and she nestled inside his embrace.
“Let me see if I can find it.” Charles flipped through several channels on the TV.
Sterling, Stephan and Taylor finished up in the kitchen and joined their parents. During the search for the movie, the conversation somehow turned back to their single status.
“Sterling, do you think you’ll ever get married again?” Taylor tilted her head contemplatively as she folded her feet under herself on the loveseat.
“Yeah. It’s possible.” Sterling shrugged. “My relationship with Raven wasn’t horrible. We just weren’t right for each other.”
Sterling was seated on the other side of Patti. She touched his hand. “You tried to do the right thing, honey, and I applaud you for that.”
“She was carrying your child, son. Your actions were noble,” Charles added.
Sterling drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Yeah. I didn’t expect it to fold so quickly, but we knew it wouldn’t work.”
“I’ve always said it was best for Kylee to experience what it’s like to have two happy parents living separately than two miserable ones living together.” Patti nodded, punctuating her statement.
“And we all benefit from the best part of it all,” Taylor interjected. “We got Kylee.” She tilted her head and flashed a toothy grin.
Sterling’s smile generated deep from his core. His family’s support and admiration for his daughter pleased him. Taylor was right. They had Kylee—the best little girl a dad could have. She was the reason he hardly dated. If he were to bring a woman into his life, she’d have to not only accept the fact that he had a daughter, but she’d have to adore his sweet Kylee.
Sterling realized his desires might be a lot to ask of most women and if he had to stay single until Kylee grew up, then so be it. He just hoped he really wouldn’t have to wait that long.
“The big guy just called an emergency meeting. He wants all of the management team in the conference room in five.”
Jewel’s head snapped up from her computer screen at the sound of her brother, Chris’s, voice. “Did Dad say what it’s about?”
Chris shrugged. “No. We just got our numbers back on track. I’m hoping it’s not another chain of supermarkets closing on us.”
“Please don’t let that be the issue.” Jewel clasped her hands together like she was praying. “That would surely impact my lofty operations goals. I’ve been working hard to try to impress the big guy.” Jewel continued their common tease when referencing their father at work.
“I know. Being his kid offers no slack. That man can be a tyrant.” They laughed at Chris’s exaggeration.
Bobby Dale was no tyrant. He required excellence from his children and employees and could never be accused of giving any type of special treatment. Jewel and her siblings worked just as hard as anyone else. Adored by much of his staff, Bobby Dale created a culture where people wanted to give their best. He’d never forgotten an anniversary or birthday and had been known to jump in the trenches alongside his staff to help get a job done.
“Let’s see what this is all about.” Jewel grabbed a pad and pen, rose from her chair and met Chris in the doorway.
Together the two walked the corridors, ascended to the second floor and entered the executive boardroom. Midlevel and executive managers from all departments spilled into the room, taking seats around the large cherrywood table in the center of the room. Scattered small talk ensued by groups creating a low rumble until Bobby Dale’s burly frame glided into the room. A hush rolled across the space, honoring his presence. His perfect posture held a well-fitting tailored suit causing him to resemble a mature model. Salt-and-pepper hair framed a strong chin as his confident stride carried him to the head of the table.
Staff made their way to the burgundy tufted leather chairs positioned against the walls and awaited Bobby Dale’s announcements.
“Good morning, everyone.” Bobby Dale took the seat at the head of the massive table. “Thanks for coming on such short notice.”
“As if we had a choice,” Jewel whispered to Chris and chuckled.
Chris snickered and cleared his throat.
“In recent months we’ve survived a flurry of changes in our industry, yet managed to get through them without much fallout. In light of all these disruptions, we’ve had to put a few things on hold, such as the revamp of our technology infrastructure and the expansion of our kitchen. Now the market seems to have stabilized and we’ve secured new business.” Bobby Dale looked over at Chris and nodded with an approving grin. “I’m happy to report that we will be able to get back to our growth plans. But before we do that, I have a few other changes to announce.”
The hush over the room deepened. Each staff member’s expression matched the other.
“What’s this about?” Jewel leaned close to Chris’s ear.
Chris raised his shoulders and shook his head. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”
“Dorothy. Will you come over here, please?” Bobby Dale called the company’s chief operations officer over. Hushed voices scampered around the room as Dorothy Levy gracefully waltzed to his side. She stood next to his chair. Tall, lean and erect. Her polished appearance and chiseled features belied her warm, approachable manner. “Our dear Dorothy is leaving us.”
A few gasps escaped from some of the staff.
“What? No!” Jewel tilted her head and sighed. Dorothy had been her mentor and had taught her everything she knew about being an effective operations professional.
A matronly grin spread across Dorothy’s lips. Much of the staff felt the same as Jewel.
Bobby Dale lifted his hand in Dorothy’s direction. She cleared her throat. “I know this comes as a shock for several of you. Believe me, it was a hard decision to make. Chandler Food Corp has been a part of my life for nearly twenty years, but the time has come for me to settle down a little. My recent health challenges have forced me into somewhat of an early retirement. However—” Her eyes washed over the room. She wore a sly grin. “You won’t get rid of me so easily. I’ll be around for the next month to help with the transition. Unfortunately, with the extent of my back injury, it’s what I need right now. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with all of you.”
“You too, Dorothy,” someone shouted.
A proud smile eased across her face.
“We’ll miss you,” someone else said.
Several employees approached Dorothy for hugs. Tears had begun to glisten in her eyes. Jewel wiped her own tears away. Dorothy had been like an aunt to her.
Bobby Dale let them all have their moment before clearing his throat and continuing with a few more announcements. When all was done, Jewel headed back to her office, shutting the door behind her. Dorothy’s sudden but necessary departure
