“That is almost exactly what the data says.”
He closed the folder.
“What are you going to do?”
“Rebuild complex diagnostic escalation teams.”
“Local positions?”
“Some.”
“Remote?”
“Some.”
“Experienced field staff paired with software instead of replaced by it.”
He nodded.
“That makes sense.”
The CEO waited.
He looked at her.
“What?”
“You’re not impressed.”
“It makes sense.”
“That is executive-level praise from you?”
“Yes.”
She laughed.
Then became serious.
“I also found your reassignment request.”
His expression cooled.
She continued carefully.
“You asked for predictable local work after your wife died.”
“Yes.”
“We refused.”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
He looked toward the window.
“That wasn’t you.”
“It was my company.”
“You weren’t CEO.”
“My name is on the building now.”
He looked back.
“That doesn’t mean you inherit every sin.”
“No.”
“But I inherit responsibility for what remains broken.”
That answer changed something.
Small.
Important.
The Single Dad looked at her for a long moment.
Then:
“That was a good answer.”
The CEO smiled.
“Finally.”
He laughed.
Their coffee arrived.
The CEO reached for hers.
The Single Dad touched her wrist.
She looked up.
He released it immediately.
“Sorry.”
“No.”
Her voice softened.
“Don’t be.”
He looked at her.
The waitress walked away.
The CEO leaned slightly forward.
“So.”
“So?”
“You made me wait until I wasn’t your customer.”
“Yes.”
“I’m not.”
“No.”
“I’m sober.”
He laughed.
“What?”
“You didn’t require that.”
“I’m adding it.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
She moved closer.
“Can I kiss you?”
The Single Dad stared.
The CEO suddenly looked less powerful than she had in the garage.
Not weak.
Just waiting.
That mattered.
He smiled faintly.
“Yes.”
She kissed him.
Slowly.
No audience.
No emergency.
No money attached.
His hand settled lightly at her waist.
Her fingers touched the side of his neck.
The kiss deepened for a few seconds.
Then they separated.
The CEO remained close.
“That was irritatingly worth waiting for.”
He smiled.
“You’re welcome.”
She laughed.
His phone buzzed.
He looked.
His daughter.
“I have to go.”