Page 8 of Last First Date

"Thanks, Janie," I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. The wine certainly helped. "I just need to get a grip on my nerves. I've been kicking myself for not saving more money. I guess I let myself believe my job was secure. I should have known nothing was guaranteed."

"You'll be fine," she said. "You're overthinking it. Now, I have to go. I've got an early class. Don't stress yourself out about this situation. It's going to be okay. Your boss gave you a job because he knew you were going to be good at it. Don't let anyone tell you any different."

"Thanks," I smiled. I walked her to the door and watched her get in her car and drive away.

The skepticism lingered, but so did a sense of duty. Richard Williams had been more than a boss to me; he had been a mentor, a guide, and a friend. The prospect of working for someone like Knox, who seemed worlds apart from the man I respected, unnerved me, but I promised Richard I would do all I could to make sure this transition was a success. I loved the company too much to let it fall apart.

4

KNOX

Iwalked downstairs with a pout on my face. I knew I was surly. Leaving New York sucked. Unfortunately, my grandfather wouldn’t budge on my location. It was take the job as CEO and move back to Utah or stay in New York and miss out on my chance to run the company. The family home was set on top of a hill overlooking St. George. While the view was nice, I missed the Manhattan skyline. I missed the noise and chaos. I missed the restaurants and clubs. It wasn't exactly the sticks, but it was a far cry from the thriving metropolis I had left behind.

I missed the hustle and bustle, the ceaseless excitement that had become a part of my daily life in New York.

The housekeeper was in the kitchen. “Good morning,” she smiled.

“Good morning.”

“There is fresh coffee and muffins,” she said cheerfully.

“Thank you.”

I grabbed one of the blueberry muffins and dumped some creamer into my coffee before going to sit at the small table in the breakfast room. My gaze drifted, looking at the houses below and to the left and right of our own. I remembered when the mansion was first built. It was the only house on the hill. That was a long time ago. The city had exploded practically overnight and now the hillside was the spot to be for all of the elites flocking to the area.

My mother came into the kitchen already dressed for whatever social function was on her schedule.

"Good morning," she said in a voice that made me think she'd been up for hours. "It's so nice to have you home."

I grunted in response.

"I hope you know we want you to stay," she said. "With Mom and Dad leaving, there will be more than enough room."

"If I'm going to be staying, I think I should get my own house," I said.

"Are you excited for your first day as CEO?"

I shrugged a shoulder. "I'm anxious to get started. I want to prove I'm the right man for the job. I'm guessing there are going to be a lot of execs that think I only got the job because of my last name. They'll be out for blood."

She laughed. "I don't think that's the case at all. You've been in New York too long. It's not like that in our company."

"Mom, it's like that in every company," I said dryly. "The'll say it's nepotism."

"Maybe it is, but it's also merit," my mother responded crisply. "You're a Williams, yes, but you've also got the degree and the experience to back you up. You've proven yourself in New York."

"I just don't want to screw this up," I admitted, running a hand through my hair. "This is Grandfather's company. His legacy."

"You won't screw it up," she assured me. "The team might need some time to adjust to new leadership. I hope you will listen to your grandfather's advice. Don't make any changes right away. Let people get to know you and they will trust you."

"Thanks. I know. This isn't my first time walking into a new office. I have to go."

"Have a good day," she said cheerily.

I left the house, getting into the new Lexus SUV I bought. My Porsche was in a garage in Manhattan with the hopes that I would return one day and get to drive it. The drive to the office was pretty quick and easy. I had to admit, I didn't miss the midtown traffic. Or the shitty weather. Today was a warm sixty-two degrees with nothing but clear blue skies. But eventually, the nice, mild weather would give way to extreme heat. That, I didn't miss at all.

With a quick check in the mirror, I adjusted my collar. My grandfather insisted on a suit, but I had to put my foot down. I wasn't going to wear a suffocating tie, especially not in the summer. When I laid out my reasons for keeping things casual, he let it go. It wasn't like I was going to demand everyone wear polos, but I was also not going to have a strict code. It worked in New York; it would work here.

As I walked into the office, I felt the laidback atmosphere of the town reflected in the office as well. The contrast to the bustling New York office was stark, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I navigated these unfamiliar waters. Everyone stopped talking as I walked in.