“Good. Different. And exactly what we need to bring new energy to something the staff complain about attending every year.”
My teeth grind together, knowing she’s seen right through me. “Her proposal’s just not very corporate.”
“And that’s why she’s perfect for the job.” She releases a weary breath. “Look, Eli, you and your brothers all agreed that we needed to take a new approach this year. I think I did a great job of finding that for us. I know Sapphire’s company might seem unorthodox, but her reviews are outstanding. She’s almost impossible to get because she creates events that are not only impressive but also inspiring. Now, it might be that you don’t like the holistic approach she takes, but that’s exactly what we need. This year is about having a team-building day that staff will talk about for years. We’re also moving with the times and shaking things up a bit. Long gone are the days when staff sit through seminars about the changes we are implementing to archive files, or updates to the regulations. That’s not who we are anymore. We now handle those via email and during team meetings. Please, just promise me you will open your mind to her ideas from an employee’s perspective, not a director.”
I already know those damn Boomwhackers are going to steal the show that day, and I already dislike this year’s event.
It’s official, I’m turning into my cantankerous grandfather. My mom’s father was a miserable old goat.
“Okay,” I agree, feeling uncomfortable as another headache looms.
“Trust me, Eli.”
“I do.”
“Are you sure about that?”
No. “Yes,” I reply with a little white lie.
“Great. I’ll call Sapphire after our call, and I’ll inform her you’ll be taking over completely.” There’s an awkward space of silence. “Remember, this is her business, you’re not her boss, Eli. Trust the process.”
“I will,” I agree, even though I don’t trust well at all. I also want to call Sapphire myself, but I don’t suggest it from fear of giving myself away. Because for some reason, Sapphire’s already got me by the balls, and last night while I was in the shower, I imagined her giving them a tug that would have me roaring her name.
Fuck. This will never do.
Slowly spinning my chair around, I look out the window at the skyscrapers that resemble towering yellow crystals across the city, with the sun reflecting off the shiny windows.
“Have Sapphire email me.” I don’t want to see her.
Yes, you do.
No, I don’t.
Fuck. The truth is, I do.
“And Janice, after you call her, please turn off your cell phone and laptop. Family first, always.” Her mom and sisters need her more than we do. “And like I said, don’t come back until you feel ready. There is no pressure.”
“Thank you. You’re a good man.”
Janice has worked for Hart Law for decades, she loves working here, and has no intention of leaving us until she retires.
“Go now before I get emotional and start crying like a baby,” I say with a smile.
That makes her chuckle. “If you start, I’ll start up again too.”
“I should let you get back to your family. Take care, Janice.”
“And you. Speak soon.” She ends the call and I take in the view for a few minutes, before my day and stress levels ramp up.
“Good morning, Eli.” Tessa’s voice fills the office with cheer. “Your coffee just how you like it.”
I spin around in my chair to face her and place my cell phone on my desk, parallel to my notebook, pen, and the neatly stacked sticky notes Sapphire noticed yesterday. I hate an untidy desk. I don’t just hate it; it’s become a compulsion for my desk to be and stay perfect. Tidy.
“Venti, half-caf, extra-hot, no foam, triple shot caramel macchiato, with one pump of vanilla and no cinnamon.” Tessa places my coffee order on the drink coaster. “How did it go with Ms. Feelgood last night?”
“Fine.” It was anything but fine. I could see in her eyes that she thought I was a tool.
I could have been nicer, more accommodating, and less critical. But I wasn’t.