Page 108 of Second Chance Summer
‘And also sharing the burden with you, you mean?’ Lily gave a wry smile. ‘I am the person ultimately responsible for what happens. There are so many pros and cons to deciding either way and I’ve gone through them all over the past weeks. When a choice is presented to us, well, it isn’t always the dream we’ve longed for. Be careful what you wish for, eh? I won’t ask for a show of hands now. You can come and see me privately and tell me what you think.’
Amina eyed her sharply. ‘What doyouthink, Lily?’
‘Me?’ Lily smiled. ‘I do have an opinion. But let’s just say it’s changed over the past couple of weeks. More than anything, I want to hear your views. Just ask Richie to make a time for you to come and see me.’
The meeting broke up and Lily escaped to her office. She checked her phone, hoping to see a message from Sam, but there was nothing. He had asked her to let him know she was safely home in London so she did. She had a text in reply:Good. Don’t worry if you don’t hear from me. Am living on Stark to get cottages finished. Sam x
Was that a pre-emptive strike? An excuse not to be in touch?
There was a knock and Richie poked his head round the door. ‘Boss?’
‘Yes?’
He came in, clutching some paperwork. ‘I don’t need time to decide. This might not be the answer you’re looking for but I don’t think this is the right way to go. Even if it means more money or security for the company and for us. Lily Loves lives and dies on its brand integrity.’
‘Which has been tarnished of late.’
‘Not so much as you think. Hun, you’re already yesterday’s news. The haters will find someone else to torment. Our brand will last and so I don’t think we should accept the offer. Somehow, we’ll find another way to strengthen our position and grow.’
‘Oh, Richie. I have missed you.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes.’ She gestured to the chair and he sat down. ‘And I agree. If growing means selling our souls,’ she said, ‘I’d rather go back to the market stall any time. But you can’t breathe a word of my opinion to the others. Let them make their own minds up.’
He zipped his lips. ‘My lips are sealed, bab.’
She shook her head.
‘Aren’t you going to tell me not to call you bab?’ he said with a cheeky grin, getting out of his seat.
‘I’ve been called a lot worse. Oh, and while you’re here, there’s something else I want to discuss.’
With a grimace, he sat down again. ‘Here we go.’
‘Don’t look so terrified. I’m seriously impressed with how you’ve managed the team while I’ve been away. You’re more than a PA and I’ve known that for a long time. I simply haven’t acknowledged or recognised it. I should have delegated more to you.’
‘You should?’
‘Totally. I don’t think the place would have run as smoothly as it has without you. Behind every good CEO is an even better second-in-command.’
His eyes widened. ‘Second-in-command?’
‘Yes, I’m offering you the role of operational director. You’ll be my deputy when – if – I’m not here. If I take a break.’
‘A break?’
‘Yes, when I’m on holiday.’
‘Holiday?’
Her office had turned into an echo chamber, but Lily was well into her stride.
‘Before you ask, I realise that more responsibility means you’d need your own assistant and a salary that reflects your new role. If you’re interested, that is,’ she added, as he gripped the arms of the chair in shock. ‘I don’t want to pressure you. Things can stay as they are if you like, but whatever you decide, I realise you still need more support. That means you’ll be able to appoint your own PA.’
‘My own PA?’ he blurted out. ‘No way! I mean, yes, I do need support and Iamenjoying making decisions without you – I mean, not that I didn’tmissyou. We all missed you terribly and we want you to have a rest but I amveryinterested in talking about a new role.’
Lily laughed. ‘Great. I’m so happy for you, for me and the team. It’s a weight off my mind to know I can count on someone as capable and loyal as you.’
