The managers had taken it with a mixture of melancholy at losing the last King at the helm of the beloved family department store and a rush of excitement at getting the Griffin James, retail industry genius, to take over the lofty goal of saving King’s.
He’d been amazing, too. Somehow McGruff turned into a very down-to-earth, relatable leader in a few short minutes, accepting the position as well as honoring her stepfather as a man and as an employer. She took comfort in his words of carrying on a tradition and at the same time exploring new territories to keep King’s competitive.
“What’s going on?” Rico asked, straining to get a look at the temporary podium set up. He nudged her arm. “Come on, girl, you can tell me.”
“You should have come to Charlie’s and Alex’s on Saturday.” She chuckled at his hurt expression.
“And miss my hot date? I don’t think so,” he said.
“Your loss.” Secretly, she thanked the stars he hadn’t shown; he would have suspected the interplay between her and Griff.
“Hmmph! At least I got a second date out of it. He’s gorg, too!”
Evelyn piped up, “You didn’t tell me that. What gives?”
Rico puckered his lips and brushed back his short hair. “I can have some secrets.”
Priscilla and Evelyn burst into laughter at that. “When?” Priscilla asked. “You never have kept them before.”
He glared at her. “Well, I can start now, can’t I? Unless, of course, you’re going to tell me what’s the big to-do all about today.”
The low buzz of conversation surrounding them suddenly increased. She swallowed hard as she watched Charlie, Marcus, Griffin, and Peg, the managerial assistant and her friend, come out of the executive elevator and toward the make-shift podium.
Charlie picked up the microphone. “Good morning, my friends. How are you today?”
They clapped and some employees even called out to her.
“Thank you for coming in before the store opens. I don’t think I have to introduce myself to you and,” she turned to Marcus, “you all know Marcus.” He grinned and waved at the applause. “Now, the man to my right is a legend in our industry, Griffin James. Please give him a warm welcome.”
Ohhs and ahhs raced through the group of employees. Obviously they knew his sterling reputation. Priscilla watched him as he, too, waved to the crowd. But, she noted, how his smile barely moved those sexy lips of his. At the memory of his hot, sensual kisses, her knees wobbled.
“Divine,” Rico whispered.
“Ditto that,” Evelyn said.
“As you know,” Charlie continued, “and at your insistence, I’m still the owner of King’s and will remain the owner.”
There were high-pitched whistles at that and more vigorous clapping.
Pride shot through Priscilla at the way the employees adored her stepsister.
Charlie raised a hand to quiet the employees down. “Thank you again. Also, Marcus has been kind enough to step in and help carry us to our next phase. However, his tenure will be over soon.”
There was a murmur of disappointment. People loved Marcus. They also loved how he and her sister, Francie, fell in love and got married a few short weeks ago.
“I’m afraid, at my doctor’s advice, I won’t be able to return to work full-time. Yes, I’m as surprised as all of you. But as of Friday, I’ve learned I may be off a great deal of time. First, I want to let you know I have some news, about the baby.”
The concerned murmurs rippled through the group.
Rico jabbed Priscilla. “What is it? Why didn’t you say anything?”
Prissy smiled, knowing what was coming.
Her stepsister chuckled. “I’m going to have twins.”
The audience cheered.
Waving his hands in front of his face, Rico tried to hold back tears. He turned to Priscilla and hugged her, jumping up and down. “We’re going to have twins!”
Evelyn joined in.
“I know you’re all as thrilled as Alex and I am about it,” Charlie spoke again. “And I’m certain the celebration party Alex’s grandmother is planning will be a grand affair, with all of you there to share in our joy.” She held up her hands to quiet them down. “So with the discovery of not one, but two, babies, my search for a replacement was paramount. After much consideration and a great deal of soul searching, I have decided that none other than Griffin James will take over the helm of King’s. Please welcome our new leader.”
Priscilla joined in the round of applause. Her pride for Griffin surged inside her. He garnered both awe and respect in the industry.
“Thank you,” he said, clearly taken aback at Charlie’s quick hug before he took the mic from her. “I hope this welcome will continue long after I officially take over in a few days.”