Chapter Three - David's Brilliant Plan
The alarm jarred Harry and Karen out of sleep and they both went through the motions of getting ready for work. Neither were speaking much because they were both lost in their own thoughts. Karen was thinking, 'Harry is going back to work and will be with Mia again.' Harry was thinking, 'Karen is going to work becoming more independent, making him obsolete. She had left the house right after he had worked so hard on a romantic dinner. Karen was leaving him a little at a time.' They said brief goodbyes and went off in a rush in different directions.
Harry rushed past Mia with a quick "Morning". Mia stood up and said, "Good Mor.." but Harry shut the door before she finished. He sent an e-mail to all his designers for a meeting in a half hour. He got his notes together and walked to the conference room not looking up from his papers.
Around 11:30 a.m., David and his security guard, Gavin, made their way to the Fairtrade office. As they approached Harry's office they saw Harry coming around the corner eyes down on his paperwork. David raised his hand and was going to call to him when Mia jumped out of her chair, put her hands on Harry's chest and said pointedly, "Oh no. You are not avoiding me again."
Harry looked up at her. "I'm not avoiding you. I'm just busy."
Mia gave him a pouty look, "But I haven't even had the chance to give you your Christmas present."
Harry cleared his throat. "I don't want a present."
Mia fingered her necklace and countered, "But you gave me such a lovely gift. I just want to give you something special."
Harry looked uncomfortable and kept backing toward his office door, "I told you, that wasn't from me. It was a gift from Fairtrade for a new employee doing such a good job on the office Christmas party; kind of an end of year bonus for new employees."
He made it to his door and dashed behind it shutting it quickly. Mia muttered under her breath, "Damn it. He's not interested. I've lost." She reached up and removed the necklace and looked at it sadly. She went to her desk and placed it in the top drawer. She then took off down the hall.
David and Gavin had stayed back taking in the whole sordid scene. David walked to Harry's door and knocked quietly. There was no answer. He turned the knob and stepped cautiously inside. He was shocked at what he saw. Harry had his head buried in his arms on his desk. He was sobbing, "Karen please don't leave me. Please forgive me. I am so sorry. Damn, I've been a bloody fool. I love you Karen."
David stepped back behind the door and knocked louder and called, "Harry, are you in there?"
A few moments later, Harry opened the door, having tried to pull himself together but his eyes were still rimmed red behind his glasses. He held out his hand and said, "David, it's good to see you. Come in."
David said, "Actually I was wondering if you could get away for a visit to my place for lunch and a little chat?"
Harry mused, "A lunch invitation from the Prime Minister. How can I refuse? I've finished with my meeting and I'm really not into work today. Sure, let me finish up a few things. Give me about five to ten minutes."
David grinned, "Great. I'll just wait outside here." He backed out of the office and shut the door.
As David turned around he saw Mia coming around the corner. She looked up at David with a huge smile, "Hello Mr. Prime Minister. How are you?"
David answered, "Fine, Fine."
Mia said, "I see in the papers that you found my neighbor, Natalie, lucky girl."
She gave him a smoldering look. It didn't take her long to move on.
David suddenly got an idea and he said, "No, I'm the lucky one. Um, Mia, I've heard that you are a fantastic secretary and party planner. I really could use someone of your obvious talents in my staff. Could I persuade you to consider leaving Fairtrade and joining the government? I'm sure Harry would understand duty to country first."
David was thinking, 'I'm brilliant. I could help my sister and Harry get Mia out of here. Also, Mia would be perfect to entertain certain dignitaries like the President of the United States. He would definitely find her assets desirable. That would keep him away from Natalie. Mia would love the idea of having the attentions of a powerful man like the President.' He looked at Mia with an eager grin.
Mia was mulling the offer over. She loved the idea of working for the Prime Minister. What a fantastic opportunity he was offering her. She would be able to meet all kinds of fascinating people. She had only worked for Fairtrade for 4 months. She liked her job and loved her boss, but Harry was definitely not comfortable with her attraction to him. He had been avoiding her since Christmas.
She finally answered, "I'd love to come and work for you. I just have to give my two weeks notice."
David said quickly, "I would like for you to start Monday if you could. I'll clear it all with Harry, being his brother-in-law and all. I'll get him a temporary replacement until he can fill your position. It will be fine. He owes me a favor."
He thought, 'Well at least he does now.' David continued, "Just leave your written resignation for him and I'll break the news to him this afternoon. You won't have to deal with the messy business. Leave that to me. Be at my office at 9:00, Monday and give this card to my personal advisor, Annie. She will show you everything you need to know."
Mia smiled broadly taking the card, "Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything. I'll be there early ready to give it my all." David smiled back, "I think it will work out wonderfully for all of us."
Harry came out of his office and said, "Sorry it took so long, David. I'm ready to go. Mia, I'll be gone for the rest of the afternoon. Hold down the fort."
Mia looked at Harry with regret, "Will do boss. I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed working here. You've been the best boss ever. I wish you all the best. Goodbye Boss."
Harry looked at her in total confusion, "Um Right. OK. Goodbye."