Page 3 of Ruined Promises

Nine months later…

Knock. Knock.

I look up from my work and find my boss standing in the doorway of my office.

“Got a moment, Lex?” he asks, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his gray dress pants.

I scooch back from my desk and extend my hand, offering him to enter and take a seat on one of the chairs in front of my desk.

“What can I do for you on this beautiful Friday afternoon, Mr. Jennings.”

His smile fades. “How many times have I told you to call me Paul.”

I laugh. “Too many to count, Paul.” I emphasize the use of his first name, and his smile returns. When Dominic and I were dating, I would attempt to call him Mr. Jennings, and he insisted I call him Paul, as I was now part of the family. Throughout our relationship, I spent countless family dinners and holidays with the Jennings family. When we broke up, I was grateful that my relationship with my boss did not change.

When Dominic and I had begun dating, the whispers started around the office. There were those who did not approve of my relationship with the boss’s son, and as my workload increased, the rumors began as well. Some coworkers believed that I had only gotten my new job title over favoritism being the boss’s possible future daughter-in-law, but Paul constantly assured me I earned it by working hard and doing my job well. I was young and vulnerable and spent many nights crying on my best friend’s or Dom’s shoulder over the whispers in the break room.

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate everything you do for this company. Even after everything with my son”—I look down at my hands—“you persevered. You are an amazing woman, and my son missed out. I’m very fortunate to have snagged you right up after WCU. You always go above and beyond what I ask of you, and this company definitely wouldn’t be where it is without you.”

I bite my lip to fight back the tears. “Thank you, sir. Not that I don’t mind the praises, but is everything okay?”

He nods, running his hand through his short salt-and-peppered hair. His appearance has undoubtedly changed over the years. There are more tired wrinkles around his eyes than when we first met. “Never better. I’ll let you get back to your work.”

“Thanks. My boss is a real hard-ass if I don’t get my work done on time.” Mr. Jennings throws back his head in laughter before exiting my office. He pops his head back in. “Oh, and I called a quick staff meeting in twenty minutes.”

I look over at my computer, and sure enough, there is a calendar invite for a staff meeting. 4:00 p.m. on a Friday? That’s strange. I finish reviewing the specs for this year’s BestOfparty in a few months. It’s a tradition here at Maritime. Every year, our readers vote for the best of Willow Creek. The categories range from Best Burger to Best Late-Night Munchies to Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners. It’s a big deal and one of the best events in town if I do say so myself.

With a few minutes to spare, I grab my notepad and make my way to the conference room. Of course, I am one of the last toarrive,so I choose to stand in the corner. Lacey, one of the sales reps, offers me her chair, but I wave it off. I have been sitting all day; it feels good to be stretching my legs out.

“Any idea what this is about?” Tiffany, our food and wine editor, asks next to me.

I shake my head. “Not a clue.”

Mr. Jennings arrives and stands at the front of the conference room, looking around at the staff. He smiles and nods.What is going on?

“I’m sure you are all wondering why I called you all in here at 4:00 p.m. on a Friday. I promise I haven’t lost my mind. Well, not any more than I previously had.” Everyone laughs. “I will keep this short and sweet. Effective as of”—he looks down at his watch—“two minutes ago, I no longer own Maritime Media.” I gasp for air, completely caught off guard.

“What?” The staff erupts into chatter, asking questions. Mr. Jennings waves his hands in the air to quiet everyone down.Is this why he came into my office earlier?I’m at a loss for words; I can’t believe this. My hand covers my mouth, unsure what even to say.

“Now, everyone, please don’t worry. Nothing is going to happen to your jobs. I have made sure that you’ll stay on board in your current roles. This sale has been in the works for a little bit; I just did not want to say anything until it was final. I have always held and encouraged an open-door policyhere,so I apologize for keeping this a secret.”

His eyes connect with mine, and I see the apology in them. “When I started Maritime Media, twenty-two years ago, I started it in my basement. My wife thought I was crazy, and maybe I was, but then one publication turned into two and eventually three and would expand to the business we are today. I couldn’t have done that withouteachone of you, so please give yourself a round of applause.”

Everyone slowly claps when he begins to clap first. I look over at Lacey, and she shrugs when I mouth, “Is this for real?”

“Monday morning, your new owner, Mr. Harrington, will be here for the morning staff meeting, and I hope that you all give him the same respect you’ve shown me over the years. I spoke to him not long ago, and he is very excited about this opportunity. So, here is what I wanteach of you to do: pack your things up, and enjoy your Friday evening. I know that many of you usually work late.” His eyes meet mine again, and I avert my gaze. “But not tonight. I want everyone to go home and enjoy themselves. Now go on, everyone.”

He dismisses themeeting,and everyone slowly walks up to him to hug him and say goodbye. I stay back so that I’m the last to do so. I try to gather my thoughts, the closer I get to him.

“You knew that when you came into my office earlier.”

He nods. “It’s been in the works for a few months, but I didn’t want anyone to worry and treat me or their jobs differently.” He pulls me into his arms. “I meant every word I said in your office earlier.” He pulls back. “I mean it, Lexi. You are a fantastic leader and organized. I know,without a doubt, the world is not ready for the amazing potential that comes out of Lexi Baker.” I wrap my lips around my teeth to fight back the emotion,but a few tears slip out. “Now go on. Enjoy your evening. Do whatever it is youyounginsdo these days.” I laugh. Mr. Jennings isn’tthatold.

“Yes, sir.” I give him one last hug before grabbing my notepad. I turn from the doorway, “Thank you for everything, Mr. Je…” He tilts his head, knowing I’m about to call him Mr. Jennings. “Paul.”

“Have a good night, Miss Baker.”

With that, I head back to my office. I tidy up my desk and for once am leaving the office in record time. I sit back in my chair, processing this afternoon. Mr. Jennings sold the company, which means no more Mr. Jennings, which means no more having to see Dominic when he claims that he is here to see his father. After I first caught him cheating and things ended between us, he kept stopping by the office, trying to talk to me. No matter how many times I told him to leave me alone and there was nothing he could do to salvage our sorry excuse for a relationship, he didn’t get the hint. Once his father even had security escort him out of the building because he would not leave me alone. It was then I made the declaration that I would never get involved with anyone not onlyinthe office, but also associatedwiththe office.Dominic may not have worked for Maritime Media, but being the owner’s son, he could pop by at any time or any event and have a legit reason for being there.

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