4. Lily

Lily

Three weeks later

Training had been an unbelievable pain in my ass. We just had our first snowstorm, which threatened the power a few times but, luckily, we had a backup generator. Ethan was out of town for my first two weeks, and I barely saw him. Even though our desks were right beside each other. Helga’s last day was coming up, and I wanted to ensure that her notebook of cheats and years of notes had every possible scenario listed. Since I’d started, I’d already made some big calls and hired a few tremendous new assets to our hospitality division. I enjoyed everything the company worked toward and our mission.

Finalizing the last details of my current project was a breeze. I worked alongside a few coworkers and helped throw one of the most fantastic retirement-going-away parties. Of course, this was the first one I’ve been part of. However, it was nice to be involved in something that felt like a family outside of family, but it was still work. Did that make sense? Once everything was in place, and we knew she was coming back from her lunch break, we got into position, and the entire staff was ready to give her the ultimate surprise!

We counted down from twenty as the elevator passed each floor. Once we heard the final ding, we knew it was time. I looked around, gave everyone the cue, and as she stepped off with her final few boxes and a beautiful bouquet of flowers, we all jumped out and screamed.

“SURPRISE!!”

“Oh, dear lord! What in the heavens have you all done?! It’s not my birthday, you fools!” She looked around in tears. I think that was when it finally hit her. “Oh, you’re ready to finally get rid of me and replace me with the hot new piece of ass!” She walked over and slapped my ass for emphasis. “These are for you. I’m proud of your growth over the last three weeks. I have one more box to remove from my room, and then she’s all yours.” She smiled, but tears furiously filled my eyes.

“I’m going to miss you like hell, Helga!” I sobbed like a lonely, little lost girl. “I know you gave me the best notes on the planet, but I still feel like I’ll be lost without you!” Helga hugged me tighter, trying to keep a leash on her own tears.

“You were trained by the best, Lily. You got this,” one of the other managers cheered.

I gave a watery laugh and reverted everyone’s attention to Helga. “This party isn’t about me or anything to do with HR. This is all about Helga. I know I am new here, but I’m sure that Helga has impacted each of our lives somehow.” I held up my glass of apple juice.

“For one, she helped me learn the ins-and-outs of all your histories, and now I know most of you by name. She has a great system in place that helps with our jobs. Knowing she kept going for almost thirty years is impressive. I hope someday you will all love me as much as Helga,” I toasted, sipping my juice and walking over to join the others.

“You’re too sweet, Lily. You’re a fast learner. You’re going to do great. You can always call me if you need me.” She smiled.

“Helga was the first person I talked to and hired when we opened our hospitality business. We started as a bed and breakfast and then blossomed into what we are today. She is the face of how we want to treat our customers and patrons. Helga was one of the first to suggest wall schemes for each floor. She suggested every floor change we’d made over the years. And we merged my father’s company and mine to turn it into what it is today!”

“Helga, thank you for being the face of Brennan Hospitality Corporate. The third floor will be dedicated and named ‘the Helga floor’. That change will go into effect next…” Ethan trailed off as he looked around, then back to me.

“Next Friday, sir,” I added after fishing out my notes. I was now an essential part of the business.

“I get the third floor named after me? That’s so honorary! Thank you for celebrating me and my time here, but I see a beautiful stack of donuts, and I’m starving. So, let’s eat, be merry, and celebrate! Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family.” Helga was now in tears. I handed her a few tissues to wipe her face.

Later, Helga pulled me to the side. “I have something special for you. You may never need it, but it’s an emergency pack for if the power ever goes out on our floor. As you know, the only way in or out is through the elevators. Other than the service stairs and fire escape route, those doors only open when the fire alarm is pulled. Either way, I wanted to ensure you were always cared for. Inside is a fire extinguisher, a blanket, an inhaler, a battery- operated mini heater, and a backup battery that always needs to be plugged up. I have marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Everyone needs a s’mores day! Plus, you’ll stay warm if there is a power outage. It rarely happens, but if it does, you’ve now got this.” Helga hugged me as she rummaged through the box of necessities.

“Helga, this is amazing. I feel like we should hand one of these out to all the offices. This is incredible.” I returned her hug, and it was soon time for us to all head home.

“You deserve this. You worked hard for this position.” She nodded toward Ethan, who raised a glass and lightly tapped it with his fork.

“I’d like everyone’s attention, please.”

We all looked at Ethan, trying to determine what the next announcement would be.

“As we all know by now, Ms. Lily Buchanan has been training with Helga. She’s a fast learner and a great asset to the company. She is now the VP of HR and Labor Relations. Let’s officially welcome Lily to the team!” Ethan said as Braxton stepped off the elevator, holding a huge bouquet of flowers. I immediately burst into tears.

“Little sister! I’m so proud of you for making it big so fast! However, did you land this job at your age?” he teased.

“Hard work and determination,” Helga said before I could say anything.