Page 24 of Never Really Over

When Stan’s face fills the screen, I sit up straight.

“Hi, Stan.”

“Layla. How is everything?”

Stan is nearing retirement and one of the greatest bosses I could ever ask for. Even before the accident, he was understanding, flexible, and an all-around good guy. He’s been a widowed single dad for over twenty years. At one point, I had considered introducing him to my mother but knew she’d never move to Chicago — I’d asked her plenty of times and she had no desire — and I can’t imagine him living here in Hollow Grove. Never mind the fact that he’s my boss and that would be incredibly awkward if things didn’t work out between the two of them.

“Okay. Mom fell yesterday going down the stairs.”

“Shit. She okay?”

“Yeah. Scared us both, her tunnel vision is what caused it. Luckily it was only a couple of steps but still… it’s hard to see.”

“I bet.”

“What I’m mostly concerned about is her mental state. She’s really struggling with the loss of life the accident caused and I don’t know how to fix that for her.”

“Time. Time’s the only thing that will. And it’s not your job to fix her. It’s your job to be there for her. Which is exactly what you’re doing.”

Tears spring to my eyes and I quickly look away from the screen, hoping he didn’t see. “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”

“I’m always right,” he teases, smiling wide.

I roll my eyes and get down to business, giving him an update on the project I’m working on before checking in on the project that’s coming up next. He seems to be pleased with what I’m telling him, but at the same time, I can tell something else is on his mind.

I lean back in my chair, take a long sip of coffee, and set the cup back on the table, crossing my arms. “Okay, spill it. You’ve got something to tell me and you’re holding back.”

“I should never go to Vegas, huh? Terrible poker face.”

Shrugging, I say, “Yeah, well, I know you pretty well by now.”

“True,” he mutters. “I’m just going to throw this out there and give you time to think. You know I’m getting close to retirement age but I don’t see myself just stepping away completely. I’d be bored out of my mind, my kids are grown and out of the house with kids of their own and while I want to be able to visit them whenever I want, I also still want to be busy.”

I nod, agreeing with him. He loves what he does.

“Go on.”

He takes a deep breath. “I don’t know if this is the stupidest or the smartest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m leaving the company and branching out on my own. And I want you to come with me.”

Stunned, I stare at him, wide eyed without blinking.

“Layla?” he says to get my attention.

I snap out of it, shaking my head and blinking once. “Are you serious?”

“Yes, I am. I’ve been wanting to do this for years but haven’t had the nerve. With you working remotely, it’s shown me that you and I can work together this way and I quite like it. Since you’re not in the office, I’ve spent a few days working out of my home office, too, and I gotta say, not wearing pants is a huge bonus.”

I burst out laughing. “Are you telling me you’re not wearing pants now?”

“I’m a professional, Layla. I’d never admit that out loud.” He smirks. “But yes, to ease your concerns, I’m wearing pants. Want me to prove it?” he asks and stands up to do just that. “Trust me, I’d never disrespect you in that way.”

“I know you wouldn’t. I just… what type of work would I be doing?”

“Same as you are now. I have a good enough relationship with our clients and nothing in my contract states that I can’t work with them should I leave the company. I won’t steal clients from them because that’s not how I want to run a business but if any of them choose to follow, I’ll be happy. I can’t guarantee anything as this is new to me, too, but I would love to have you on board.”

“Wow. I just… I hate to ask this, but what would I be getting paid?” I wince because that feels like such a rude question but it’s also a legit one, too.

“Same as you’re getting now. I’ve been looking into group insurance plans, too, and think we can find something that works for both of us without breaking the bank. My daughter is going to work with me as an assistant, too.”

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