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Now I’m a cliche. Boss and assistant.
And I drank too much on the beach. Party Rhett.
Sarah knows this about me. She was there.
But she’s not being held accountable. She’s not banging an employee.
She’s not in charge.
Possibly abusing power.
Damn it.
Sarah takes another sip. “I urge you to call a company meeting this afternoon. Everyone other than the interns and part-timers. Be the boss. Be stern. Be your old self. We’re on the rocks, Rhett. Steer us out of them.” She stands to leave.
I have nothing to say.
When she’s gone, I stare blankly at the monitor for long minutes.
I have to get myself back in order. Boss Rhett. Stern Rhett. Capable Rhett.
Bailey pops her head around the half-open door. “Everything okay?”
Maybe I’ve been too glib with Bailey. Maybe it’s time to keep my cards closer to my chest.
I don’t bother to soften my voice. “Call an all-hands meeting for two p.m.”
Bailey frowns. “What should I say is the agenda?”
“Just a town hall. I’ll come up with the agenda before two.”
She slides into the chair Sarah occupied, her colorful skirt soft and flowing compared to Sarah’s stiff suit. “What did she say? You know I’m not fond of her.”
Another reason to separate these elements of my job. “I need to right the ship. I’ll figure out what to say. Did Viola come back?”
“No.”
“Okay, that’s one thing, at least.”
“Are you going to mention her?”
“Unlikely.”
“Are you going to mention me?”
“Only that you have been restored to your position following a more thorough look at the situation.”
She sits very still, her gaze on her hands. “Was this the wrong move?”
“What?”
“Bringing me back?”
Everything I’m trying to keep stern and tough begins to soften. She’s my kryptonite. “Gloria was highly complimentary of your organization when she took over. I’ll be using her as a basis of the reasoning for your reinstatement.”
Although I’m sure people like Hammond will have other ideas. Sarah, too, obviously.
A rap on the door makes us both turn.
