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Maybe part of him really was a scrooge—much as he hated that realization.
Less than five minutes later, an email notification from Kaylee slid across the bottom of his computer screen.
He tapped the icon to open it.
Changes required?
She’d drafted a holiday greeting from him to all company employees. The note expressed sincere appreciation for everyone’s extraordinary efforts over the preceding few months. She concluded with an optimistic outlook for the upcoming year and wished everyone a merry Christmas.
No doubt the sentiment was warmer than anything he’d have penned, but it was close enough to his style to be believable—even if it was a bit of a stretch.
Before he could type his response, she reappeared in his office.
“The email is fine,” he told her.
She nodded. “I called the head of HR. She suggests we contact the VPs and have them notify their teams about your decision. Then you can follow with the email blast.”
“Agreed.”
“Let me put together something for the VPs.”
That took much longer as she needed to explain some of the logistics—including the fact overtime would be authorized the following week for anyone working on year-end systems.
Not ten minutes after he authorized and sent that letter, his phone rang.Brigette.News certainly traveled fast.
After staring at the screen for a moment, he swiped the red X to reject the call.
Midafternoon, a woman he didn’t know entered the anteroom, bearing a tray of cupcakes.
With a cheery hello, Kaylee went out to greet her. Shamelessly Frost eavesdropped on the conversation.
“It’s my mom’s birthday tomorrow,” she explained to Kaylee. “Her friends are hosting a tea for her, and it means the world that I get to be there as well.”
“That sounds like so much fun. Scones and everything?”
“With clotted cream.”
“Oh my God. I’m envious. I hope it’s a wonderful experience.”
“I know you; this was all your doing.”
Right away, Kaylee corrected her “Actually it was Mr. Frost.”
The woman laughed. “If you say so.”
“I promise you; the idea was all his.”
He appreciated the note of loyalty in her voice—something he’d thought he’d never earn.
“Anyway, Kaylee, the cupcakes are for you. My way of saying thanks.”
“That’s so kind. Enjoy your time away. And happy birthday to your mom.”
“She’ll appreciate that. Then after Christmas, I’m going to sleep for a week.”
Kaylee’s phone rang. After excusing herself, she returned to her office and closed the door.
About ten minutes later, he’d had enough of her remoteness.
