Only you...

CHAPTER 8 - New York

Yes. The Paris trip helped a lot in our relationship, but we were still drifting apart. We were working on it. We really were. But something’s not the same.

“Ms. Jones?” My assistant, Betty, called.

“Yeah?” I asked.

“Mr. Tyler is calling for you up at the boardroom.”

“Okay.”

I stood up from my chair and went out of my office, and up to the boardroom. I knocked on the door and peeked in.

“Trev?” I called.

“Come in, Kate.” Trevor Tyler answered.

He was one of the company executives. I went inside and saw him, Mrs. Sebastian, Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Ravitz huddled up.

“Kate, come here.” Mrs. Sebastian called, patting the chair next to her.

“Good afternoon, everyone. How may I be of any assistance?” I asked, sitting down next to Mrs. Sebastian.

“We’re in desperate need of your help, Ms. Jones.” Mr. Thompson said. “The New York branch is falling apart. We don’t know what to do anymore.”

“I understand that it was you who lifted up the Virginia branch, now you brought the California branch to life.” Mrs. Ravitz added. “Now we need you to save New York.”

“Will you do it?” Mr. Tyler asked.

“I… Uh… Can I get back to you on this? ‘cause, I actually have a life here in LA, and I can’t just throw it all away and move to New York. So… I’ll take a rain check on that.” I answered.

That was a lot to take in. What they wanted was too much. Far too much… I’ve done too much for this company. I think I’ve done more things for the publication more than the owner did.

“We understand.” Mr. Thompson said.

“Take the rest of the day off, and give us an answer tomorrow. Okay, darling?” Mrs. Sebastian asked.

“I’m really sorry, guys. Thank you. I will let you know as soon as possible.” I answered.

“It’s okay. Go.” Mr. Tyler added.

I stood up, my knees wobbled. I stumbled my way out, and back to my office.

“Betty!” I called as I sat down on my desk.

“Yes, ma’am?” Betty answered.

“Call Trent, I need to talk to you two.”

She went away for a while and came back with my other assistant, Trent.

“Sit.” I ordered.

“What’s up, Kate?” Trent asked. “You look pale, honey.”

“I’m going to take the rest of the day off. I need to breathe. Betty, you’re in charge of all the calls, take note of who called and what they need. If it’s urgent, text me. If not, tell the caller that we’ll get back to them tomorrow.”

“Yes ma’am.” Betty nodded.

“Trent, I need you to attend all my meetings for today. You know the drill. Take note of the meeting’s minutes. If there comes a question that you can’t answer, ring me up. But here’s my laptop, all the reports are there if you need them. I’m sorry I have to leave these to you, I just can’t think straight anymore.”

“It’s okay, Katie. We know how hard you work, and you REALLY do need a break. If I were you, I would’ve spent a month in Paris.” Trent chuckled. “Go home. Now.”