Page 2 of Last First Date

I grinned, thinking it was another one of his quips. "Plans? Are you going to spike the coffee now?"

His smile grew slyer, and he leaned in as if sharing a secret. "I'm bringing in someone to take over. Someone I'm going to train personally."

My grip on the iPad loosened and I had to scramble to catch it before it fell off my lap. My palms started to sweat as I looked up at my boss. My friend. "You're not serious, right? You can't leave. This place still needs you.”

I need you.

His eyes held a mixture of amusement and sincerity. "Serious as a heart attack, Waverly. I've got to pass the torch someday, and I believe the time is right."

The weight of his words settled on me like an anchor sinking into the sea.

"But who could possibly replace you?" I stammered.

He moved to sit down across from me, unbuttoning his suit jacket as he lowered himself into the armchair. “My grandson. I'm grooming him to take over. Family legacy, you know?"

Family legacy, I thought, feeling the unease creep in. I kept my smile in place while panic lit up my nerves. I was going to short-circuit the iPad in my hands with my sweaty palms. The idea of someone new taking charge, especially his own flesh and blood, felt like a threat to the stability I'd grown accustomed to.

"I see," I forced the words.

He leaned forward. "Waverly, my dear, you're not going anywhere. You're the backbone of this place. The new blood needs the old wisdom, and you're part of that wisdom. I'm counting on you to help guide him through the transition. He's going to need you."

I tried to swallow my anxiety and smile. "I don't think I've met your grandson."

"He's been in New York for years, but he's always been the one I was going to hand the place off to."

I fidgeted with the stylus. " What if he doesn't see the value in someone like me? I’m not qualified on paper."

Mr. Williams's eyes softened. "Waverly, you are invaluable to this company. I brought you in when you were just a bright-eyed young lady, and now you've become an integral part of our success."

My throat burned and a lump formed. Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry. I forced my shoulders back and looked my boss in the eyes. "But what if the new boss wants someone with more experience, someone more mature?"

He leaned back. "He won't. I chose you not just for your skills, but for your dedication and passion. I see that same fire in you now. The new boss may be family, but I've made it clear that you're not to be touched. Your job is secure."

A surge of relief swept over me, and I managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Mr. Williams. You've been like a grandfather to me these past few years. I'm going to miss seeing that smile every day."

He chuckled. "And you've been like a granddaughter to me, Waverly. This company is your home. You'll be fine. Besides, some fresh blood will keep things exciting around here."

Despite his comforting words, unease lingered. "Thank you."

"I think that's all for today. Tomorrow, I'll need you to make arrangements for me to fly to New York."

"So soon?"

"Yes," he grinned and pushed up to his feet. "I've made up my mind about retiring and I want to get my grandson on board sooner rather than later. I feel this sudden need to break free of the confines the business has put on me. I want to take my wife and explore the world. It's time."

I wondered if he'd been given some bad news from his doctor. This all felt very sudden. "Lucky lady," I said.

" She's been a very patient woman, but it's time. I've overstayed my place here as it is. I've loved working here, but it's time to move on. I want to make the most of the years I have left. I know the company will be in good hands with you and my grandson."

I kept smiling, but inside, my heart was breaking. "I will do everything I can to make you proud."

His eyes sparkled as he nodded, resting a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I have no doubt you will, Waverly."

2

KNOX

“Bring me a cappuccino,” I said to my assistant as I strolled through the New York offices of Elite Occasions. “Please,” I added as an afterthought.