Add Coffee Please..

Cracking the window created a nice balance to the heat that began smothering her. Foot steady on the gas cruising at an easy 65 mph. Her mind wandering excited as she headed to her new job. Beaming with new perspective and high energy Sam couldn’t wait to get started. Focusing on the last six months she got her finances in order, marked out goals, assess relationships even start a workout regimen. Determined not to let the last months of quarantine hold any space in her mind. A short twenty minutes later, she arrives at the Hope Memorial Center. The walk to the front door presented her with the opportunity to check out the well-manicured grounds. As the people passed she took notice of everything, mannerisms, fashion style; the accents different from her norm. Sam was a NY native, where the people spoke fast, moved fast, after all time is money and it’s not called the city that never sleeps for any reason.

In the lobby of the Hope Memorial Center she waited for her liaison a woman name Sarah to begin orientation. Near the gift shop was a small cafe nestled in the corner of the lobby. She grabbed a quick Iced Latte right before hearing her name called out.

A tall handsome well-dressed man stood there to greet her, reluctant to shake hands post COVID rules he greeted her with firm eye contact and a well placed fist bump. Introducing himself as Keno Cartwright, they walked pass security to the elevators. Keno was the IT Director; he wanted to personally escort the new hire to show corporate openness within the company. His words entered her mind but she could only focus on his eyes. His mask obstructing her view helped her to regain focus listening to his instruction while giving her the grand tour. Passing the Blue Note cafeteria, his countenance changed.

“This cafeteria has some of the best food in this town,” she smirked at his enthusiasm.

It was clear she was a long way from home if the cafeteria food was the spot to be.

“I always hear music with every bite,” his solid attempt to add humor.

Not wanting him to be discouraged, she let out a quaint chuckle of her own. Keno returned to speaking about the center and proceeded to show Samantha around. As they narrow a blue hallway Keno, makes his way to the security window.

“You will need a badge to gain access to the units and secure areas within the building.”

Joe, the security guard on duty greeted his friend with a fist bump, a quick catch up later Sam knew Keno was unmarried, openly dating (mostly online though), no children and heavily thinking about adoption as a single father.

“God is this you orchestrating this, I wouldn’t mind dating him too. Make a way Jesus,” said the voice in her head.

Keno continued to tell Joe about the horrific date with a woman name Nicole. They laughed while Joe setup Samantha’s security access.

“All right, please stand in front of the blue board, remove your mask look forward and smile”.

“You have a beautiful smile Samantha,” Joe said. Keno silently agreed.

Sam was beginning to think they were a team. Joe was an obvious fan of Keno and his love life. After standing for all of five minutes, Sam received her id while checking out the photo.

“Thank you Joe for catching my good side”.

In true wingman fashion Joe went for it.

“I wouldn’t normally say this but you guys look nice standing there together.”

Keno trying to rush off fist bumped Joe again and made a beeline toward the elevators.

“Please excuse Joe, he has never done that, not sure where that came from”.

“No worries I understand”.

“Good the last on the tour Samantha here is where you will be sitting. I hope you enjoy the rest of the day. I’ll leave you to get settled in and will return shortly to make sure you’re setup with login credentials”.

“Thanks Keno”.

Sam took a moment to look over her new space and in true nature grabbed disinfectant wipes began cleaning. Wiping down the keyboard, mouse, chair and phone. Opening each desk drawer slowly as if nervous to find something awkward. Right before opening the last drawer Keno walks into her office; pulls up a chair.

“All right Sam, let’s get you logged in and setup on the desk top. These are your credentials. Once logged into the system you can change your password.”

Sam was unsure of all the attention Keno was providing her. She was not use to a Director handling all of the human resource aspects of a new hire. She liked him but didn’t want to assume his intentions. After all nowhere on the goals list she crafted was fall in love with your new boss. Was Keno a heavenly intervention or a hellish distraction? She decided to put her emotions to bed and strictly focus on the task at hand. As she continued to get up-to-date on all her duties, Keno felt the energy shift in the room.

“Samantha are you alright, is there anything I can answer for you?"

Responding with a stern friendly no, Keno was off to do some Director stuff Sam assumed or maybe to another colleague either way he was out of hair. Continuing on with inspection she opened the last drawer only to find a little black book. She thought it was really nice, too nice to leave behind. Curiosity struck her about the previous owner perhaps they might have been looking for it. The pages were empty, no lost and found for this book. A quick wipe down of the front and back and it would belong to her. As she flipped through admiring the small details, rounded edges, smooth skins, page layouts, the hard binding she noticed markings on the last few pages. Her gaze narrowed in to inspect further. How unusual she thought that the previous owner would write on the last few pages. In great detail, the owner had penned a message but to whom? Sam got up from her desk, leaving the little black book under her purse. She made a direct dash pass her colleagues knocking on Keno’s door not before taking notice of the eyes of some of the office women looking on in contempt.

“Come in”, he answered.

Sam pushed the frosted stained door and immediately was taken back at his office. Soft French music played in the background. His degrees, golf trophies and photographs of sports buddies, teammates, family photos hung on the wall. Smelling a hint of Paco Rabanne in the air.

“Is that 1 Million Lucky?”

“Yes, it is Samantha, most are unfamiliar”.

She knew that fragrance anywhere her father wore it often and she grew to love it. Hesitant to go further she knew his affection toward her changed. It was the way he said her name.

“Can I help you, is everything all right?”

“Yes Keno,” not wanting to give off any emotion.

“Quick question, who occupied the office before me, if I may ask?”

“A man name Pennington we called him Old man Pennington,” responding after glancing behind her to ensure the door was closed.

“He was a great guy actually funny and always told stories. They were always good made you really think. Why do you ask?”

“No particular reason just was curious, may I ask what happened only because you said was”.

“Well Old man Pennington passed away about a month prior to your arrival. We’ve had other hires for his position but at the very end of the hiring process the applicants all fell thru for various reasons. You’re the first one in that office since”.

“Thanks, I won’t take up anymore of your time”.

“You’re welcome Samantha”.

Walking hastily back to the office Sam couldn’t wait to read what Pennington had written. Were these his final words? Retrieving the book from under her purse.

“For the person who dares after reading this story may your days be filled with endless coffee. Many days and nights have kept me bound to this office. When I first arrived twenty years ago I was thrilled with the joy of starting a new life. Each goal planned out with the best intention financial security, perhaps a family. I just knew that my life would change all for the better. Now no need to feel sad. I lived in this office because I loved my work, had fun with my colleagues, a few arguments and office romances too. The last twenty years have been real good. In fact I never committed to real love; this job consumed me. I never had those children either to carry on legacy. I guess you choose the life you live and be grateful. From this office door I have seen many come and go with their own agendas but all shared in the same hope; that somehow life would be better. Those hopes quickly fade with passed over promotions, deaths, births, layoffs, unreturned love. I’ve seen it all. Papa, my grandfather would say, no sense in crying over spilled milk instead throw some coffee on it. Basically, no need to be unhappy with the hiccups that come along the way. I sat exactly where you sit now and today if you will trust I want you to enjoy the spilled milk. In this office is hidden twenty thousand dollars. I can only imagine the look of shock as you read this".

Sam slammed the book shut clutching it tightly to her chest. Keno walked directly through her open door abruptly inviting her lunch. All she wanted was to return to the book but remembering the spilled milk metaphor, she obliged. Immediately she decided that Keno was a heavenly intervention. She couldn’t help how his presence made her feel. This day had not been anything as she imagined it. First the new position, Keno then Old man Pennington. A good meal with a handsome man was a good distraction.

“Glad you decided to accompany me to lunch”.

“How could I pass up the opportunity for food and good company?”

That made Keno smile. Engaging in conversation a short while later they had arrived at one of Keno’s favs in town. A quaint little fish spot with rustic vibes. Calling ahead he preordered Salmon dishes, his friend was the chef. Sam didn’t mind him taking the lead the confidence was refreshing. With his mask fully off, Keno was godly and Sam was all in. Before long it was over and back to work they drove. Gesturing that she could do it again off work, Keno knew he left a great impression. They entered the office separately remaining professional. Unlocking her desk drawer grabbing the book she continued to read.

“No need to be alarmed. You are like the many that have come thru these office doors sharing in the same hope that we all had. But imagine another life a new beginning, someone to love, children, maybe even a business of your own. Why settle for a good life when you can have a great one. My life could have been filled with legacy instead of ledgers. I want you to be my legacy. If you can find where I have hidden it then it is yours. Be my legacy - Charles Pennington”.

She searched the obvious places and still nothing. He would leave it close to the book, she thought. Closing the book once more the back cover felt a little bumpy. The end paper was slightly lifted she had not noticed before. There was something like a stuck paper bulging from underneath. Lifting the end paper carefully it fell, the check hidden in plain sight twenty thousand dollars. Old man Pennington helped Sam to believe BIG again. She quit that day. Started her studio and fell in love with Keno of course.