Of All People,It's You

HANDOVER FRIDAY

My alarm goes off at six in the morning.

I reach for my phone, blindly swiping at the screen until the noise finally stops.

Friday.

My last day with Ivy.

My first day of officially being on my own.

I sit up with a groan.

"Great."

Last night, I'd already decided what I was wearing, so at least I didn't have to stand in front of my wardrobe having an existential crisis at six in the morning.

A sky-blue blouse. A nude skirt with comfortable kitten heels.

Simple. Professional. Safe.

I get dressed quickly, grab my handbag and head out earlier than usual.

By the time I reach the office, the building is still relatively quiet.

I glance at the time.

Seven twenty-two. Yess.

I take the lift upstairs and find Ivy already making her way towards the reception desk, one hand supporting the very obvious bump beneath her dress.

She spots me and smiles.

"Good morning, Diane."

"Good morning, Ivy."

She looks me up and down.

"You're early."

"I thought I'd make an effort."

She laughs softly.

"Look at you. You're starting to sound like a proper executive secretary."

I smile.

I glance at her stomach.

"Although, at this point, I'm surprised you're still coming to work. I feel like those babies could decide to make an appearance at any moment."

She laughs.

"Don't say that. I'm trying not to think about it."

She pats her stomach gently.

We both laugh.

As we settle behind our desks, Ivy glances at me.

"Did you manage to finish the inventory report Mr. Boisnoir gave you yesterday?"

I immediately pull the file from my handbag.

"Finished. Printed and everything."

She nods approvingly.

"Good."

She reaches for her notepad. “ His coffee?"

"I can get it."

I head towards the kitchenette, and I make the coffee exactly how he likes it.

I smile to myself.

Somehow, in only a few days, I'd gotten used to having her around.

Which was probably why the thought of her leaving felt strangely uncomfortable.

Before I can dwell on it, the lift doors open.

Mr. Boisnoir steps out.

His eyes immediately find Ivy.

"Good morning, Ivy."

Ivy turns around, smiling.

"Good morning, sir."

She starts to rise from her chair, but he gestures for her to stay seated.

"Don't get up."

She smiles gratefully.

"I can't believe today is your last day." He gives her a genuine smile.

It is completely different from the expression I usually get from him.

"I wish you and James a safe trip. Give him my regards."

"I will."

"And I hope everything goes smoothly."

Thank you, sir."

He nods before finally turning towards me.

The warmth disappears. “Good morning, Miss Ellis."

"Good morning, sir."

He walks into his office. I follow with his coffee and place it neatly on his desk.

"Your coffee, sir."

He gives a brief nod. “Thank you."

I hand him the inventory report.

"And this is the updated inventory report you requested."

He takes it.

"I noticed three shipments are delayed."

"Yes, sir. Two were delayed because of a customs clearance issue, and the third supplier requested an additional inspection before dispatch."

His eyes move across the page.

"Have the revised delivery dates been confirmed?"

"Yes. I've included them on the second page."

He studies it for another moment before looking up.

"Good work.“

"Thank you, sir."

He gives me a small smile.

And for some reason, that tiny expression catches me completely off guard.

It's warm and reassuring.

By the time I return to the reception desk, Ivy is already arranging several large books and folders into a box.

I stare at them.

"What are those?"

She smiles.

"You'll see."

The morning passes quickly.

Before I know it, we're heading downstairs after lunch to print the final documents Ivy needs for the handover.

When we return to the main floor, something immediately feels different.

People are gathered around the cafeteria.

Someone has put a notice on the board.

THANK YOU, IVY — GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEXT CHAPTER!

I stop.

"Oh."

Ivy laughs beside me. “You didn't think we'd let me leave quietly, did you?"

Apparently not.

People begin calling her name as we walk closer.

"Mrs. Wales!"

"We're going to miss you!"

She laughs as people hug her, shake her hand and wish her well.

I stand slightly behind her, watching.

It is strangely sweet.

Legal, Inventory, IT and Finance is there.

Even people from departments I'd barely spoken to since I started.

Everyone seems to like her.

She's the kind of person people remember.

My chest warms a little.

Then Ivy suddenly taps her glass.

"Okay, everyone. Before you all make me cry..."

The room quiets.

She smiles.

"I have one more thing to say."

She turns towards me.

My stomach drops.

"After today, the secretarial duties I've handled will be passed on to a new member of the team."

A few people glance at me.

I immediately wish the floor would open.

"Some of you have already met her, and I'm sure you'll all help her whenever she needs it."

She smiles.

"And I'm officially handing everything over to Diane Ellis."

The room erupts.

People tap their spoons against glasses.

"Handover!Handover!Handover!“

I laugh awkwardly as several people clap.

"Welcome, Miss Ellis!"

"Good luck!". “You'll need it!"

Everyone laughs.

I shake my head.

Apparently, this was a warning disguised as encouragement.

Someone hands Ivy the large box of books.

She turns towards me.

"These belonged to the secretaries before me. Their notes are inside, along with mine."

She places the box in my hands.

I nearly lose my balance.

"Oh my God."

Everyone laughs. “Welcome aboard, Miss Ellis."

Ivy takes my hand and places it properly beneath the box.

"Congratulations."

I look down at the ridiculous mountain of paperwork.

"So this is the handover?"

She leans closer. “Welcome to the company."

I laugh.

For some reason, I can't stop smiling.

I look around at everyone cheering for me, and something settles warmly in my chest.

I hadn't expected this.

Not from a company this big.

But somehow, they were making me feel like I belonged.

Then I look up and freeze.

Garrett Boisnoir is standing at the top of the stairs.

He's watching the entire scene.

His eyes settle on me and then he smirks.

I carry the box upstairs anyway.

Halfway down the corridor, Mr. Boisnoir passes me.

"Congratulations on your official handover, Diane."

"Thank you, sir."

He smiles.

"Although, technically, you're not completely official yet."

I stop. “Sorry?"

"The board will monitor your performance for the next three months. At the end of that period, they'll decide whether to retain you permanently or replace you. So stay alert."

I stare at him. Way to ruin the moment.

He gives me an apologetic smile.

"I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you."

He walks away.

I look down at the box in my arms.

"I've got this."

By late afternoon, everyone is helping Ivy gather her belongings.

Someone carries one of her boxes.

Another person brings her handbag.

Even Garrett steps out briefly to say goodbye.

Ivy thanks him for everything, and he simply wishes her well and tells her to take care of herself and the babies.

Then she turns to me.

The moment she hugs me, my throat tightens. “I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

She pulls back and holds my shoulders.

"Diane, I'm only a phone call or a message away, okay?"

I nod.

"If you have any questions, call me. Any questions."

She points a finger at me.

"As long as I'm not actually in the delivery room."

I laugh through the sudden tightness in my chest.

"Of course."

"I wish you the best of luck."

"And I wish you a safe delivery. And a safe flight."

"Thank you."

She hugs me again before finally walking away.

I watch her leave with everyone around her, smiling and waving.

She must be a really good person. Because everyone seemed genuinely sad to see her go.

By the time I get home, I'm exhausted.

I climb the stairs carrying the last few things I'd brought home, unlock the door and step inside.

"Poppy!" I call.

No answer.

I smile.

Ethan was usually late on Fridays anyway.

"Poppy, you will not believe what happened today."

I step into the living room. “ There was a handover—”

Then stop.

Poppy is sitting on the sofa.

Her phone is pressed against her ear.

And she's crying.

Not quietly but actually crying.

My smile disappears immediately. “Poppy?"

She looks up.

Her eyes are red.

"Diane..."

The way she says it makes my heart sink.

Something is very, very wrong.