Page 74 of Hale Damage
“Perri and I will go get a cup of coffee and let you two chat,” she says, smoothing down her husband’s hair once again.
“Oh. Right,” Perri says, wrapping an arm around her mother’s waist as they head to the door. She glances over her shoulder and blows her dad a kiss before they depart.
My attention goes to my boss, who immediately musses his thick hair as soon as the women are gone.
“I love my family, but those two could earn a black belt in nagging. I swear, it’s like being pecked to death by two very pretty chickens.”
I laugh at his description. “They just love you and want you around for a very long time,” I assure him. “How are you really feeling, Mr. Hale?”
“I feel fine physically. The doctors here are very good, and they got me out of the danger zone pretty quickly. I’ll be on blood thinners from now on, but other than that, I should be just dandy.”
“And mentally?” I press. Maybe it’s not my place to ask that. I’m just his employee after all.
But he offers me a wan smile. “It scared the shit out of me, if I’m being honest.” His gaze drifts to the corner of the room, and I remain quiet as he stares, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Then he looks back at me and surprises me with a question. “Do you like your job, Mindy?”
“I love my job.” It’s a simple answer, but it’s the truth.
“And you’d like to stay in your current position for a while?”
“For forever, if you’ll keep me around. No way am I giving up Ambrosia’s excellent coffee and pastries,” I reply, trying to keep it lighthearted, though I’m feeling anything but. Andforeverdoesn’t seem like an exaggeration when I think how long I’ll have to work to make up the money Roger stole from me. Unless the divorce judge orders him to give it back to me, which is feeling less and less likely since I don’t have a lawyer and can’t afford one right now.
Mr. Hale’s no-nonsense blue eyes are intently on my face. “Even if I’m no longer the CEO?”
That question throws me for a loop. I guess it shouldn’t. After all, the man almost died today.
“I love the company and enjoy the work, so yes. I’d like to stay in my current position.” I quirk an eyebrow. “Are the pecking chickens trying to persuade you to retire?”
He chuckles. “Yes, though when I was in that ambulance, I thought about my life. About what I want going forward.” His smile deepens the dimples on his cheeks, which are dusted with a five-o-clock shadow. “Did you know I’ll be getting my second grandchild soon?”
My eyebrows lift in surprise. “I didn’t know that. Congratulations. Who’s expecting?”
His smile turns sly. “I can’t tell you. I’ve already said too much.” He shakes his head. “I just wasn’t sure if the office gossip mill had already gotten wind of it.”
“I haven’t heard a word, and I promise I won’t say a thing.”
“I’ve been in this position since I was in my twenties. I’m not getting any younger, and today's events…” He pauses, and I can see the emotion dancing behind his blue irises. “Today made me re-evaluate my entire life. I think it’s time for me to retire and let the next generation take over.”
“I think that’s a good decision. Family is important, Mr. Hale. I’ve lost both my parents, and I wish I could have just one more day with them.”
His smile is sad, and he pats my hand in a fatherly gesture. “I’m so sorry you lost them both so young, Mindy.”
“Thank you, but I have good friends and my aunt who are an amazing support system.”
“Good. I’m glad you have them.” He pats my hand again. “Now, I want to assure you, your job is safe. I’ll make sure of it. You’re bright, personable, and smart as a whip. Hale Cosmetics is lucky to have you.”
My throat clogs at his kind words. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. Will Phoenix be taking over for you?”
“No, Phoenix is too important where he is in marketing. My other son will be taking over.”
A sense of unease tracks a slow trail down my spine. “Helix?” I ask hopefully because Haywood Hale only has three sons, and the other option is absolutelynotan option I can consider.
But the man in the hospital bed bursts my bubble with one simple sentence.
“No, my son Remi will be taking over, effective next week.”
He says something else, something about having all his children back in Houston, but my mind tunes him out.
Because Remington Hale is going to be my new boss.
