Page 3 of Stolen Kiss

Jeremiah

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“Can you help me carry a few boxes down to my car this afternoon?” Jim says on the other end of the call.

“Sure, I was hoping to sneak out of here a little early, but for you, I’ll stick around.” It’s good to hear Jim’s voice. He’s been working on a top-secret project, so we’ve hardly had a chance to talk in the last few weeks. I’d kill to have even a quarter of his financial knowledge—the guy is a serious whiz when it comes to investments. “Say, in a half hour?”

“See you then.”

I finish closing out the day’s work then do a quick scan of my email to see if there’s anything that can’t wait until Monday. My secretary does a good job of filtering the non-important stuff so my inbox doesn’t get too out of control. My gaze lands on an email with Position Announcements in the subject line, but I don’t even bother to click on it. Seems we’re always looking for entry-level applicants, and HR fills them almost immediately, thanks to the intern program we have with the local university. Who wouldn’t want a paid position after working tireless for free? It’s how I first learned about Rawlston Financial Network.

Jim’s office is on the next floor—the important people get the biggest offices and best views—though he’s dropped hints the last couple of months how he’d prefer an ocean view over the one he has now. He and his wife used to go on cruises regularly, so it’s only natural that he misses them both immensely.

“Come in.” Jim lifts his head, a warm smile quickly spreading over his face.

“How have you been?” I rush over and lightly slap him on the shoulder.

“Not bad. Not bad at all.” I’ve never seen Jim so relaxed…while sober.

I look around the room, a puzzled expression quickly appearing on my face at site of all the boxes scattered about the room. “Did I miss something?”

“I’m finally doing it, Jeremiah. I’m retiring.”

My mouth falls open. “Hold on—”

“I’ve been saying it for months and I’m finally going to go thru with it.”

“Jim, I don’t know what to say.” I give my good buddy and confidante a hug, while praying to God my emotions don’t get the best of me. I’ve known this day would eventually happen, but I wasn’t prepared for it to be today. The least he could’ve done was given me a warning. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Sit down for a minute. I want to talk to you about something.” Jim’s excitement suddenly shifts and I wonder if he waited to tell me the bad news last.

“Are you taking these with you?” I joke as I run my hand over the rich, luxurious leather arm rest. Though I’m sure he has no desire to take the matching chairs with him, I need this off-the-subject chit-chat to keep my emotions on check. Damn, I can’t imagine not having him here to talk to.

“I want you to have them,” he says without meeting my gaze.

“If you think they’ll fit.” I suppose I could move my own into storage or even sell them. Though my office is not as spacious as this one, I could still position them nicely across from my desk so as not to take up anymore room.

“What’s wrong with them here?”

“What do you mean? The new CFO will need an office, and besides, they’re not going to move me for any old reason.”

“Jeremiah, I put your name in as someone to take over the role of CFO.”

I begin to cough. “Say that again.”

“You heard me. You’re an ideal candidate.”

“One day, maybe.” I swear, Jim’s drinking and it’s not even three o’clock yet.

“You’re ready right now,” he says then rubs his left temple. “There’s a few minor details to tend to, but you’re a shoo-in for the position.”

“Minor details?”

“Nothing you can’t accomplish in the next few weeks. Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned to you about getting married and starting a family.”

“Stop. I can assure you that I’m not getting married in the next few weeks. Not even in the next month or two. This year even. Heck, Jim, I’m not even casually seeing anyone. So, whatever weird notion that you have that I’m perfect for this position, get it out of your head. It ain’t happening.”

“Jeremiah, hear me out—”

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