Page 96 of Heart of Stone

He appeared to be in excellent spirits. It was a nice change, as Mr. Roberts’ smiles had been few and far between, and I dreaded the idea that I might ruin his good mood. However, I knew there wasn’t going to be an easy way around this. Rather than beat around the bush with small talk, I blurted out my reason for coming to his office.

“I think you know already that I received a job offer from Turning Stone Advertising. I’ve decided to accept it. This Friday will be my last day here.”

“Yes, I know it is. That’s one of the things I wished to discuss. I spoke to Mr. Stone about you in great detail this morning,” he informed me, taking my announcement in stride.

It irked me that Alexander had taken it upon himself to talk to my boss about my end date, but a part of me wasn’t the least bit surprised that he had beaten me to it.

“I’m really sorry for the short notice, Mr. Roberts. It’s just that Ale – er, Mr. Stone was insistent that I start right away,” I told him, glad that I caught my slip up in time. If I had any hopes of gaining respect from my future coworkers, I had to be extra careful not to use Alexander’s first name.

“Don’t fuss over it – it’s no big deal. Do what you have to do,” he said easily with a sweep of his hand. But his easygoing attitude seemed false. I knew my boss pretty well, and despite the relaxed smile on his face, I could sense his wariness. And his disappointment.

“I can stay a bit longer if you need me to – maybe work in the evening when I finish for the day at Turning Stone,” I offered, feeling terribly guilty. He had been under so much pressure, and I had just become an addition to his mounting troubles.

He got up from his chair and moved around the desk to where I was standing.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m happy for you. Really, I am,” he assured me.

I looked at him doubtfully.

“Are you sure? I mean, I could help you train my replacement.”

Mr. Roberts took a deep breath and shook his head.

“Look, I don’t mean to sound so dismissive. I thought that if I acted like your departure was no big deal, it would make leaving easier for you. You’re not one to make rash decisions, and I know that your choice to leave Wally’s wasn’t something that you considered lightly. Anyone with half a brain can see how incredible this opportunity is, Krys. But I will admit, it’s going to be hard to lose you. You’re like family.”

I was immediately rendered speechless as memories of my time at Wally’s flashed before my eyes. Mr. Seymour, the sweet little old man that I delivered groceries to. The company picnics. Mr. Roberts’ funny antics and constant teasing jests. Even Jim McNamara’s pestering. They were my work family, one of my few constants in a city full of chaos, and I would miss every last one of them.

I had spent the last six months worrying over bills and about getting a better paying job, that I hadn’t even thought about what I’d be leaving behind. I fought back the sting of threatening tears, knowing that in the end, I was making the right choice.

At least I hope I am.

“It’s time for me to move on, but I will miss everyone at Wally’s a lot,” I told him truthfully. “I’ll be back to visit – you can count on it!”

“You’d better – and often too. My wife and I will miss seeing your face around here. I haven’t spoken to her about this yet, but I know she’ll share my sentiments.”

Another pain of regret struck me when I thought of Mrs. Roberts. Both she and Mr. Roberts had been so kind to me over the years and I should have told them both together.

“Please tell Mrs. Roberts that I apologize for not telling you both at the same time. I just couldn’t put this off. Mr. Stone actually wanted me to start sooner, but I had to tell him no. I didn’t want to screw anyone here at the last minute.”

“I appreciate that, and thank you for being so thoughtful. Although, I’m somewhat inclined to push you out the door right now. Your talent is wasted on stocking shelves. I’ve always known that,” he said, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m nervous about this new job. Thanks for your vote of confidence.”

“You shouldn’t be nervous. You’re going to do great things, kid. I’m proud of you,” he beamed. “But for now, while I still have you here, a lot of deliveries came in over the weekend and the receiving department is a wreck. Could you head back there and help sort things out?”

“On it!”

I gave him a thumbs up and headed towards the office door to start my shift. But then I suddenly remembered Alexander’s request, if one could call it such.

“I do have a small favor to ask before I get to work, Mr. Roberts,” I said, turning back to him.

“Anything.”

“I’m going to have to leave a little early today. Mr. Stone asked me to meet him at Cornerstone Tower at three o’clock so that I can fill out a bunch of new hire paperwork.”

“Not a problem at all. In fact, I have a two o’clock grocery delivery scheduled for Mr. Seymour. It’s just a small one. You can take it to him, and then be finished for the day. Just let me know if you need anything else this week.”

Walter Roberts was usually pretty easy going. However, with the limited staff at Wally’s, allowing me to leave a few hours early was a lot to give, even for him.

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