"Too soon," I said. "I haven't even gotten a chance to speak with her. By the way, if you see Ms. Nichols, will you ask if we can meet?"
It was a silly, high school tactic, but I knew it would work. My assistant was even more eager to please now that his career path had an exciting direction. He left at once to write his recommendation letter so all I had to do was sign it. Ever the helpful and considerate assistant. I made a note to send him to my tailor and get him outfitted for his new venture.
Whatever it might be.
After Topher shut the door, I settled back in my desk chair and tried to clear my thoughts. Here I had the opportunity, and the money, to do whatever I wanted but my brain was a blank. I liked my job, the wining and dining and salesmanship and spin. I liked having a purpose when I woke up in the morning. I thought of my big, new house, still empty after I fended off Ellison's interior design crew, and shuddered. If I didn't come up with something and quick, I'd be rattling around that mausoleum and going crazy.
In my panic, all I could think to do was channel what Tasha's next step would be. I fumbled in my desk drawers and finally found a pad of paper and a working pen. She would write a list and probably annotate the damned thing, but all I did was stare at the blank page.
I had no idea what I wanted. Without Tasha in the picture, there didn't seem to be anything I did want.
So, I started to jot down all the things I didn't want. Starting with a big, splashy wedding.
It was a huge relief when there was a knock on my office door. "Come in," I called. It was most likely just Topher, but my heart bumped at the thought of seeing Tasha.
Stan strode in and shut the door behind him. Surprise launched me out of my desk chair and I came around to shake his hand. "Congratulations on the deal of the year," I said. "I haven't read all the details, but I'm sure you made the Hyperion shareholders proud."
Stan shook my hand then waved me back to my desk chair. "You don't sound too upset. That's good."
"I'm sure some people are having a little trouble with the sudden change in direction, but I'm good. I'll adapt," I said.
"So, you're not scrambling to find a new position?" Stan asked.
I laughed. "Because of Hyperion, I have the money to take a vacation. And now the time."
"Good," Stan said. "Take your time. Very wise. I to
ld her you'd want some space."
My suspicions rose. "Why? Is there an offer on the table I was unaware of?"
Stan frowned at his own slip-up. "I'm sure the entire office has already guessed that Tasha and I will be collaborating on a new company. She fought for you to be included, but I said no. I figured you'd want to enjoy your time and money."
"So, Tasha took your offer?"
"Does that matter to you?" Stan asked.
I slumped back in my office chair. "Of course it does. I want her to be happy."
Stan paused and studied me. "You're a good man, Rainer. I didn't always see that, but it's true. I wish you all the luck in the future."
"Thanks," I said, wondering what else the old man wasn't saying.
Stan gave me a salute and opened my office door. Topher practically fell in and stumbled over at least fifty apologies to the executive. Stan clapped him on the back and went out into the din of the upset office.
"An invitation arrived for you," Topher said. "I thought it might be a nice distraction."
I looked at my blank pad of paper and laughed. "Good instincts as always. I hope you put that in the recommendation letter."
"Will do, sir. By the way, I tried to reach Ms. Nichols, but she is gone for the day."
Topher dropped the heavy envelope on my desk and practically skipped back to his desk to continue his letter. I waited until I could hear his fleet fingers on his keyboard, and then I reached for the invitation.
The paper was fine linen and embossed with a compass design. Inside the invitation only gave a restaurant and a time. I wondered if the compass signified the new direction everyone was looking for. Was it for an office farewell party? There was no signature or indication of who sent it.
I dismissed the idea of an office party as my phone and email exploded with invites to such get-togethers. This was different. Tasha was already gone for the day, and as I left Hyperion, I had the wild idea she wanted to see me again. Maybe this was her subtle and elegant way of meeting me outside of work.
The idea compounded when I drove up to the restaurant at the appointed time. It had a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay and the city where we'd planted the community garden was framed perfectly on the opposite shore. I was sure it was Tasha, setting up a better date than I ever could. I wondered for a moment if Topher hadn't been in on the whole thing. I knew they'd make a great team.