Page 97 of Heart of Stone

“Why are you being so agreeable?” I eyed him suspiciously, pausing by the door.

“Krys, do you realize what Mr. Stone did for this company? For my family?”

“Um, no not really. I mean…I know that Wally’s was in a tight spot financially, but I don’t know the specifics.”

“This past year has really taken its toll on me and the Missus. Haven’t you noticed how much less hair I have now versus a year ago?” he joked. But his face quickly turned serious once more, his easy smile turning into a grim line. He looked tired and seemed to visibly age right before my eyes. “We were in jeopardy of foreclosing on most of our properties. Sales have been down, and operating costs have escalated. The cost of keeping the shelves stocked, payroll, and building expenses got to be too much on top of the loan payments. Safety, product, and labor laws had to be first priority. The mortgages became second. Unfortunately, that wasn’t something the bank was willing to understand. So, to make a long story short, Mr. Stone stepped in, bought all of our buildings, and assumed the mortgages. He relieved a big portion of our overhead expense by doing this.”

“I don’t get it. How was taking on Wally’s debt beneficial to him?”

“I don’t know all the details on his end, but I do know that he was able to renegotiate a few things with the bank, and now Wally’s will pay rent to Stone Enterprise. He’s not a stupid man by any stretch of the imagination – I’m sure he’s making money off the deal. But he looked at the bigger picture first, when many turned their heads the other way. He considers Wally’s to be a staple in this city, and saved hundreds of jobs. And for that, I will forever be grateful. If Alexander Stone hadn’t come along, many people, including me, would be looking for a new livelihood.”

“He’s a good man,” I murmured. I smiled to myself, remembering all the articles I read about his charity involvements. Wally’s wasn’t a charity, but Alexander was their benefactor in a round about way.

Mr. Roberts eyed me apprehensively, and he seemed to be contemplating his next choice of words.

“Yes, he is a very good man. But I’d be careful with him. He can be somewhat authoritarian, Krys. I’m not sure if he’s therightman for you,” he warned.

I stared at him in shock.

Am I really that transparent?

“Don’t worry about me, Mr. Roberts. I’m sure I’ll be able to handle Mr. Stone,” I said, albeit halfheartedly. “Now, it’s about time for me to get some work done around here.”

I gave him a small wave and quickly headed out the door before he could give me any more insightful observations. This was not a discussion I was going to have with my boss, as he had no idea how loaded his words actually were.

CHAPTER 27

I had mused over Mr. Roberts’ warning all day long, as I cleaned and organized the receiving dock at Wally’s. And by the time I arrived at Cornerstone Tower shortly after three o’clock, I wasn’t entirely convinced that Alexander was the right man for me either. In fact, he waswrongfor me on so many different levels.

Levels.

I punched the button for the elevator in Alexander’s building, and repeated the word over and over again in my head. It was a reminder of the unfinished business between Alexander and I – the list. I could never give him all the things that he wanted. I may be open to some, but definitely not all. I had to be upfront with him before things went any further.

When I reached the top floor, I found Laura Kaufman sitting behind her desk. She shot an icy glare in my direction when she saw me and I felt a little ashamed. The last time I was in this building, I left in a rush and had rudely ignored her. I smiled politely when I approached her, attempting to make up for my abrupt departure.

“Hello, Laura. I’m here to meet with Mr. Stone,” I said, reaching out to shake her hand.

“Yes, he’s been expecting you. Down the hall, first door on the left,” she said dismissively, completely ignoring my outstretched hand.

Okay, maybe I deserved that.

“Er…yeah. Thank you.”

Obviously having no chance at polite conversation, I turned and made my way to Alexander’s office. It was easy enough to locate, as the etched gold nameplate on the frosted glass door was a gleaming beacon to all who passed.

ALEXANDER STONE

Chief Executive Officer

I gave three short raps on the door, before pushing down on the handle to let myself in. Alexander, appearing every bit the part of a polished business man, sat behind a desk of black mahogany surrounded by enormous windows that revealed astonishing city views. He was leaning to one side of his high backed chair, chin resting on his fist. He actually looked more suited for the pages of a Giorgio Armani catalogue, rather than a CEO of a multibillion-dollar corporation.

“Hey, good-lookin’. Sorry I’m a few minutes late.”

Alexander glanced in my direction and tossed me a single nod.

“I’ll get you the paperwork in a minute,” he said, before turning back to his computer. He seemed to be in the middle of something. Rather than disturb him, I made myself comfortable in the chair across the desk from him. I waited for him to finish what he was working on, and used the opportunity to look around at the surrounding space.

Like his conference room, the office was sophisticated in style, boasting a posh interior design with every modern amenity that one could want in a workspace. It made me eager to see the offices at Turning Stone Advertising.

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