Page 4 of Last First Date

"You too, Grandpa. You look good."

He chuckled as he took his seat. "I look old, Knox."

"But tanned," I grinned. "I take it the weather in southern Utah is as sunny as usual?"

"If you came home to visit once in a while, you would know."

"I've got a very busy schedule here," I shrugged casually.

"Oh, I'm sure you do," he smiled. "I hope I didn't interfere with that schedule tonight?"

I flashed him a grin. "She was happy to take a raincheck."

“Indeed? Well, I should hope so," he chuckled, pouring himself a glass of the vintage red wine that had just been served. "You always did have a charming way with the ladies."

"I think I inherited that from you," I said. "I've seen pictures of Grandma back in the day. She was quite the looker."

He laughed again. "Yes, she was. She took a chance on some poor boy from nowhere going nowhere. I'm a lucky man."

We ordered dinner and I waited for him to tell me what this was about.

"So, Knox," he began, his piercing gaze fixed on me. "How is business?"

What is this about? Get to the point old man.

I leaned back, trying to maintain a nonchalant demeanor. "Everything's running smoothly. Profits are up, and our latest quarter is exceeding expectations. It was all in my quarterly report."

"That's good to hear. But there's something else we need to discuss."

Finally. "I've been considering some changes." He swirled the wine in his glass. "And it involves you."

"What kind of changes?"

"I'm getting old, Knox. It's time to reassess the family affairs. I've decided to shift some responsibilities around."

"What does that mean?"

"Knox, I've decided to entrust you with the business," he declared, his eyes searching mine for a reaction.

I blinked, the words taking a moment to register. "What?"

"I'm stepping down as CEO and I want you to take over."

CEO. Take over. Me? Now?

My mouth worked, but no sound came out.

My grandfather gave me one of those easy smiles of his and chuckled. “Take your time.”

"Why now?" I managed.

He leaned back. "Because I believe you're ready. You've proven your worth in running the company. It's time for the next phase. This was always the plan. Your mother doesn't want the job, and honestly, I don't think there is anyone else that could do it as well as you could. You have the knack for it. I know you’ll continue to grow our business and maybe even open that London branch we talked about in time. And, truth be told, I’m ready to relinquish the responsibilities and take a step back.”

“It sounds like you’re taking more than just one step,” I muttered.

“I trust you, Knox.”

I swallowed and let it sink in. The responsibility that came with managing the family business was not lost on me.