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I’ve heard that someone is HR is willing to cut you a seven-figure check if you leave today and don’t look back.
Money still runs everything in your world, I’m sure…
Anonymous
CEO of Pier Autumn Coffee
“HMMM.” I TOOK OFF MY glasses. “You’re right, Miss Kennedy. It looks like someone has hacked into my email account. I’ll be sure to get the tech department to track down this cyber-criminal immediately.”
“I’m not quitting.” She hissed. “So, please cut the petty shit and be the goddamn professional that you promised to be.”
“I took a page out of your book and decided that ‘promises’ don’t mean anything.”
She looked like she was about to explode. “James—”
“It’s Sean.”
“Sean…” She took a deep breath, and then she smiled. “I look forward to seeing you at my strategy presentation this evening.”
I said nothing. I just watched her walk away, feeling my cock get harder with her every step. I started to stand up and follow her, but the door opened again and Mr. Levin walked into the room.
“We have a problem, sir,” he said. “Miss Kennedy’s short-term lease will end this weekend.”
“How is that a problem for us?”
“She needs someplace close to stay until she finds her own spot.”
“With her new, astronomical salary, I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”
“All of the usual temporary housing places that we use are full, so I was thinking we could place her at one of the condos in your complex. I mean, you do own ten of them.”
“Hell no.”
“You’ve rented out those suites before.” He shrugged. “If you don’t allow her to stay there, what do you suggest?”
“Fire one of the new people we just hired and let Miss Kennedy live in their place.”
He gave me a blank stare.
“Glad we could have this conversation, Mr. Levin,” I said. “Have a great day.”
“Do you know she booked a one-way bus ticket from Philadelphia?” he asked. “That’s a three and a half day trip.”
I tapped my fingers on the desk.
“She’s been staying at a damn motel since she started here, sir. I think the least we can do is give her a hand.”
“I’d rather give her an Academy Award for her acting skills.” I shook my head. “This ‘poor girl’ role is getting quite believable.”
“Is that a yes or a no, to the housing and benefits, sir?”
“It’s a reluctant yes.” I pointed to my door. “You can leave now.”
“Blue barked at him, following his every step until he was out of my sight.
Confused as to why the hell Kate would ever stay in a motel, I picked up my phone and called Shannon.
“Yes, Mr. Holmes?”
“Have someone bring me Miss Kensington’s files, please.”
“Um, who sir?”
“Miss Kensington.” I paused. “Miss Kennedy.”
“Oh, right away sir.”
An intern entered my office minutes later and set the files in front of me. She blushed as her eyes met mine and then she rushed away.
Flipping to Kate’s resume, I stopped when I saw the timeline. When I saw the numerous cities she’d lived in over the years.
Confused, I put on my glasses again to make sure I was reading this right.
Phoenix. Los Angeles. New York. Boston…
Where is her graduate school degree? Why isn’t her final “return to cello” tour on here?
I flipped through the background research Human Resources had done and found nothing that remotely resembled the path she’d once discussed with me. Nothing like the Kate I once knew.
Maybe she was lying to me about these things, too…
Before I could make a few calls, my phone buzzed with a reminder.
Mid-day Meeting with Marketing Department. Meet Kate Downtown at the Roastery.
~.
THE PIER AUTUMN ROASTERY was a replica of Starbucks’ world-renowned roastery, but we had it first. They just copied us and did better marketing. Nonetheless, all comparisons ended once anyone stepped inside.
At forty thousand square feet, it overlooked the Central Waterfront and was designed by some of the best architects in the business. With six levels that featured a tea bar, relaxation spa, and coffee cafes with different blends, it was one of our highest performing stores and a must-see stop for tourists.
Out of all the years that I’d been the CEO, I’d never had a marketing director who wanted to host a meeting in one of the stores. I wasn’t sure why that was, and I was secretly impressed with Kate’s unique approach, but I would never tell her that.
I took the elevator to the fourth floor and spotted a few other board members standing behind the counter with Kate.
She tossed her head back as she laughed, making me stop in my tracks at the sound. I couldn’t help but think of one of the first times I’d heard it.
“I could listen to you laugh all day, Kate.”
“You mean that or are you just flattering me?”
“I never say things I don’t mean…”
“Good afternoon, Mr. Holmes,” Kate said as I approached. “We’re just getting started. Everyone, feel free to grab an apron.”
