Harper jumps up out of her chair and all I see is her sleek black bob bouncing as she bounds around the front desk. I step out of the elevator and she throws her arms around me, my body folding into hers. This is exactly the reaction I needed.
“Brooke, it’s so good to see you,” she says as she holds me tight. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve decided it’s time to come and learn the ropes.” I smile cheekily as I release our hug.
Harper’s eyes go wide. “You’re taking over Argo? What? How? What about Saxon? Rumours have been flying for the past three months about what was going to happen. People are a bit unsure about their jobs, you know. We haven’t been told anything.”
“Oh.” My face drops and the knot in my stomach tightens. “Well, I’m not completely taking it over. I’ve decided to keep it, of course, and I want to be able to run the business side of things. You know, staff, policies, and accounting. All the behind-the-scenes stuff. As for the investment side of things, I’m hoping Saxon will help me hire someone before he leaves.”
“Saxon’s leaving?” She screeches as her jaw drops.
“Well, eventually. I’m sure he’ll want to start his own company.”
“I thought he would’ve bought Argo, seeing as he runs it now anyway, and spent the years building it with Nate.”
“I never offered it…”Is that what Saxon was hoping? Should I have? Is that what Nate would’ve wanted? Oh my God, am I doing the right thing here?
I think back to the stuffy lawyer’s office and the reading of the will. Was anything specifically said about the business? Knowing I was barely coherent during the reading, I can’t be sure. I shake my head, knowing Dad would have told me if anything was mentioned or if there was something I needed to know.
“Brooke,” Harper says softly. “I’m sorry, I was just thinking out loud.”
“It’s all right. I don’t want to sell Argo. It was Nate’s dream, and I want to keep it going for him.”
“Of course you do.” She smiles. “He would be so proud of you, and everyone is going to be so happy to find out you are working here.”
The phone rings and I’m thankful for the interruption. “I’ve gotta grab that,” Harper says, and she hustles back around the desk.
“I’m going to get a coffee, want me to grab you one too?” I ask as I make my way to the door that leads to the office area.
“God, I would love one,” she says as she picks up the phone. “Good Morning, Argo Investments. Harper speaking, how may I direct your call?”
Walking through the doorway to the open offices, I’m surprised at how quiet it is. I’ve only been down here a few times, as when I came to visit Nate I normally stayed upstairs or just came in quickly to meet him before we left to go somewhere.
There aren’t many cubicles as most the staff have their own offices, but there are a few desks set up in front of certain offices for the staff who have personal assistants.
I start my walk down the large, open room heading for the staff room positioned right at the back. I’m thankful many of the office doors are closed, as it saves me having to face everyone. I know mostly all of the staff. Some more than others, but I’ve met everyone at least once at the Christmas party or a work function Nate had dragged me to.
I receive my first sad smile from Sarah, Brett’s PA. I smile widely at her and give her a nod as I keep walking, hoping to show her there is no need for it.
I receive a few more on my long walk to get coffee and surprisingly, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. I can do this. It’s probably more uncomfortable for them than it is for me. They don’t know what to say or how to act. I’m just happy no one has tried to actually stop me and talk to me.
“Brooke?” Damn it. Spoke too soon. “Brooke Willis?”
Recognising the voice brings more relief as my steps slow and my shoulders drop. I turn and practically run into his office where Bill is waiting in front of his desk with his arms open. I don’t hesitate to fall into them.
Enjoying the tight hold he has on me, I don’t loosen my grip, and neither does he. Hugging this wonderful man who is old enough to be my dad and cuddly enough to be a big teddy bear brings me such peace and comfort. I just want to stay wrapped in his arms.
Bill has worked for Argo since the start and has not only been a loyal employee and mentor for Nate, but a father figure to the both of us. Bill and his wife Veronica were unable to have children and had kind of adopted Nate and me as their own.
“How is Veronica?” I ask as Bill holds his arm out, gesturing for me to join him on the couch.