“Back in San Diego or here at the office?” I asked, entering the office and closing the door.
“In San Diego,” he replied and took his seat. He observed me from head to toe. “How long are you staying?”
“I’ve been here since last week.” I deliberately refrained from answering the latter question.
“Why didn’t you let me know?” His face looked crestfallen. “I would have been better prepared for your arrival. I hope the security guards didn’t give you a hard time.”
“Not in the least. The Rosenbaum name always had clout. I merely showed him my ID.”
“I can’t believe you’re back.”
And I couldn’t believe he didn’t even give me a hug or express sentiments that he was glad I was back. I hadn’t left on a bad note between us, but I had the impression he would have liked it better if I hadn’t resurfaced.
“I cannot completely move on with my life if I’m ignoring this aspect of it,” I replied and claimed a seat across from him. “The time away, however, has been good. How have you been?”
“Good. Everything’s good.”
“And Aunt Susan?”
A flush spread across his cheeks. “Hmm. It’s complicated between us at the moment. We’re separated and she’s filing for a divorce.”
Now that explained the woman I was sure was hiding under that desk. “Too bad. I liked her. She always treated me like a son.”
“Sometimes people change and outgrow each other.”
“And how much have you changed, uncle?” I asked him with a smile. “How’s everything here at the office?”
“As well as can be expected and still swimming in profits.”
“Good. I knew the company would have been in good hands,” I remarked. “I’m indebted to you for taking over when I needed you.”
“And now you’re back I imagine you’re all ready to take over once more.”
There was an edge to his tone, but I thought I must have imagined it as he smiled at me.
“No rush,” I told him. “I’m sure there have been some changes that I will have to get used to. It may take weeks, maybe months for me to catch up with developments you have made. I would wish for the transfer of title to be a smooth one.”
“Sounds fair enough.” He rose to his feet then and this time his zipper was up. He must have done it while sitting down. “I’ll assign one of our employees to you who can go over new accounts and progress we have made in the two years. I know just the person for you. He’ll be able to get you up to date with everything.”
I nodded and felt better already at how cooperative he was. I decided what he was doing with the person beneath his desk did not matter to me as long as he kept the company in good repute. I did not see any indication that he had done a poor job, although I would need to check company data to be certain. There was just one thing that bothered me.
“Uncle Simon, about the picture in the lobby,” I started.
His face flushed, and he glanced away, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Yes, right. Please forgive me. I might have gotten a little ahead of myself. I thought we could start a new tradition where the present C.E.O.’s picture stands at the helm. After all, people would know right away who is in charge of this company.”
I shook my head in protest of the idea even before he was finished. “The tradition stays, Uncle Simon.”
He nodded sharply. “Fine. Fine. I’ll have the frame removed immediately.”
The tension released from my shoulders and I got to my feet. “Great. Now that’s out of the way, how about we have an early lunch and play a little catch-up? You still favor that Italian restaurant down the street?”
“Yes, of course. Sounds like a grand idea. Why don’t you go on ahead and I’ll meet you in the lobby.” His gaze strayed to the desk. “I’ll meet you in five. There’s something I have to take care of.”
“Sure but make it fifteen in the lobby. I’ll be stopping by some old desks just to say hello.”
I walked toward the door and when he cleared his throat, I turned to see what he wanted. I was being gracious enough to give him the time to finish what he had been doing before we went to lunch.
“Tate, it’s good to see you,” he said. “It’s been way too long. Welcome back.”
Tears threatened to fill my eyes, but I forced them at bay. I felt a little guilty that I’d been suspicious of him trying to replace my father’s memory. Of course he wouldn’t do that. To lighten the mood and by means of apology for my suspicious tone earlier, I grinned at him and indicated his lips.
“You might want to get rid of the lipstick before coming down to the lobby. That shade of pink doesn’t exactly work for you.”
Chuckling at his embarrassed look, I closed the door behind me.