Page 15
“Morale. Right,” she mutters. “That’s…new.” Shaking her head, she turns back to Monty and asks, “Are you busy? Could we talk for a minute or two?”
“Of course. Come in and have a seat,” he agrees, waving his arm for her to come into his office.
“Do you want me to hold the baby while you two talk?” I offer.
“Actually, Kendall, I was hoping you could join us,” Lily says.
“Sure. Yeah.”
The three of us get settled into chairs in Monty’s office.
“So,” Lily starts while gently rocking the baby to keep her asleep. “While I miss the office and have appreciated the paid time off more than you know, I just don’t think I’m ready to come back. In fact, the more I think about it…well, Steve and I talked and I think I would like to stay home with Evelyn a little longer, at least until she starts school.”
Looking at Monty’s wide-eyed reaction, I assume he’s as surprised as I am. He looks at me then back to Lily. “Oh. So, you’re here to resign?”
“Yes. I’m sorry for the short notice. Again.” Now she sniffles and her eyes turn glassy. “I really was planning to return next week as scheduled, but I don’t think I can leave her yet. And I don’t think I would be much good as an assistant running on three or four hours of sleep either.”
“That’s…understandable,” Monty says. “You have to do what’s best for you and your family.”
Lily lets out a sigh and reaches up to wipe away the moisture from underneath her eyes. “Thank you for understanding. Since Kendall’s been doing such a great job, maybe she can stay on a while longer or…for good?” Lily turns to me expectantly with a smile on her face.
I’m stunned speechless.
Monty and I had plans for next week.
For tonight.
I’d been dreading leaving the office, leaving Monty. I love being needed. Being appreciated. But I’d also been excited about what comes next. Leaving this job behind means the possibility of something more with Monty.
“Sure,” Monty says. “Kendall can stay on for however long she wants.”
Oh. I thought he wanted me to leave sooner rather than later…
“That’s great!” Lily says. “I’m so glad I won’t be putting either of you in a tough spot.”
“Not at all,” Monty replies through clenched teeth.
He’s so lying. Which is sort of a relief.
We talk with Lily for a few more minutes until the baby wakes up hungry.
After she leaves, and it’s just the two of us standing in front of my desk, I try to figure out what to say.
“I know you were excited about the new position…” he starts. “I can find and train your replacement.”
“No. It’s fine. I’ll stay as long as you need me.”
“Are you sure?” he asks.
“Yes.”
“Then we’ll postpone tonight. Until…later.”
“Later,” I agree.
Although deep down, I already know later isn’t going to happen.
Monty may want me, but it wouldn’t be more than a fun fling for him.
