Runaway

The office next door

After my meeting with Mr. Alston, I immediately returned to my office and began prepping Alexis and Brian for the transition. Both of them are more than capable of taking over my current workload and either would be a suitable replacement for me in the long term. By the way, Mr. Alston spoke I got the impression he wants this transition to take place today. So while briefing them I began packing up my office. 

"So he wants you to move offices as well?" Alexis ask

"Yes, he wants the international team available to him. So he wants us in close proximity." I reply

"That's the executive floor. Those offices are supposed to be reserved for senior management only" Brian states.

I just shrug "Yeah, maybe he's shaking things up a bit now that he's in charge. Plus I'm sure those guys aren't getting booted to make room for us. These are probably offices that are sitting empty. For instance, I'm going to be in the adjoining office to Mr. Alston. I'm sure if there were other spaces available, he wouldn't have put me in his pocket like that."

They both look at each other and turn back with massive grins on their faces. 

"You do realize that that office was built specifically for his mother when his father was in charge? She used to work alongside him as his assistant until she decided she was ready to retire. They haven't allowed anyone to use that office since." Brian points out. 

"He must really like you to allow you to have that office." Alexis chimes in

"Whatever the case may be, I've got to get my crap packed up and moved to that floor. Luckily I'm having lunch with my friend today, and since he owes me one, I'll make him come help me move my stuff." 

---

"So what made you decide to eat at Gus's today?" I ask

"I just wanted some food that reminds me of home. Mother called and she isn't doing too well, so I wanted some comfort food". Jace replies

"I understand. Well, the next time you talk to her, tell her I love her, and I'm praying for her." 

"I will. I'm sure she will appreciate it. Anyhow, let's not talk about sad stuff. Wanna hear about my meeting with your boss?" he says as he raised and wiggles his eyebrows. 

"Shoot! What's shaking in the wild world of interior design for the souths wealthy elite?" I say

"Well, this certain wealthy elite wants to redesign his private residence. Apparently, as part of his father turning over the company to him, he is also turning over their estate. Mr. Alston wants to modernize the home while maintaining the old southern charm. He claims he does a lot of entertaining and the home is often full of visitors, so the upgrades will have to be completed on a strict timeline to ensure no one is put out by the work. It's going to be one hell of a job, but he says money is no concern. Since you already know me, you know what a mistake it was on his part to tell me that."  Jace finishes with an excited grin.

Poor Mr. Alston has really stuck his foot in his mouth with Jace. The place will be magnificent, and every item brought in will be the best right down to the napkin rings.  Oh well, if anyone can afford it he can. 

"Well, I cant wait to see your sketches and the items you pick out. Let me know if you want a shopping buddy. You know I live vicariously through you when it comes to these things." I say and I giggle. 

"As for the immediate future, you owe me for that Saturday Bootcamp bullshit. So you are going to help me move offices after we finish lunch today."

"Oh no I can't, I have something to do."

"No, you don't. You forgot you shared your calendar with me. So I know what you have planned out for today and you don't have another appointment until 4 pm today. So you are helping me move my shit."

"Fine. I swear I'm deleting that calendar today" he replies while rolling his eyes. 

"Awe, thank you best friend! Now, let's dig into some fried chicken!"

---

"Ugh, Finally. The last box. How in the hell did you accumulate so much crap after only working here a year?! Are you a hoarder and I just never knew it?!"

"Jace, stop being so dramatic. You know I like having backups of everything. I hate the thought of a system failure and losing valuable information. I think I even have a Rolodex in one of these boxes."

"How are you so smart, yet still don't understand or trust cloud-based storage?" 

"Hey, I understand it. I just don't trust it. I like having something I can put my hands on."

"Whatever, so which one is yours?" Jace asks while looking around at the various doors visible from the lobby. 

"Um. Oh, that one there." I say as I point towards the door. 

"Wow, they work fast around here. They already updated the nameplate on the door."

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting that. Well, let's go in and get to work setting up my office."

"Be glad I love you." Jace groans out. 

As we open the door to my new office I am blown away. As you walk in the office is light grey, except for the wall to your left behind the desk. It has a beautiful navy wallpaper with a velvet damask print on it. The desk that sits in front of the wall is white with a white and grey marble top. The carpet is a thick navy and the chairs staged in front of the desk are a lovely cool grey to match the walls with a mid-century modern look to them.  The wall directly across from the door is floor-to-ceiling windows and the wall to the right is grey with two doors. One I assume is the entrance to Mr. Alston's office, the other I find is a private bathroom and closet. This is the nicest office I have ever had and it's clear it previously belonged to Mr. Alston's mother. The decor is expensive and beautiful. Both Jace and I just stood there speechless for a good minute taking it all in. 

"Jace, buddy if the house is decorated this nicely, you have got your work cut out for you. Because it doesn't get much better than this"

"Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing. I expected it to be dated and ugly. This woman clearly has good taste."

"Ms. Brooks. I see you've located your office. I hope it is to your liking." we hear someone say and both whirl around and see Mr. Alston standing in the doorway. 

"Yes, Mr. Alston. It's lovely, thank you for allowing me to have it."

"Oh, it's no problem. It has sat empty for some time. So it may need a good cleaning. If you want I am sure we can arrange a suitable budget for redecorating if you would like."

"Oh no. It's perfect!"

"Well, I thought with Mr. Holmes here you were thinking of having it redecorated."

"No sir, Jace here is my friend. He was just helping me move my things."

"Well, if you change your mind let me know. Good day, Ms. Brooks and Mr. Holmes" Mr. Alston says and then departs. 

"That man must have it bad for you," Jace says wiggling his eyebrows at me. 

"What on earth makes you think that?"

"Well, in one week of him taking over he gives you a huge promotion, gives you an executive office, connected to his no less, and then offers to pay to have probably the nicest office ever redecorated. That doesn't just happen. I'm telling you, that man is attracted to you."

"Well, I don't believe that is the case. But I am extremely thankful for all of this. So I'm just going to be grateful and not look too far into it. Besides, it's having all these blessings coming my way for once. After the last year, I think I deserve a win." 

"That's true. Speaking of... Have you heard the latest gossip about you know who?"

"No, Jace I haven't and I really don't care. When the judge put his final stamp on the paperwork I was done and I don't want to look back at that time in my life. I don't hate him anymore, but I do hope he encounters at least one mild inconvenience daily."

"Oh well. If you get curious let me know. Because karma is really dealing it to him straight from what I hear." 

"Jace, that's enough," I say more forcefully than intended. Unfortunately, that's still a sore spot for me and I just don't want to think about it. 

"Ok. I'm sorry I pushed that button. Do you still love me?" Jace says pouting.

"Always" I say with a small smile.