Maybe Later(71)
Alistair took Simone to the park. We’re packing the last boxes. More like I’m watching her finishing the last boxes. The movers come tomorrow to pick up everything. We’re dropping off the cars tonight and flying out on Tuesday morning.
“So, things with Spearman are never going to work, but tell me about this Jack?”
“He held back too much, and he only shared a part of who he was with me, and I could feel that. Yes, I left before he did, but I was never all in because he was so distant.”
“You were afraid of him,” she concludes. “You saw a great thing and thought you didn’t deserve it. What happened to Amy wasn’t your fault.”
I touch my wrist and say, “It’s not about whose fault it was, but I still feel guilty because she’s never going to celebrate her twenty-first birthday, or any other birthday for that matter. We won’t ever have a second chance. We were best friends at some point. It was us against the world until she decided I was her enemy. But I still loved her and gave her everything she wanted.”
Laura hugs me. “I get it. You’re like a sister to me, and all I want is to see you happy. But you have to live for yourself.”
“I will give me just a few more days to wallow.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Jack
Friday, June 17th, 8:31 a.m.
JSpear84: Thank you for helping us find a new assistant. I think she’s a great addition to the team.
AWalk90: I thought so too, as long as you don’t scare her.
JSpear84: Will she be sending me questionnaires or playlists?
AWalk90: No, that was just me. Just so you know, I don’t do that for every client I have, just the ones who need it.
JSpear84: You put me through therapy, Assistant therapy.
AWalk90: Rehabilitation. Everyone says you’re a changed man—more like a changed ogre.
JSpear84: I might miss you.
AWalk90: Do you want to know a secret?
JSpear84: Will you have to kill me if you tell me?
AWalk90: Not really, I just was going to say that I enjoyed working for you. You were a nice challenge. You were different, and I liked that JSpear84: I will miss my awards.
AWalk90: If you work hard, I might give you something for Christmas like a “I didn’t make it to Scrooge levels of stingy this year”, award.
JSpear84: Is it crazy to say that I’m going to miss you? You’ve become one of my closest friends.
AWalk90: Well you know how to contact me. I’ll make sure that Al doesn’t disconnect your credentials.
JSpear84: Is that possible? Will this be another favor for me because I’m special?
AWalk90: Maybe because you’re one of our best clients.
*
Friday, June 17th, 8:38 a.m.
“Mr. Spearman,” Carla says outside the office. “Alistair Dalton is here. You asked to see him when he was finished with human resources.”
I shut down the VAES app and wave my hand so she can let him in.
A man, almost as tall as me with blond, unruly hair enters the room. He’s wearing khakis and a button-down shirt. I’ve seen pictures of him before, but he looks different. Maybe it’s the stress of having to meet his new boss.
“Mr. Spearman,” he says as he enters my office. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I say shaking his hand. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about you.”
He frowns and steps backward.
“Your references had nothing but great things to say about you. We’re excited to have you on board.”
He relaxes and says, “Thank you, sir. I feel like I won the lottery. With a newborn, everything changing so fast, this really came at the best time.”
“I can only imagine,” I comment. I want to bring Em to the conversation, and ask how she’s doing, if her hand is healing and her head is okay. “If you need anything let me know. I know how it is to be away from your family and friends.”
He nods. “It’s difficult. But our best friend lives here. It’s like having family close by.”
“Which reminds me, I noticed you disclosed in your application that you have a second job that you can’t leave,” I add.
“Yes, I hope you don’t mind. I created a server where a company can communicate internally and with their clients. I support it and the website.”
Do it smoothly, Jackson, just mentions VAES and see what happens.
“Those servers are helpful. I had a virtual assistant for a few months, and that’s how Amy and I communicated.”
His jaw tenses, he bobs his head but doesn’t say anything. “Sir, if that’s everything, I’m heading back home. My first day is Monday, and I want to make sure everything is in order at home.”
“Welcome,” I say defeated. How do I get Em back?
*
From J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Monday
Monday, June 20th, 8:13 a.m.
Good morning, my friend! I hope you’re having a nice Monday even without making my playlist. Did they give you a new assignment? Starting my week without your quotes doesn’t feel right. What’s the quote of the day? Be the boss of your own boat? I found one: Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.