he’s a hard worker. And I respect him for that.”

Richard seemed satisfied. “Good. Remember to use your shared drive to benefit the company. Use it to resolve your differences, not create more. You’re both smart and passionate people, and I have faith in you.”