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“Of course.” I step into his arms, and my eyes water. Having a new boss is going to be a huge adjustment for me.
When we part, he notices I’m getting emotional and pats me on the arm. “In a few months, you’ll be thankful I’ve retired.”
I shake my head. “I doubt that very much.”
“You might even forget all about me.”
I roll my eyes. “Like that would happen. I hope your son knows he has some big shoes to fill.”
“I have the utmost confidence in Trey’s abilities to run the Coyotes organization.
There’s a difference between being a good businessman and being a good boss.
Fortunately for me, Greg was both of those. I couldn’t have had a better introduction to the world of business than I did with him. But when you start at the top, there’s only one way to go—down. I’m hoping it’s only a slight drop and not a free fall.
Sheryl and I are cleaning up when Randy comes over.
“Let me help,” he says.
I don’t want to deal with him, but we can get out of here sooner if he does.
“Can you help us move the table back to the middle of the room?”
“Sure.” He carries one end of the table while Sheryl and I take the other.
“Thanks. That was a lot easier than when we set up. We just pushed it across the room.”
“I’ll put the chairs back,” he offers, and I give him a thumbs up.
Sheryl and I remove the signs from the wall and then tie the leftover balloons to the chairs in the break room. Greg didn’t want to take them home, and we didn’t want to deflate them all.
“Sheryl, thank you for your help.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m grateful you got me away from my desk for a bit.”
“I think we’re finished cleaning up. What are you getting into this weekend?” I ask.
“A little of this and a little of that. In other words, a brunette tonight and a redhead tomorrow night.” She waggles her eyebrows.
“You’re an inspiration, girl.”
She raises her palms. “I try. What are your plans?”
“Laundry, cleaning my room, grocery shopping, and, if I’m lucky, I’ll get to the book on my Kindle I downloaded last month.”
Randy appears in the doorway. “Are you two ready?”
“Yeah, we’re all set.”
He moves back into the hallway as we leave the break room, and then the three of us get on the elevator together.
The awkward silence on the ride down has a name—Randy. He’s the reason for it.
Even Sheryl must feel the weirdness because she never goes this long without speaking.
When the doors part on the first floor, I hook my arm through hers so I won’t get stuck talking to Randy by myself. He must get the message.
“See you later. Enjoy your weekend,” he says, walking away.