Like Father, Like Son - 2

The moment he walked through the door the receptionist beckoned to Declan.

“Your mother called, twice,” she said, commiseration in her voice as she handed him the messages she’d taken.

“Thanks, Judy.” He folded them neatly in half and put them in his pocket to deal with later. “Any other calls?”

“Mr. Reed wants to set up an appointment, Mr. Tennyson’s going to be late and Ms Nichols wants to see you in her office at your earliest convenience.”

“Another typical Friday,” he said with a smile before he walked down the long, carpeted hall to his office. He took off his topcoat, hanging it in the small closet at one side of the room. Next he checked to see if his plants needed watering. Satisfied they didn’t he sat down at his desk, booting up his computer. Once he’d checked his email and dealt with it, he turned to the overnight reports from the various restaurants the company owned. What he saw pleased him which meant Ms. Nichols should be happy as well. He’d know soon enough.

“Declan, have a seat please,” Ms Nichols said as he entered her office a few minutes later. When he was settled she smiled at him. “In the past three months you’ve done an excellent job of turning things around and raising the profits for the company. Mr. Watson is very pleased. In fact, he’s seriously considering putting you in charge of his newest venture.”

He tapped his fingers together while considering what she had said. “Here in the city?” he asked.

“One is. The other one will be in Santa Fe.”

Declan nodded. “A manageable distance. When is construction supposed to start?”

“That will be up to you, if you decide to take his offer.”

“If he makes it.”

“I think he will. He’s been following your progress with interest.” She smiled, although he noted it didn’t reach her eyes, as she added, “I think you have your mother to thank for that.”

Thank you mother dearest. Another tie binding me to you.

Of course he didn’t say that aloud. Instead he chuckled, softly. “I suppose if I get the assignment I’ll owe her dinner at one of our top restaurants. Her and my stepfather.”

“She’ll undoubtedly take you up on it.” Ms Nichols picked up a thick file, handing it to him. “All the basic information is in here. I suggest you study it well so you know exactly what you’re getting into.”

Declan took that as his cue to leave so he stood, thanked her then headed back to his office.