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“What is this?” I asked.
“Just read it,” she said, closing her eyes.
Suddenly, my heart was sinking. I pulled open the folder, finding another letter inside. This one, hand signed.
Dear Mia Baird,
I would like to thank you so much for the opportunity to serve you directly. I have learned so much under your tutelage about being a leader with integrity and a successful woman in business. You have been, and will always be, an inspiration to me.
However, with your permission, I would like to accept an opportunity working directly with Andersen Avenue as their in-house public relations professional. I understand this position pays less than my current one, but I believe in the mission and my ability to help the company grow over time.
Thank you for your consideration,
Tallie Hyde
I was surprisedto find moisture in my eyes as I set the letter down and faced her again. She let her feelings show in her deep brown eyes. “What do you think?” she asked.
My heart beat painfully. “I think I don’t want to lose you. As an employee, but even more so as a friend.”
She gave me a weak smile. “You couldn’t get rid of me.”
I got up and walked around the desk to stand across from her. “Then I guess all that’s left to say is... good luck.”
She sniffed, straightening her shoulders, and extended her hand.
But I pushed it away and gave her a hug. She wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me back. “Thank you so much, Mia.”
“Thankyouso much.” I had to wipe my eyes when we pulled apart. “When do you start?”
“Two weeks from today, if that’s okay with you.”
“As long as you give me a replacement half as good as you. All of this is thanks to you, Tallie. I couldn’t have acquired the Andersen sisters... or fallen in love with Ford, without you.”
Her eyes widened. “You did?”
I smiled, nodding. “We made it official on Saturday.”
“I thought there was something there,” she said with a smile. “I’m glad it worked out.”
“Me too.”
We talked for a little while, but then it was time for my next meeting, this time with Vanover. I swore she passed him a note as she left the office, but I couldn’t be sure.
“I hope there’s less crying in this meeting,” he said when he walked in, adjusting his jacket.
I rolled my eyes at him. “We’ll have to see.”
Then he seemed apprehensive. “Is there a reason to cry?”
I shrugged. “You tell me.” I got out my phone and sent him an email I had drafted for this moment. “Check your inbox.”
His eyebrows drew together as he got out his phone and tapped on the screen. And then the rest of his features pinched. “This is an offer letter for Chief People Officer. Did you need me to proof it?”
My lips were spreading into a smile. “I need you to review it and let me know if you accept.”
His jaw dropped. And if I wasn’t so in my feelings about the possibility of him leaving too, I might have laughed.
“Wh-why-who?” He stumbled over his words.