“Many of you already may have gotten wind of some changes coming to the company,” he begins, “and I want to assure you, they’re all good. Despite the difficulties other firms have been having in this economy, we’re doing quite well. And that’s thanks, in large part, to all of you. Give yourselves a round of applause.”
There’s some half-hearted clapping, then Marvin shouts, “Huzzah, people!” which breaks the tension a little bit. For most people. I still feel as taut as a new rubber band on a teenager’s braces.
As the chuckles and murmurs die down, Mr. Peal continues, “You all know we’re here today to make an important announcement, and for that, I’m going to turn it over to Gary.”
Gary steps forward. Jude pushes his plate of untouched food away and unnecessarily wipes his mouth, throws his napkin on top of the full plate, straightens his sleeves, and generally fidgets. A flash of black under the table catches my attention as he squirms. The wingtips are present and particularly shiny.
Looking at his feet, though, reminds me of what Leslie said, so I have to physically clutch at the wall behind me to prevent myself from bolting for the door.
Gary clears his throat. “Hello, everybody. Today is an exciting day for the company, but in particular for the Commercial Division. We’re branching out in a big way, and Mr. Jude Weatherington”—he gestures to Jude—“is going to be a huge part of that growth.
“In the year Jude’s been with us, he’s been instrumental in some of the biggest, most prestigious jobs this company’s had to date. And he’s handled everything with tenacity, enthusiasm, and an attention to detail that is second-to-none in the industry. I’m confident when I say that.”
Before I can stifle it, a huge swell of pride fills my chest. I know how hard he works and how much he generally eschews recognition for it. I hope he’s letting these words sink in.
He still looks extremely uncomfortable, though. Reflexively, I shoot him an encouraging smile when he glances my way. It’s hard to tell who’s more surprised by it, him or me. I didn’t think it was possible for my lips to shape themselves into a smile, especially in this moment, especially in his direction. He blinks—hard—and returns his attention to the napkin on his plate.
Gary continues, “But what really sets Jude apart is his vision. Without it, we wouldn’t be kicking the competition’s butts like we are.” He pauses for everyone to laugh at his impertinence. “Anyway, that’s why we’ve chosen him to be in charge when we open our brand new branch shortly after the first of the New Year… in London, England!” At that, he claps and motions for Jude to stand up.
The rest of the room erupts too, so I feel fairly invisible as I stand open-mouthed and frozen, watching Jude smile as he shakes the hands of all the suits at the front of the room and nods to the room at large. Everyone except me, that is. He doesn’t give me a second glance.
I, on the other hand, keep my eyes glued to him after I quickly recover. First of all, I don’t want to see anyone else looking over at me to gauge my reaction to the news. Secondly, I’m begging him telepathically to look at me. Just for a second. I want him to know I can handle this. I’m still here. I’m not running. And I’m not a puddle on the floor. On the outside, at least.
But he stubbornly ignores me and nervously addresses the rest of the room when it finally quiets again. “Ahem. Well. Right. Thanks. Wow.” He rubs his eyebrow and smiles shyly. “Uh… I want to say, first off, that I’m very honored by this opportunity. So, thanks to those of you”—he gestures down the table—“who have the confidence in me to do this. I’ll try not to make a fist of things. Huh-huh.” He seems to gain confidence as he continues. “The next few weeks are going to be busy as we assemble a team to populate the London office. I’m told I get my pick, so that’s quite exciting. I’ll be getting with some of you very soon to discuss that.”
After a deep breath, he adds, “And I’m also excited to be embarking on this venture a bit closer to my family. They’re very pleased that I’m coming home. So…” He trails off, then says to Gary, “That’s really all I have to say, I suppose. Oh! Except…”
I find myself holding my breath, waiting for that Hollywood moment where he says one sweet, simple thing that fixes everything between us, then proposes to me in front of everyone.
“Libby, I have a very good explanation about what Leslie said. Until I can talk to you in private, please believe me. But”—he steps away from the table and walks over to where I’m standing, pulling a velvet box from his pocket and kneeling in front of me—“for now, would you please make me the happiest bloke in the world and say you’ll come with me to London? And become my assistant—no, my partner—for the rest of my life?”
He clears his throat. “I do want to say thank you to everyone who’s ever worked on a project with me. Vision can only take one so far; I’ve had a couple of people”—he points to Marvin—“pull my feet out of the fire and translate my rather vague visions into reality. Thanks for that.”
“Do I get to go with you to London, Jude-Dude?” Marvin shouts.
Jude laughs. “Absolutely, if you want to. You were tops on my list, actually.”
“Suh-weet!” Marvin declares, going back to attacking his roast beef.
I wish I could laugh with everyone
