The next morning, as Catherine woke up, she stayed in bed for a moment, thinking what a momentous day this would be for her. It was her last day at the firm, and tonight, she would be surprising Vincent with a long awaited dinner date!
So as she prepared her self for the first part of the day, she got ready and decided to walk the course from her apartment to the firm. And as she walked, a sadness washed over her, as she realized this was the last time, she would travel it...as a corporate lawyer.
Yes, Catherine loved this walk past all the familiar shops, and the friendly sidewalk venders. And she especially enjoyed it this time of year, when Christmas carols filled the air, and the store's windows, were all dressed with Holiday flare and Christmas decorations.
And on this morning, as Catherine walked, she contemplated what the day will be like? Will everyone make a big deal over her leaving? She didn't want that! Or did she? She did know there would be a surprise party of sorts, because of all the mystery going on yesterday...and though Catherine didn't like being the center of attention. she would graciously accept what ever her Dad and the others had planned.
So, as she rode up in the elevator, Catherine anticipated what was most likely going to happen...there would probably be a farewell sign, like the one they hung for Max when he left, and maybe everyone would be there to greet her, like they had for him, on her last day too.
Well, as the doors opened, Catherine expectantly looked around, and hesitantly walked out of the elevator, into a busy, bustling "SIGN-LESS" lobby, which was very status quo!
And because there was no fanfare as of yet, Catherine scrupulously, stepped up to the desk of a very preoccupied Rita!
And as Catherine stood patiently, waiting for Rita to acknowledge her, she began to absentmindedly tap her fingers on the desk!
Meantime, the sound of the tapping alerted Rita to finally look up, and so she waved hi, and then placed her hand over the receiver, and whispered, "Oh Brother...one of those days!"
Rita then motioned to the corner, and asked, "Grab the mop for me will ya Cathy, I spilled my coffee again!"
Catherine gave her an understanding smile, and put down her purse and stacks of updated files, she finished up last night. And so opening the door to the cleaning closet, she grabbed the mop, and courteously mopped up the spillage for Rita, like she had a few times in the past.
As she placed the mop back into its bucket, Catherine returned Rita's thank you wave, with a you're welcome wave of her own.
As Catherine continued her trek back to her office, she passed many co-workers, who many of whom, barely acknowledged her!
Thinking everyone was so busy, and normal today, she was beginning to wonder if anyone got the memo, that this was her last day!
As Catherine continued onward, she knocked, before peaking into her Dad's office to say good morning to him. But as she opened the door, she found her Dad, with his glasses nestled low on his nose, busily checking over some briefs.
Hating to interrupt, Catherine said hi, and then teased, "Look at you Dad. So busy already. I only wanted to say good morning."
As Charles finally looked up, he said, "Back at ya Cathy, hey, I may be away from the office most of the afternoon, there's a new judge being appointed, and my presence is respectfully requested at this boring affair. I certainly hope they serve something other than Chipped Beef on Toast."
Catherine sadly smiled, thinking even her own Dad, seemed to have forgotten this was her last day, and to top it off, he would not even be in the office when it was time for her final departure!
And so Catherine tried to sound unaffected by this unexpected lack of attention, and encouragingly said, "Maybe it won't be boring Dad, just imagine you just may enjoy yourself seeing some of your old friends there."
Catherine then teasingly asked, "Hmm, what is it you always used to say to me? Ah yes, if you don't have a good time, it is your own damn fault!"
Charles sternly looked above his glasses, and said, "No fair throwing my words back at me Cathy."
Catherine laughed and said, "A dirty trick I know..."
And then Charles informatively added, "Oh by the way, Mark called, and he wants to go over your pension plan this afternoon...you know, discuss putting money away for retirement, all that boring type stuff."
As Catherine heard the word retirement, she frowned as she said, "Retirement? Do I really have to worry about that at my age Dad?"
To which Charles replied, "The earlier the better! It will be painless, I promise."
Agreeing to do so, Catherine then said, "Well, if you say so. Talk to you later Dad."
Disappointedly, Catherine closed her Dad's office door, and realized she must have been wrong about a party being thrown on her behalf. And instead of any special acknowledgment from her Dad, all she got was retirement talk!
So, as she went across the hall to open her office door, she looked up, and startlingly saw her name plate was already replaced with Harvey's!
Feeling a bit surreal, as a new disappointment topped the last, she then opened her door, and found Harvey looking quite at home...sitting at her desk! Looking up at her, he then looked at his watch, as if to acknowledge she was 5 minutes late, and said, "Good morning Cathy."
Catherine smiled weakly, and felt as if she should explain, and so she told him she was on time, but had stopped to help Rita at the reception Desk. And when she began to explain,
Harvey curtly said, "No problem, let's get down to business, shall we?"
In reply, Catherine nodded, and then went to hang her coat up on her usual hook, and then she helplessly looked around for another place, since Harvey's coat was already occupying that spot too!
Ultimately, hanging her coat on the door knob, she then turned to her coffee station,
thinking only a hot cup of java could help straighten this day out! And so as she went to pour herself some steaming black coffee, she noticed it was just hot water in the decanter instead.
With a start, she looked over at Harvey, and in a questioning manner, she asked, "Just hot water? Did you forget the grounds?"
To which Harvey replied, "Not at all, I am off caffeine..."
And then he motioned to the drawer and said, "But there's some decaffeinated tea bags in there, just help yourself."
Thinking because she was up so late, caffeine was the reason for the coffee! So in reply, Catherine disappointedly, yet politely said, "Thanks any way...I guess I will pass."
Catherine then pulled up one of the chairs normally used by clients, and after clearing her throat, she opened one of the files, and efficiently said, "I have some things I want to go over with you on a few of the cases."
Just then the phone rang, and as Catherine went to answer it, Harvey beat her to it, and answered the phone instead!
So as Catherine sat there, expecting at any moment, Harvey would be passing the phone to her, he didn't! He simply handled the call himself!
And it was after Harvey hung up, that he matter-of-factly mentioned, "Oh before we get started, Rich from the copy room called about 10 minutes ago, and said the deposition had been printed and is ready for pickup, well, I hate to ask...but would you mind?"
And because Catherine was feeling out of place in her own office any way, she gladly complied, and got up to get the printed out depo.
To which Harvey said that would be great, and then picked up another incoming phone call.
And so as Catherine The Errand Girl, walked out into the hall, she felt the tears well up in her eyes! And so as she tried to shake off the hurt feelings, which came from being so quickly replaced, she then proceeded down to the copy room.
As she walked in, Rich the copy guy, smiled at her and cheerfully said hello! And then he informatively said, "Just have a seat, unfortunately the ink was low, and the deposition printed out too light, so I have to do it all over again...I suppose it is passable, but you know Harvey, he likes everything just so!"
As Catherine took in a deep breath, she agreeably said, "Yes he is a perfectionist, that's true."
Catherine then honed in on Rich's coffee station, and as she stepped up to it, she quizzically asked, "Is this decaf?"
In disbelief, Rich asked, "Are you kidding? What would be the point of drinking Coffee if you take out the punch?"
Happy that Rich thought like her, Catherine replied, "Exactly!"
And then she asked, "Do you mind?"
With a wave of his hand, said, "You don't have to ask, and help your self to a donut too if you want. Disclaimer alert...they are from yesterday, but are still passable."
Catherine smiled as she poured herself a cup, and since there was no surprise breakfast buffet to commemorate her last day from her Dad, she decided to indulge, and have a day old donut courtesy of Rich too!
Catherine then sat down with a coveted cup of real coffee, and stale donut, and had an obscure, yet pleasant visit with Rich the copy guy!
And so, as Catherine enjoyed her breakfast, she asked, "So what is a day like for you around here?"
Raising his brow, he said, "Busy, hectic, and very underrated! Everyone takes me for granted, and they want their copies done yesterday! In fact you are one of the only people around here, besides your Dad of course, who even says thank you! Some of the "Hot Dogs" around here dash in and grab, and then dash right back out again, without even so much as a kiss my as....err...well a thank you!"
After a small chuckle, Catherine tilted her head sorrowfully and said, "Well I am sorry to hear that Rich. You really do have a pivotal position here. I am surprised not everyone realizes that."
With a shrug of his shoulders, Rich replied, "Well, that's the way it is."
Just then his phone rang, and after Rich hung up, he said, "That was Rita, and I guess your pension guy is in the Board Room waiting for you! She said it's something about your retirement plan."
Upon hearing this news flash, Catherine jumped up and said, "Oh no, Dad said he was coming in the afternoon! Well I better go meet him...and I will just pick up the deposition afterwards."
And because Catherine realized Harvey will wonder where she is, she hesitantly asked, "Rich, could I trouble you, to let Harvey know where I am?"
To which Rich efficiently stated, "No problem, and don't worry about the depo, I'll deliver it when it is done printing out."
Appreciating this fellow caffeine junkie's help, Catherine sincerely said, "Thanks so much Rich, oh, and thanks for breakfast too!"
But before Catherine left, since Rich didn't seem to know this was her last day either, she thought she should mention it. And so she turned and began to say, "I don't suppose you know this is..."
But because Rich was already gone, Catherine laughed at her self, thinking she couldn't even drum up a gratuitous farewell wish.
And so, back in action, Catherine raced down the hall to the board room, to attend this unexpected meeting! And as she ran, she brushed the powdered sugar from her skirt, straitened her suit, and smoothed down her hair too."
And so Catherine now stood at the board room door, but before she turned the door knob, she took a deep breath, gathered her composure, and then walked in.
And because of the unexpected sight before her, Catherine looked up in shock, as everyone shouted, "Surprise!"
Even Rich was there, and when Catherine saw him, she asked, "Rich...did you set me up?"
Nodding yes, Rich then gleefully admitted, "Punked!"
Everyone laughed, and Catherine did too, but then she began to cry! And because Charles saw Catherine was quite emotional, he walked up to his daughter, and with a hug, compassionately, yet hesitantly asked, "Surprised?"
And as she tearfully smiled, Catherine said, "Yes! The way everyone was acting, including you Dad, well I was beginning to think no one knew this was my last day!"
To which Charles jokingly said, "Awe, well maybe I over did it, and underestimated the acting talent around here. We didn't mean to make you cry Honey."
And then Catherine tried to lighten the mood, as she looked over at Harvey, and teasingly noted, "Although I had no doubt that Harvey knew it was my last day, because his name plate is on the door already!"
With a smile, Harvey held up his magnetized name plate, and said, "Just a fake Cathy!"
Everyone laughed at the touch Harvey threw in with the name plate, and then Harvey warmly explained, "We are all in agreement Cathy, we are not taking your name off of that door until you tell us for sure, you are not coming back."
Harvey then began to chuckle, as he said, "Oh and sorry about sitting in your chair too. but you should have seen your face, when you saw me behind your desk!"
Harvey then looked around at everyone, and shared, "When Cathy walked in and I was sitting in her chair, it was priceless, she didn't know what to do!"
To which Catherine, chuckled a bit too, before she efficiently declared, "Well I simply did what I had to do! I pulled up one of the chairs our clients use!"
Everyone laughed, and then Catherine raised a brow, as she proposed, "And Dad, I have a suggestion, we need to get more comfortable chairs!"
With a comical nod, Charles waited for the laughter to subside, and then said, "Thanks for the suggestion Dear Daughter...but then again, I am wondering, if we get too comfy of a chair, our clients may never wanna leave!"
As everyone howled, Charles milked the crowd a bit more, when he looked around and asked, "I mean, just how long do we want a consultation to last? Just askin'!"
And because the associates always loved the good natured banter between Charles and his daughter, the crowd roared even more, and over the laughter, words in agreement with Charles could be heard too!
Rita then jovially added to the fun by saying, "And thank you for mopping up my coffee this morning! Poor girl!"
Rita then looked around to relay, "Here Cathy was, on her last day, without any fanfare or anything, and then I ask her to get a mop!"
Catherine laughed as she shared with everyone, "Well I will admit, I was glad to do it, for old time's sake..."
To which Rita curtly teased, "You haven't cleaned up THAT many of my spills young lady!"
With a raised brow, Catherine smiled, and admitted, "Not so many, but a few..."
As the levity died away, Catherine then warmly looked up at her Dad, and then around at everyone and said, "I am going to miss working with everyone, more than I can say."
It was then both Rita and Marilyn stepped up to Catherine, and it was Rita who spoke first saying, "Nothing is etched in stone Dear. If you are not happy at the DA, you just come back home."
Catherine loved and appreciated Rita's sweet words, because this WAS like home. After her Mom died, little Cathy had spent endless hours here. Where they all cared and looked after her, helping Charles fill in the gaps, in every which way they could.
And then in a motherly fashion, Marilyn took Catherine by the hand, and said,
"Come and look at your cake Honey!"
And as they stood before the cake, Catherine smiled at the humor of it, because the
cake had a picture of herself, with a Sherlock Holmes hat and magnifying glass, and
the sentiments said:
"It may sound Elementary but we will miss you Cathy"
And it was then, everyone began to shout, "Speech! Speech!"
Catherine smiled, and through her tears, she said, "I just want to say, all of you at this firm, are the best group of people, anyone could ever hope to work with...and many of you may be wondering why I am making this change, and well, all I can say, it is something my heart is calling for, and I feel I must follow this path..."
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Catherine, in an attempt to smooth things over between his daughter and her new boss, Charles had invited Joe Maxwell along with Paul and Jennifer to her farewell party.
And so it was then, in the middle of Catherine's speech, that Jennifer, Paul and Joe arrived. And so discreetly they stepped inside the Board Room, and listened as Catherine continued, "...and I must admit...it was not an easy decision to leave this great law firm, where I have had the opportunity to learn from a most gifted and renowned attorney...my Dad, who happens to be a great boss too. And so, because of all the reasons I just sited, I ask myself the million dollar question...why would I leave, to go work at the D.A, where my new, arrogant, judgemental boss, already seems to hate me..."
And as Catherine went on and on, both Paul and Jennifer began to clear their throats to get her attention, hoping to thwart her from using any more adjectives!
And just as Catherine stopped talking because of the coughing, Joe, stepped through the crowd, and said, "Sarcastic and judgmental? Ahh Radcliffe, now you are sounding just like my Ma!"
As Catherine spun around, her eyes nearly popped as she looked at a smug, smiling Joe!
Meanwhile, the crowd turned white, and cringed along with Charles, who could not believe his decorous daughter was blowing it again!
And all Catherine could bring herself to babble, was "Oh my Heavens!" and then she stood dumbstruck, not knowing what to do or to say.
But, Joe ended up really saving the day by saying, "I deserved that Radcliffe, er...Cathy. In the past, for no good reason, I have been really rough on you. And I had come to know that I unfairly judged you. And...well... I am really sorry. So what do you say, how about a truce?"
In a humble response, Catherine hopefully said, "Oh yes Joe, a truce sounds great! And I am really sorry too...honestly, had I known you were here..."
With a smile, Joe then interrupted, and completed her sentence for her, by wagging his finger, saying, "I know, I know, had you known I was here, you never would have said those things...BUT...that doesn't mean you wouldn't have been thinking them..."
With a nod, Catherine tapped her chin, and joined in the act Joe gifted to her, and maybe pushed the envelope as she said, "Well, you've got me there Joe, but for the record, I never said sarcastic."
Tipping his head, Joe had to admit she was right, and as he put out his hand for a handshake, Catherine put out hers too, and as they both laughed, a truce was met!
Everyone then started to laugh, and the party at that moment, took a turn, and the gaiety began again. There was a festive luncheon to enjoy, which was displayed beautifully, in a Holiday motif, a champagne punch, and Christmas music sounded through the speakers.
And of course, everyone was pleased to see both Jennifer and Paul at the party, and Charles played the host, by introducing Joe around to everyone.
Meanwhile, Catherine made her rounds too, sharing memories, and talking about times gone by with her co-workers and friends, and as she did so, Joe watched her from across the room. And her graciousness validated how wrong he had been about her.
And it was after a bit, as Catherine poured herself some punch, she looked over at Joe talking with Rita and Paul, and noted his easy going smile, and thought he didn't seem so terrible, and she actually felt a fondness for him, after saving the party as he had with his apology.
It was then that Joe looked over at her, and caught her looking at him, and as he held up his punch glass in a silent toast to her, she raised hers to him. And then she shook her head, thinking about the unflattering comments which Joe had witnessed her say, and thought "Oh my...I cannot believe I stepped in it again!"
And then it wasn't after too long, that Joe came up, and said, "Nice party..."
To which Catherine replied, "Yes...it sure is...and it's thanks to you, for taking the fall like you did."
Humbly Joe responded, "Well, I had to! I mean I almost single handedly spoiled this whole shindig your Dad put on for you. I mean when you started giving me the where and what for, I could have slithered right back out the door, with out anyone knowing I was ever here. But no! I had to make a big show of it, like Moses, I split the crowd...making myself known, and putting you on the spot. But you know, after I did that, well I felt bad...and my apology was sincere Cathy."
And then Catherine confessed too, and with heart, said, "Honestly Joe, normally I wouldn't have put you or anyone down like that. But I think I was just kind of wound up a bit by the laughs I was getting, and carried the insults too far."
Upon hearing Catherine's side, Joe understandingly said, "Yeah, I get it."
As the air cleared, Catherine then expressed, "It was really nice of you and Paul to take the time to come to this today."
To which Joe sincerely said, "Well, I really like your Dad, and when he called, I thought maybe since we will be working together, it could be a way for us...to...well for us to make a fresh start."
As Catherine shook off the embarrassment, she teasingly said, "Too bad I wasn't in on the plan..."
In reply, Joe laughed, and tipped his head, as he scoffed, "I must admit your comments, made making a fresh start kinda challenging!"
They both shared a chuckle, and then Joe looked around and said, "After being here today, I gotta say, you've got guts leaving this place kid. But ya know, you are the kind of person we need over there."
It was then Paul came up, and said to Catherine, "Gosh it is so great seeing every body again."
To which Catherine noted, "Well you sure made Rita happy coming today. I saw you two talking quite a while."
In reply, Paul said, "Yeah, she's a pretty cool lady. She likes hearing all the Family scoops, cuz she grew up in the same hood my Mom did, and knows all of the fam."
And it was then Catherine thought to offer both Paul and Joe, "Oh please take some cake and food with you, there's so much left."
Nodding over to the sideboard, Paul replied, "Rita is a step ahead of you Cathy. She already prepared a box for each of us."
Happy this was so, Catherine smiled, as she said, "Oh good."
It was then Joe mentioned, "Well, it's time to head back, ya ready Paul?"
To which Paul said he was, and then gave Catherine a brotherly hug, and said, "I cannot wait for you to join the team Cathy, it'll be all right. you'll see. Catch ya next week."
And then Joe too said, "See ya in the trenches Rad...err...Cathy."
And with a wave, Catherine stood watching her future work fellows leave, and after they left, she then turned to enjoy her last bit of time with her past.
It was then Jennifer walked up, and as she shook her head in wonder, she said, "Cathy, Cathy, Cathy! THAT speech was one for the record books uh? I mean I could not believe what I was hearing!"
To which Catherine expounded, "Well thanks for making me feel better about the whole fiasco Pal!"
Well, Jennifer could not hold back her laugher any longer, as she replayed, "I mean, You just kept going on and on, making insulting comments about your new boss, and all the while, Joe was standing right here!"
Catherine looked at her friend, and ended up laughing too, as she replied, "Well obviously I had no idea Joe was here! But what a moment! When Joe appeared out of no where, I literally could have died, and at the time, that would have been just fine with me!""
With astonishment, Jennifer still laughing asked, "Paul and I were trying to warn you! Didn't you hear us coughing our lungs out?"
To which Catherine replied, "Well yes I heard the coughing, and that's why I stopped! I was getting ready to call 911!"
And then Catherine thankfully said, "I DO owe you one."
Jennifer's laughter subsided, and then she teasingly said, "What a goof...you know, it does my heart good to see that I am not the only one who does things like that. Well, any who, all's well that ends well! At least it looked like you two were cool when Joe was saying good bye to you."
In response, Catherine thoughtfully said, "I think so Jen...I guess time will tell."
And then changing the subject to a more pleasant one, Jennifer asked about tonight's plan. To which Catherine confirmed, she was still meeting Vincent at Pai's. And so upon hearing the date was still on, Jennifer shared her excitement, saying she could not wait to hear the details.
And then to commiserate, Catherine expressed her excitement about Jenny's date with Jimmy tonight too, saying they could compare notes tomorrow!
As they said good-bye, Jennifer looked at her thoughtful, sentimental friend, and expressed, "Ya know Cath...I can stay, and leave with you, if it's going to be, well ya know difficult to..."
To which Catherine cut in, and said, "No Jen, I know you want to get ready for your date with Jimmy, and well I guess I should stay until the last of the partyers leave."
Admitting she did need to get ready, Jennifer said, "Yes, that is true, I wanna do a facial/hair removal treatment before my date!"
To which in reply, Catherine laughed, and warmly said, "Well then, you better get going...and remember not to leave the Nair on too long."
And then warmly, Catherine said, "Thanks for coming Jen."
In reply, Jennifer hugged Catherine as she pouted, "Of course! I wouldn't have missed your party for anything. Love ya friend."
Sweetly, Catherine replied, "Love ya too...oh Jen, let me fix you a plate before you go."
As Jennifer headed for the door, she picked up a box from the table, and laughingly replied, "Rita already did!"
With a shake of her head, Catherine laughed too, thinking Rita the Mama Bear had everyone covered.
And so, the rest of the day, the office hours were devoted to Catherine's sad bon voyage party, and as the day wound down, everyone, one by one said their individual good-byes, and thanks to Rita taking their to go boxes with them.
And then if was time for Harvey to leave, to whom Catherine made note, "We didn't get to go over the case files I updated for you. And did you ever get the deposition from Rich?"
To which Harvey sheepishly confessed, "The deposition was actually a ruse, and the case files...well I will figure it all out...just like you had to."
And then Harvey warmly added, "And thanks for being such a great mentor to me Cathy...you are the best...definately a chip off the old block."
To which Catherine thanked him back, and said, "I know you will be a real asset for Dad and this firm, and thanks for making my departure go as smoothly as it has. Just call if you need anything."
Upon saying he would, the two said goodbye, and it was then Marilyn, walked up to Catherine, and with a hug, she then privately said, "You know...your Father is very proud of you."
As Catherine warmly returned her embrace, she tearfully said, "Thanks for telling me Marilyn. I needed to hear that from someone other than Dad."
As Marilyn brushed the bangs from Catherine's eyes, with emotion said, "It's true, in fact we are ALL proud of you. Well, you be careful over there, and stay in touch Dear."
To which Catherine warmly promised, "I will Marilyn."
And then Catherine had a similar conversation with Rita too, and then it was just Catherine and her Dad who remained.
Upon seeing the last of the to-go boxes, Charles jokingly said, "Looks like Rita set us up too. But there's three, hmm, guess someone forgot to take theirs."
With a smile, Catherine with awe said, "She has our names on the boxes Dad, and the third one is actually for Bruno."
To which Charles kindly said, "Nice..."
The office was now deafening silent, and though he hated for this day to end, with emotion, Charles turned to his daughter and asked, "Well all set kiddo?"
To which Catherine looked up at her Dad, and said, "I am..."
And as they turned off the last of the lobby lights, they silently stood at the elevator door in the dimly lit hall, waiting for the doors to open.
And as they stood there, Catherine hugged her Dad's arm, leaned on his shoulder and softly thanked him for all he has given her, and that she loved him very much.
As Charles' strong facade began to weaken even more, with an emotion filled voice, he replied she needn't thank him, that having her for a daughter has been a Blessing beyond measure, and he loved her very much too.
It was then the elevator doors opened, and as they rode down to the lobby, they did so in silence, both knowing there was nothing more to be said, about Catherine's sad last day at the firm.
And so as the elevator stopped, and then the doors opened, they were greeted by Bruno. After they presented Bruno his goody box, he thanked them profusely, and they kindly bade each other a goodnight.
The finality of this moment weighed heavy, as Catherine and Charles walked out the doors together for the last time. But before they each hopped into their perspective Taxi's, they hugged one another, and Catherine said she would see her Dad tomorrow, along with Jennifer, Gertrude, and Robert in tow.
To be continue
Chapter Eleven
| Treasure of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Ten ____________________________________________ |
