Page 114 of Second Time Around
Epilogue
Six months later
Kyra stood at the front of the gathering of spectators on the sidewalk outside the first Ceres for Canines and Cats. A ribbon in Ceres’s trademark deep green was stretched across the storefront, twisting slightly in the October afternoon breeze. The store’s facade featured several heights of drinking fountains for dogs, as well as poop bag dispensers and fake fire hydrants set in beds of bark mulch. The store designers had taken their job seriously.
But what made her grin was the assemblage of Carver Center kids with their K-9 Angelz. Will and Greg had made the product launch publicity all about the original inspiration for the new, fresh pet cuisine.
Shaq, his collar decorated with a green bow to match the ribbon, was front and center with Felicia, whose arm had healed successfully, thanks to Ben Cavill’s medical expertise and connections. Even Davina Gibson had joined them and stood off to the side, her eyes on her daughter while pride glowed on her face. She had written a letter of apology to Emily. Of course, Emily had accepted it and welcomed Felicia back to the center. But they’d learned some valuable lessons from the experience.
Diego hovered over another half-dozen kids and dogs who were being wrangled into place by the Cronus marketing team, petting the dogs even as they directed them.
Kyra smiled to herself. Malcolm would have loved to be a part of this, but today was about the K-9 Angelz program. In fact, Will had tried to get her into the photo op, arguing that she was the original inventor of 3Cs, as the marketing people had already nicknamed the food for the customers’ convenience. But she would have felt ridiculous taking credit for the simple recipe she’d put together, so Will had settled for making sure she was at the front of the audience.
He stood in the background, talking with Greg as they watched the kids and dogs. He’d gone low-key, too, wearing a white button-down shirt with khakis. He was even letting his hair grow a little longer, although far from ponytail length. As he brushed back a stray lock behind his ear, Kyra decided she needed to persuade him to grow it even longer so she could twine her fingers into the golden silk of it.
Her breathing hitched as she pictured it curtaining the sides of his face while he moved over and inside her.
Her X-rated reverie was interrupted when a television van drove up, discharging a reporter and cameraman from a local New York station. That was the cue for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to begin.
Will and Greg strode forward together, but when the crowd quieted, Will spoke first. “I’d like to introduce Greg Ebersole, the cofounder of Ceres,” Will said. “He will be taking Ceres and all of Cronus Holdings into the future as the new CEO. There is no one with a greater passion or vision for the company we’ve built together. With Greg at the helm, the sky’s the limit.”
Applause rippled through the audience, and the reporter’s face went from bored to intent at this new angle on what had seemed a routine story.
“Thanks, Will,” Greg said, his voice gruff. “Before we started working together, I’d never seen a preppy sweat, but you impressed me because you weren’t afraid to get your khakis and polo shirts dirty.”
The spectators chuckled.
Greg turned serious. “I’m aware of the trust you have placed in me, and I will do my best to be worthy of it.”
The two men’s hands met in a way that showed their business partnership had become a deep friendship. Nostalgia, confidence, and anticipation were written on their faces as Will publicly transferred the mantle of power to Greg’s wide shoulders.
Will released Greg’s hand and stepped back into the group of Ceres staff.
Greg gestured Felicia and Shaq forward and addressed the spectators. “Please welcome Felicia Gibson and Shaq from the K-9 Angelz program of the Carver After-School Care Center, a program that brings together kids and the rescued dogs who need their love.” Greg knelt to put his arm around Shaq’s substantial shoulders and gave his enormous head a rub. “If you can believe it, this big, handsome fellow has a sensitive stomach.”
Laughter rose from the crowd.
Greg stood again. “Which prompted the school’s talented human chef to develop a recipe of fresh ingredients that wouldn’t trigger food allergies or digestive upsets in dogs like Shaq here. When we heard about it at Ceres, we thought it was the perfect complement to our human restaurants that emphasize fresh, organic ingredients.” He gestured toward the Ceres restaurant adjacent to the 3Cs store. “We were fortunate to be able to find space right next to one of our premier locations right here in Manhattan.”
A marketing person handed Greg an oversized pair of scissors, which he then offered to Felicia. “So we are celebrating the launch of Ceres for Canines and Cats today with the opening of our first store. Go for it, Felicia.”
The girl opened the scissors wide and sliced through the fabric with a loud “snip,” letting the ribbons flutter to the ground. Then sheheld the scissors over her head like a trophy, her injured arm looking as strong as the other one.
The marketing staff swung open the doors and first invited the kids and dogs inside, then the press and VIP guests, and finally, the public. The reporter rushed up to Will and held a microphone in front of him. He smiled and shook his head, gesturing toward Greg. Once the reporter moved on, Kyra strolled up and gave Will a quick peck on the cheek. “That went well,” she said.
Will slid his arm around her waist and snugged her up against his side. “Wait until they see the buffet at the human café. Everyone loves free food.”
They’d closed the Ceres restaurant next door for a private party to celebrate the launch. To keep uninvited but hungry customers happy, Ceres staff members stood outside the restaurant, passing out ten-dollar gift cards to be used for either pet or human food at a future date.
Will drew her to the entrance into the café. Everyone from the Carver Center had been invited, so the kids and their parents were scattered around the tables, chatting and scarfing down food.
Emily stood near the door with her fiancé, Max, as she nibbled on a shrimp brochette. “Congratulations on the successful launch,” she said to Will as she waved her skewer. “And thank you for inviting everyone. The kids are so excited to be here with their parents.”
Max shook hands with Will. “I hear you’re joining the Carver Center board at the beginning of next year. It will be good to have you with us.”
“I should be pretty well free of any obligations to Cronus by then. Greg has taken over my job with gusto.” Will’s lips slanted in a wry smile. “We all like to think we’re irreplaceable but it’s just not true.”
Max laughed. “I learned that when I sold V-Chem Industries. They barely noticed I was gone.”
