Obsidian (Mystic Stones Series #1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

in the lobby. His eyes found mine just as I entered the large open room. A sly grin crossed his face as his gaze touched me.
    “Ava, you look lovely today, as always,” Tom said, crossing the room to meet me.
    I tried to conceal a smile. As if I could keep it away when Tom was around. “Thank you, Tom. You’re so sweet. Are you ready for lunch?”
    “Yes, where would you like to go?”
    “Oh, somewhere simple. How about that café across the street?”
    “That sounds good to me. Are we keeping with our no business deal?” he asked as we began to walk out. He placed a light hand on my lower back.
    “Yes, we can talk business later. After the staff meeting, I’ll come to the warehouse. We can talk there,” I said.
    The café was close to the main gate of Herrick-Peyton, so we walked to lunch, as we commented on how beautiful the day was. The floral aroma of Hilo was in the air. I loved the way the gardens perfumed the whole city when the breeze gently blew.
    Tom bought lunch. It came as no surprise to me considering he was always the perfect gentleman. We sat at one of the outdoor tables with our sandwiches and talked.
    “What is your middle name?” Tom asked, somewhat out of the blue.
    “Mae, what’s yours?” I said. A giggle escaped my lips.
    “Lorence. Who is your biggest role model? The person who’s influenced you the most?” he asked. He leaned forward as I thought about my answer.
    “My mom, I suppose. She always taught me to follow my dreams no matter what anyone said. She supported me in everything I did. She helped me find myself.”
    The conversation went on as we asked each other more questions; anything to keep the conversation from veering towards business. Too soon, we had to return to Herrick-Peyton. In the lobby we said our good-byes. Tom stopped me from walking away too quickly.
    “Technically, it’s not lunch anymore, so I’m going to tell you. Herrick-Peyton took the offer. Act surprised when they announce it at your meeting, and I’ll see you soon, okay?” Tom said. Our eyes stayed locked together as he boarded the elevator.
    Once he was gone, I steadied my mind. This was actually happening. I was going to be changing jobs.
    I turned and then went into my office where the meeting was about to begin. Everyone had gathered in the big boardroom. I imagined everyone expected instructions for the time that the satellites were going to be out, or maybe they thought we were all in some kind of trouble. Of course, I knew better than that.
    One of the shareholders stood at the front while the rest of them sat on each side of the table. He was the prime shareholder in the company, Joe Herrick.
    “Alright people, let’s get started,” Herrick announced in a monotone voice.
    Everyone quieted down and turned their attentions to him.
    “Today, the shareholders attended a meeting with Psytech, a worldwide company that has a rapidly expanding branch here in Hawaii. You may also be aware, they are Ava Tanner’s clients. It is so rapidly expanding, in fact, that they need a building our size, and so they offered to buy our building and the ten warehouses. After much discussion, we decided to accept their offer.”
    Everyone gasped, and I did too just to play along. Whispers filled the room.
    “Calm down everyone. Now, Psytech has extended a welcoming arm to our employees here at Herrick-Peyton. If you wish, you may take a position in their company at the same or higher pay. There will be a sign-up tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. if you wish to accept this job offer. They will place you where they believe you would do best, and if you wish to accept, please do so with a free conscience as we will no longer be active as a company and will have no need for your services. Simon will find places for your clients to move to and has been offered an exceptional position within the Psytech Company.”
    I looked to Simon. Apparently, the news of a job offer from Psytech was a surprise to him as well.