“Yep,” Katie agrees. “I really do.”
“Nice to meet you, Vivi,” I say, smiling at the pair.
Vivi tilts her head to study me and then glances at Katie. “You’re right,” she declares. “She looks like her and just as stylish, too.”
Confused, I eye Katie who explains, “She means you look like the other Allison. You could be sisters.”
I blink, surprised. I look like the other Allison? I’m speechless, and I can’t help but think of the necklace I received for a woman with the same name who I’m told resembles me. It’s one coincidence on top of another. It’s almost too much. I’m not sure what to do with that information, but for now, Katie motions for me to follow her, and I tuck it away for later review.
Soon we’re in a hallway, and it’s a short walk to our right before she pauses at a doorway. “This will be your office,” she says. “Allison’s office.” She gives me a sideways look. “Funny how it’s been Allison’s office times two.”
It’s borderline strange, I think, entering the indicated space to find a desk, a small round conference table, and a sitting area with a bookshelf on either side of the corner behind it. “It’s a wonderful office,” I say. “It smells good. Like—”
“Vanilla and honey,” she says. “She had some candle she always burned.”
“And the smell still lingers. You’re sure Allison won’t mind me using her office?”
Her lips purse. “We’re not sure when she’ll be back. It’ll be fine. If she really does show back up, we’ll move you.” She motions to the desk. “If you want to put your purse and briefcase down, I’ll show you around.”
They’ll move me if needed? Hmmm. Okay. That sounds very temporary, but then I am temporary, I remind myself. I’m here to fill a short gap and obviously, Allison knew someone had to help in her time away. I try not to think about how my being here might affect my role at Riptide. Allison might be doing the same about her departure and time away from here. This is her job. I have to respect that as fact.
For now, I hurry to my desk, and open the drawer to the left, hoping for a spot big enough for my oversized purse. My gaze catches on a red envelope and curiosity has me vowing to inspect it later. For now, the drawer is too small and my purse too big.
“This,” Katie announces, stepping across from me and indicating a folder in the center of the desk, “has everything inside you will need to get started. Allison handed it to me the day she left. It should have the names of donors and so on.”
I shut the drawer and she taps the MacBook sitting next to the file. “This is also for your use. You can take it home and treat it as your own. Natalie from HR will stop by to see you in about an hour. She had a meeting planned this morning and you were unexpected.” She motions me to the door again.
“What is Allison’s role here?” I ask, joining Katie in the hallway again.
“Charity liaison,” she says, motioning me to the left, and we start walking. “She coordinates all things charity oriented. That job really expanded when we launched the annual auction. Last year was a really over-the-top fancy event but kind of thrown together last minute. She was very high-profile with our clients and a big part of building our public image.”
I want to ask if she knew Allison well, or knows how to reach her, but Katie pauses at a door with her hand on the knob. “This is the restaurant and coffee bar,” and already she’s opening the door and urging me inside.
I pass through the entryway to a full-blown café, complete with a large seating area of cute little tables, a full coffee bar, and an area where a chef is making what smells like waffles and omelets.
“Everything here is free, so enjoy,” she informs me. “Unfortunately, I hate to run off and leave you, but Vivi has a meeting. She can’t cover me much longer. Grab a coffee or whatever you want. I’ll check on you the minute I can.”
“No problem. I’m resourceful. Thanks so much, Katie.”
“Of course,” she says. “Welcome. I’m so glad he finally gave in and hired someone. It’s been weeks, and Vivi and I have been trying to handle the auction. But the good news is that I can answer a lot of questions you might have after you look at the file. Vivi and I have been stressing over this, but we’ll both help you in any way we can. See you soon.” With that, she rushes away, leaving me to wonder about Allison and the hunt for someone to fill her shoes. Was Tyler holding out for her return, or was he really looking for a replacement, and I just happened to show up at the right time?