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The first wave of bliss hits, and I’m no longer listening to a word Kit’s saying.
43
Midway through tackling my usual mountain of morning emails, there’s a knock on my door.
“Come in,” I call out.
My new assistant, April, appears a minute later. Indy recommended I hire her—they had worked together before Indy started at Kensington Consolidated—and so far, April has been as capable as Indy said. It’s still strange, seeing someone other than Collins sitting at that desk. But at least now, we can ask each other how our day was and not already know the answer.
“Mr.Kensington is here to see you,” April states.
I frown, quickly glancing at my calendar to make sure I didn’t overlook a meeting. I didn’t.
“Which one?” I clarify.
My grandfather showing up once was shocking. Twice would be even more so.
But I doubt it’s Dad; he would knock himself without sending in my assistant first. Most of the ease that defined our former relationship has returned. The parts that haven’t—like him simply showing up, instead now texting me about a good time to come by—are a recognition of some necessary boundaries.
“Oliver,” April responds.
“Oh.” I straighten, reaching for the jacket I slung on the back of my chair when I arrived an hour ago.
A formal way to greet your uncle. But he’s not just my uncle; he’s also Kensington Consolidated’s current CEO. And I haven’t seen or spoken to Oliver since my family found out about Collins. I know Oliver knows, and I should’ve been the one to tell him.
“Send him in,” I add.
April nods.
A few seconds later, my uncle enters my office. Oliver’s smiling, which is a relief. And a rare sight, especially at work. He’s always acted more stoic and serious than Dad. A little like Bash and me.
“Hey, Kit. Do you have a minute?”
“Of course. Have a seat.” I reach for my mug of coffee, swallowing a hasty sip to get some more caffeine in my system. Collins and I didn’t get much sleep last night. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine.” He settles in one of the chairs and smiles. “More than fine. I hear congratulations are in order. You’re going to bea dad.”
I relax in response to his warm tone. “Yeah, thanks. I am.”
“I thought I’d let things … settle a little,” Oliver adds tactfully. “And to be clear, I’m here as your uncle, not your boss.”
“Dad and I could’ve used that disclosure at the start of a few more conversations,” I state dryly.
Oliver laughs. “Yeah. It’s a tricky balance. If Rory were coming here instead of heading to law school, I’m not sure how I would handle it.”
“She got in?”
My uncle beams, nodding. “Yesterday.” His expression shifts to serious. “But you didn’t hear that from me. Act surprised when she tells you.”
“I will. But I already told her I was certain she’d get in.”
His smile grows. “Fine. Act like you knew all along.”
“Where did Wren end up applying?”
“Where?” Oliver’s smile turns wry. “That is an excellent question.”
I grin. “Right.”