Page 12 of Falling for My Best Friend's Dad
“Hi Richard,” I say.
He’s still wearing his dress shirt. Damn. He looks so good. Five-o’clock shadow lines his jaw. His sideburns had just a few greys, adding to his charm. My knees feel weak, and I look away.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I meant to come early, but my boss wanted to discuss something with me.”
“No worries,” he says, smiling. “So the guy was your boss?”
“Yeah,” I say, avoiding his eyes. It’s a perfect chance to tell him what the conversation was about, and give him the two-week notice, but I can’t bring myself to say it.
Instead, I head toward the storeroom, my usual place to start.
I change into flats and put on my apron. When I’m back to the dining room, two tables have been filled. Tuesdays are supposed to be slow, but customers are unpredictable. Sometimes there are special events in town, and other times we get off-season tourists. It could also be the weather. It’s a cool October evening, and the rainy season is about to start. Poplar trees are bright yellow and maples are fierce red. People might simply want to get out of their house to enjoy the beautiful autumn evening before it turns cold and wet.
Crowds come in and go, not giving me and two other waiters a break until almost closing time.
The full-time waiter says goodbye to Richard. I close the front door and put up the sign in a slow motion. I can’t delay the ordeal any longer. It’s about time to tell him.
I’m wringing a towel when Richard says, “Kayla, don’t worry about the cleanup. Sit down and let’s have a talk.”
I heart races. Can he read my mind? “Sure,” I say as I meet his intense blue eyes. “Actually, I have something to tell you.”
“I know. Something is bothering you. What is it?” he asks in a low, soft voice that makes my breasts swell.
“I…um,” I stutter as I gather my resolution. “I’m getting a promotion at my day job.”
He lifts his eyebrows. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks.”
“Were you celebrating earlier with your boss?”
“Not… really,” I mumble. “He was just asking whether I was interested in it.”
“Well, I’m glad,” he says. “What’s your new job title?”
“I’ll be Business Administrator II, but more like his personal assistant.”
He frowns a bit. “What does it mean?”
“It means I’m going to be… like his secretary. I’ll help him with daily business or persona tasks.”
His expression is hard to read. “Sounds like an important position.”
I feel the need to tell him the truth. “Actually, he fired his last PA this afternoon. I guess he can’t find anyone to fill the job at the moment,” I say, trying to be modest.
He tightens his jaw for a second. “Why did he fire her?”
I shake my head, withholding my suspicion about what’s between Jason and Jenny. “I’m not sure. She might’ve asked for a raise.”
“That’s it?” He frowns and pauses as if deep in thought, and then his face relaxes. “Don’t downplay your ability, Kayla. I’m sure there’s a reason he prefers you over other candidates.”
“Thank you,” I say, again holding my urge to tell him what I’m afraid of. What if it has nothing to do with my ability as a business administrator?
“I think we should celebrate,” he says, smiling. “Let’s have a party here or in my house.”
His enthusiasm makes it even harder for me to bring up the next topic.
“Sure,” I say with a lump in my throat. I feel sad leaving him already.
