“Brav-fucking-o, brother. That’s the kind of message I like to wake up to.”
I pack my laptop in my travel bag. “So you approve?”
“Not of you quitting. Of your list of demands, that was a CEO talking there. Either way this pans out, you win. I’m proud of you for taking a stand.”
Even I, with the confidence of an elementary school science fair champion, still like to get my family’s approval. “Thanks. How do you think Dad will react?”
“I think he’ll be proud you finally figured your shit out.” Nick gets up early to work out like I do, so it doesn’t surprise me that he sounds wide-awake. “Upside, the plan from what I’m seeing right now is solid. If the account managers can’t do their job and keep their clients happy, then you can take the larger portfolios. But you can do that from anywhere and just fly in a couple of times a year.”
“That’s why it’s there. There’s no need for me to sit in an office to placate a few clients.” I’m proud of the proposal I put together. This had been on my mind all week, but traveling here had its benefits. Seeing where I’m best utilized cemented the direction I need to steer the company. I won’t kowtow to a few clients on their whims. I have a record of success to back why I decide how to run this company, and it’s time I take that power back.
I continue, “The bottom line is, this is not personal. It’s business. If they want the best, I’ll work with them directly. If they want to leave, that’s their choice. But I have a say in my fate moving forward.”
“I agree. I’ll work on updating the client contracts for them and put you as the lead. It will be ready to sign on tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Nick.” Sinking down on the couch, I ask, “Have I told you recently that I think you’re doing a good job?”
“You never tell me that.”
“Probably best,” I say. “It’s good to see you motivated to please the boss.” Laughter bellows from his gut he’s laughing so hard. “Hey, you’re doing a good job.”
“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.”
“On a personal note, what do you think about Juni?”
“What I think doesn’t matter, but if you’re asking if I approve, she’s a great girl and way out of your league.”
I chuckle. “I know, but maybe she’ll take pity on me.”
“For you, I hope she does. I hear you’re flying in. Want me to pick you up at the airport again?” His laughter builds. “I’m giving you warning that I’ll be in the car.”
“I think I’m good.”
“I know, you’re fine.”
“Actually, I’m great.”
In fact, it’s as if the stars aligned tonight. And I finally saw them with clarity.
36
Drew
“Morning, Mr. Christiansen. It’s good to see you again.”
“You too, Pete. It’s good to be home.” I’m not surprised to see Pete since it’s the day shift, but I was hoping to run into Gil for some advice. After all, he knows Juni best.
I drag my suitcase into the elevator. Tired and running on autopilot, I reach for the button for the seventeenth floor but stop myself. I’m on a mission, so I punch sixteen instead.
My knuckles hurt from knocking on her door for so long. I don’t know if she’s purposely not answering or if she’s not home, but I’m too anxious to sit here and wait for who knows how long. Looking down the hall, I haven’t heard the little yappy dog, but I do get an idea. I drag my suitcase and knock on Mr. Clark’s door.
When he doesn’t answer either, I head upstairs to drop off my luggage and then catch the elevator back to the lobby. “Pete, why’s it so quiet on a Sunday. I’ve ridden the elevator three times, and it never made another stop. Maybe it’s my lucky day?” I’d like to think so, but I can’t confirm until I speak with Juni.
“A lot of the residents and Gil are at the funeral.”
I rush to the desk. “What funeral? Whose?”
“Mr. Clark. He passed away last week. He was walking Rascal down at the park and had a heart attack on his way back, just outside the building. Gil saw it all and tried to help, but . . .” His gaze lowers as he shakes his head. “Man,” he starts again, his eyes watering. “I know he was old, but I don’t know. You get used to having people around. Know what I mean?”
Juni. “I know what you mean. That’s too bad about Mr. Clark. I didn’t know him well, only met him once, but I know he had a lot of close friends in the building.” Shit. Juni was close to him. She loved that old man. And given his comments about Juni, he’d adored her, too. Another person in her life who left her. His words have bounced around my brain the whole time I’ve been away.