“What if I can get more done this week? Can you give me another chance to try harder?” I ask while my foot bounces under the table.
She tilts her head. “You don’t want an out? From your lack of partnership with Kenzie, I assumed you would be jumping for joy at this idea.”
“What does that mean?” My voice lowers, and I instantly feel bad for my tone. Joyce isn’t the problem here.
She picks at something on her shirt and smiles. “Calm down, Bentley. Kenzie said the same as you. That you did everything she asked, but she didn’t ask much from you. I can assume that’s because you’re being too much of a man, or you’re too busy, or maybe it’s a little of both. Either way, I’ve made my own assumptions based on my many years of acquired wisdom.”
Joyce hands me a couple of sheets of paper. I take them. Though, I don’t know what I’m looking at.
“All of the other partners have met several times. They’ve worked together by communicating near daily and helping the other when needed. You and Kenzie are the only two who didn’t meet to get work done since our last meeting. I have no doubt in my heart that you want to see Resolutions get the donations they need, but maybe I was wrong in asking for more from you than your business sense.”
A vice wraps around my chest, squeezing hard. I hate that I’ve let Joyce down. I want to blame Kenzie for my lack of efforts, but I’m a grown-ass man and I should have done better.
I drum my fingers on the plastic tabletop. “I’m sorry, Joyce. Give me this week to make things right. I’ll call Kenzie and set up a meeting with her, so we can get on the same page with the tasks you’ve asked of us.”
She gives her head a slight shake, but says nothing, so I add, “Please, let me make this right.”
Our eyes lock, and I don’t back down. I should, but I can’t. The need to see this through is strong, regardless of how busy I am at work or how much better it would be for me to stay away from Kenzie.
Joyce sighs, and her shoulders drop. “Fine, but you only get this week. If I don’t see progress by Monday, then you’re done with the fundraiser…besides writing that big check I know you like giving me every year.”
Her wrinkled lips lift into a smile, and I stand, pulling Joyce into a hug. “Thank you. I won’t let you down again.”
Joyce pats my back. “I know. You’re a good man, Bentley. You just need to show more people that side of you. Not just little old ladies like me.”
I take a step toward the door. “Hey, my new employees like me just fine.”
She nods. “I’m sure they do, but I’m not getting any younger. You might not be blood, but I’ve enjoyed getting to know your heart over the years. I want to see you happy before I leave this world.”
My throat aches. “I am happy.”
She tsks. “If you think that, then I’ve got a lot more work to do with you.”
Joyce shuffles past me, and I try not to dwell on her comment. Instead, I head toward the front door, ignoring the meowing cat on the front desk, and pull my phone out of my pocket.
I have a lunch meeting to plan with a woman I probably need to apologize to but really don’t want to.