This Tender Melody

by Kianna Alexander

  Behind him, the double doors of the office opened, then closed again, but he didn’t turn around. He was too busy enjoying the view.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting, Darius.” Joseph Franklin marched across the room to engulf Darius in a paternal embrace. Then he took a seat behind the big desk between Darius’s comfy chair and the wall of windows. “What has it been, three or four years since I’ve seen you? How have you been?”

  “Yeah, it’s been about that long. I’ve been great. Retirement suits me quite nicely.” Taking in the sight of his mentor, he could see the older man had changed a lot since he’d last seen him. His shoulders slumped just a bit, his kind face had many new lines and his once dark hair had gone gray. In a word, Franklin looked tired. “How about you?”

  “Busy, but good.” Franklin leaned back in the leather executive chair, running his fingertips through his graying beard.

  Never one for small talk, Darius thought it prudent to proceed with the matter at hand. “I was surprised to hear from Mrs. Franklin the other night. I talked to her for a little while, but just so I’m clear, what is it you need me to do?”

  Joseph hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “I know you’re enjoying your leisure, but I could really use your expertise here at FTI.”

  “Okay. So you want me on a freelance basis? Some consulting?” He would do what he could to help the older man out. After all, he’d gotten his start in the tech world under Franklin’s watchful tutelage.

  “The role would be a little more involved than consulting, Darius.”

  Darius was becoming more and more impatient to find out what exactly Franklin wanted. He leaned forward in his seat. “What are you really asking me for, Mr. Franklin?”

  “Why so formal? Call me Joe.” A ghost of a smile crossed his face.

  His eyebrow hitched up. “Ok, Joe, what are we really talking about here?”

  Joseph leaned forward, braced his arms on the surface of the big desk. “Darius, I’d like you to take over as CEO.”

  Darius blinked, then focused on Franklin’s face again. Had he heard what he thought he heard? “Excuse me?”

  “This isn’t easy for me to ask of you, Darius.”

  He raised his hand, scratched his chin. His first instinct was to say no. All he wanted to do was extract his butt from the seductive chair, leave the building and get back in his car so he could go home and practice for his band’s next gig. His time was his own now, and that was just the way he liked it. No clock to punch, no boss to answer to and the freedom to pursue his own interests, any way he saw fit. He was living the life most people dreamed of, and at a very young age. He’d received plenty of offers and requests to come back to the tech business since he’d gone into retirement, but this time was different. If it hadn’t been for Franklin, he might never have had the means to take his retirement when he did. How could he flatly turn down the man who’d given him his first shot in this game? The answer was simple: he couldn’t.

  Still, there was another contingency here, one that needed to be discussed. “What about your daughter? I assumed she’d be the one to take over things here when you retired.”

  Franklin rose from his chair, easing toward the windows. His eyes seemed focused on the goings-on outside as he spoke. “So did I. But she isn’t ready quite yet.” His flat tone conveyed a measure of disappointment.

  Having never met Franklin’s daughter, he didn’t know what her skill set was. During the time he’d been at FTI, she’d been in college and studying abroad. She might be less than prepared in Franklin’s eyes, but he found the old man’s assessment a little blunt. “Come on now, Joe. Any daughter of yours has got to be bright enough to learn the ropes, with time and training.”

  He shook his head, still gazing out the window. “True, but time is a luxury I don’t have anymore. I waited too long to train her the way I should have—I thought she would’ve caught on a bit faster on her own. Now...” He stroked a hand over his head, but didn’t complete the statement.

  A few moments passed in silence before Darius spoke. “Is there something else I need to know?”

  “My health isn’t at its best, Darius. I’m going in for some tests this week, because if I don’t, my wife won’t give me a moment’s peace. I really don’t know what the doctor is going to tell me, but I know I’m not getting any younger.”

  “And there’s no one you could promote from within the company ranks?”

  Franklin shook his head. “I believe what FTI really needs is a cutting-edge, youthful approach. Besides, you’ve got the brightest technological mind to ever grace the halls of this building.”

  “I appreciate that.” He could see where this was headed. Clasping his hands together, he took a moment to collect his thoughts. There was nothing interfering with his ability to do what Franklin was asking of him, though taking the job might interfere with his involvement with the Gents. Undeniably, he owed this man a debt of thanks for the role he’d played in starting his career. “If you really feel you need me, I’ll do it. But how does your daughter feel about all of this?” He searched his memory banks, but couldn’t recall her name.

  For several seconds, the only sounds Darius heard were the ringing phones and low conversation beyond the doors of the private office. He folded his arms and waited, wondering what he’d gotten himself into. “Joe?”

  “I’m not entirely sure. We haven’t discussed it with her yet. Either way, she’s not ready and you’re the one I want.”

  Darius rolled his eyes, letting loose an exasperated sigh. “Joe, we both know that if she doesn’t agree with our little arrangement, she’s likely going to make my job very difficult.”

  The old man returned to his desk, leaned over it and made eye contact with him. “Look, I may be uncertain of Eve’s leadership ability, but I don’t doubt her professionalism. So give her a chance before you make assumptions about her, all right?”

  So that was her name. Picking up on the defensive edge in Franklin’s tone, he shrugged. “Fair enough.” His mentor seemed pretty torn about this whole thing—going from saying his daughter wasn’t ready to assume command, to praising her professionalism in a matter of minutes. He glanced at his watch. “So, what’s the salary? And is this a temporary position?”

  “I’m not sure of the duration—that depends on Eve, and how soon she can be groomed. You’ll get a competitive salary, full benefits and vacation time, of course.”

  It was a reasonable compensation offer, perhaps even a bit more than he warranted. “Sounds good.” He reached across the table to shake hands with his mentor. “I’ll do the best job I can, Joe.”

  “I have no doubt of that.” Franklin stood, gesturing toward the door. “I won’t hold you up all day, but we do have a board meeting tomorrow at ten. I’d like you to be there, so I can introduce you to everyone.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  Pondering the many possibilities of this new venture, Darius bid his mentor goodbye and slipped out of the large office, shutting the door behind him.

  Chapter 3

  Eve joined her parents in the sunroom, carrying the tray of Italian fare she’d ordered for dinner. Her mother had thrown open a few of the windows, letting the late-summer breeze blow through the room. Setting the tray down on the mosaic dining table, she began taking the lids off the containers. “I got some primavera for you, Daddy, chicken Parmesan for you, Mama, and a little baked ziti for me.”

  While she considered herself a woman of many talents, cooking wasn’t one of them. Her parents were well aware of her lack of culinary skills, so they weren’t surprised when she’d brought over the food prepared by her favorite private chef, Alfonzo. Some of the wealthiest families in the area could be counted among his clients.

  She sat down and reached for the pitcher of iced tea on the table—the one thing she had made hers
elf—and filled her glass. She was about to take a sip when she stopped, holding the glass in midtip. Her mother and father were staring at her, both with odd looks on their faces. “What’s the problem? Why are you guys staring at me like that?”

  No answer. Instead, her parents’ gazes shifted, until they were looking at each other.

  “Mama?”

  Louise sighed.

  Her brow furrowing, she turned to her father. “Daddy? What in the world is going on?”

  Joseph picked up his glass, took a long draw of tea. “Well, baby, we have some news.”

  “Okay. What is it?” She rested her palms on the table, and waited.

  “First, you’ll be glad to know I made a doctor’s appointment. I’m going in on Friday for a whole slew of tests.”

  She nodded, offering a smile. “That is good news. But I feel like there’s something else.”

  Louise spoke up. “There is. Your father is retiring, finally.”

  Eve reached across the table to grasp his hand. When she did, she found it to be a bit cool and clammy. “I’m proud of you for putting your health first, Daddy. And I want you to know I’m going to make you proud. I’ll lead FTI as honorably as you have.”

  He cleared his throat, his gaze drifting away from hers.

  Something wasn’t right.

  She felt the tension in the room begin to creep into her shoulders and neck. Still holding his hands, she stared at him. “Daddy, what is it you’re not saying?”

  He looked at her, but only briefly. Then he cast his eyes down again, as if studying the carpet beneath his slipper-clad feet. “Lord. I didn’t think this would be so hard.”

  Now she was worried. Her pulse sped up, her mouth went dry. What were they keeping from her? “Will somebody please tell me what is going on?”

  “I’m sorry, baby. So sorry.” He had yet to look up,

  This was getting pretty disconcerting. First they’d stared at her, now her father was taking evasive maneuvers to avoid looking at her, and apologizing on top of that? Something had to give.

  The silence grew thick, palpable. Her brow creasing into a frown, she looked to her mother for an explanation.

  “Your father and I discussed it, and we don’t feel you’re quite ready for the CEO position, at least not yet.” Her mother’s eyes were damp, and held what appeared to be sympathy.

  The words hit her like a handful of crushed ice to the face. She jerked back in her seat, drew her hand away from her father’s. “What do you mean, I’m not ready? I’ve been with FTI my whole professional life—everything I’ve done was in preparation for this day.”

  “I know, Eve,” her father said. “But you’re still in need of a bit more training in the operations of the company. When you’re ready, the job is yours.” He reached for his glass of tea.

  This was the last thing she’d expected to hear. She’d been watching her father run FTI all her life. Some of her earliest memories were of toddling around the Franklin Technologies building and sitting in her father’s big chair, coloring on scrap paper. Aside from that, she held an MBA with honors and had been closely studying the inner workings of the company for the past several years. She worked hard every day at the top of the finance department, so how could they think she wasn’t ready? “Who’s going to take over now, until I’m ‘ready’?” She emphasized the last word, struggling to remain respectful to her parents despite the negative emotions swirling inside her.

  “He’s an old friend, and a brilliant technologist. He’s coming out of retirement to help out, until you’re ready.” He finally made eye contact with her. “I still have every faith in your abilities, Eve. But for now, I feel this is the best way to proceed.”

  That drew a bitter chuckle from her lips. So, an old man, and an outsider, was coming into their family business and denying her the chance to run the company? “Seriously, Daddy? You’d rather turn things over to a senior citizen than give me a chance to prove myself?”

  He shook his head. “I didn’t say he was old, just that he was an old friend. You’ll meet him at tomorrow’s board meeting. We’ll make the official announcement then.”

  “What if I never meet your standards? Will this person get to keep the job, then?”

  He pursed his lips. “That’s pretty unlikely, Eve.”

  Anger and hurt coursed through her veins. Based on what she was hearing, her opinion on the matter didn’t count, it had already been decided. She looked down at her untouched pasta. While the delicious aroma of garlic, tomato sauce and cheese filled her nostrils, she found she’d lost her appetite. Pushing back from the table, she stood.

  “Don’t run off, Eve. Stay and enjoy dinner. We’ll talk this through.” Her mother’s eyes pleaded with her.

  “Sorry, Mama. I’m not hungry anymore. Besides, it doesn’t look like there’s anything to talk about. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Tears stung the corners of her eyes. All she wanted to do was get out of there before they saw her cry. Snatching her cardigan from the back of the chair, she shrugged into it.

  Joseph rose to his feet. “Eve, I expect you to be professional about all this. I haven’t lost faith in you, baby. Once you learn how to handle the shareholders, the public relations end and a few other things, you’ll be ready. You’ve got to understand...”

  Her eyes locked with his, she ignored the tears streaming down her cheek. “I’m sorry, Daddy, but I don’t understand any of this.”

  Before anyone could say another word, she bolted from the room. Tears blinded her path, but she swiped them away as she grabbed her purse and keys from the stone table near the front door.

  With her mother calling her name, she flung open the door and ran out, slamming it behind her.

  * * *

  When Eve walked into the boardroom Tuesday morning, the space was alive with conversation. Most of the seats around the table were full, and as she pulled out her chair to the right of her father’s seat at the head of the table, she exchanged greetings with the other executives and board members present. In a way, this was just like any of the other board meetings she attended on a monthly basis. She knew there would be departmental reports, motions and a matter of dull details to hash out. But today’s meeting would be different, and she wasn’t sure how she’d react when the time came to make the announcement.

  Last night, she’d cried herself to sleep. Today, however, she would do her best to honor her father’s request and be professional. The die had been cast, and there was no need of her making a fool of herself in front of everyone. No matter how hard it was, she was going to try to keep her emotions in check, at least until she was alone.

  The room continued to fill with people as 10 a.m. approached. Louise came in, sat across from her in the chair to the left of her father’s seat and offered a small smile. Her mother reached across the table’s polished surface and grasped her hand. Eve said nothing, but offered a nod and a small smile of her own in return.

  At two minutes till, her father finally strode in. Another man entered the room on his heels, and she felt a charge in the air. The atmosphere changed around her as a familiar scent filled her nostrils.

  Her eyes traveled up the body of the man accompanying her father. His muscular frame was draped in a well-fitting gray suit, soft blue shirt and deep blue tie. Her gaze went higher, to meet the man’s face.

  The dark eyes met hers, and recognition lit them almost immediately.

  Shit!

  Her mind registered who he was: the shirtless brother in the background of the picture Lina had texted her. Before she could stop herself, she said aloud, “Oh my God, it’s the elevator and volleyball guy...”

  All eyes turned on her, including the sexy ones belonging to the brother in the gray suit.

  He’d heard her.

  She closed her eyes, and wishe
d the floor would open up and swallow her.

  * * *

  What is she talking about?

  Darius blinked, held his eyes closed for a moment, then opened them again.

  But that didn’t change anything. The beautiful woman he’d seen on the elevator yesterday was still there, wide-eyed.

  Today she wore a navy blue sheath dress that just grazed her knees. He found he much preferred it to yesterday’s pantsuit, as this getup allowed him an unobstructed view of her long, silky-looking brown legs.

  Thinking he should respond to what she’d said, he dragged his eyes upward, toward her face. “I’m sorry, but I can’t say I’ve ever played volleyball in an elevator.” It was a nonsense response to match the nonsense statement, and he hoped it would break the tension hanging between them.

  She appeared mortified, her cheeks filled with red. She dipped her head, lay a graceful hand over her brow, as if doing her best to disappear. “That didn’t come out right.”

  Aware of the watching eyes of everyone present, he offered an easy chuckle. “Apparently.”

  A few laughs sounded around the table.

  Someone even made a comment about how the size of an elevator simply wasn’t conducive to a good volleyball game.