How were there less than two weeks until Christmas? Halloween felt like it has only been a few days ago and now Christmas lights adorned every street, illuminating the city with festive cheer. His radio, which had been turned low, spat out Christmas songs one after the other. There were reminders everywhere of the looming presence of Christmas and he was wholly unprepared.

Nick ran his hand through his hair and pulled. The weeks since the vote had been nothing short of manic. Rather than causing a brief bout of uncertainty to his client base, Nick had people vying for his attention. There was too much work for one person - something he would be reluctant to admit out loud.

Yet it was the truth.

If it wasn't a business meeting with his clients, or being chased by Markos to discuss the formal handover, it was the press hounding him for commentary. As if to prove a point, Nick's phone started dancing across the desk, over and over again. A moment later

There had been a few occasions where Nick hadn't even made it home. Instead he had camped on the bed concealed in his office, too exhausted to manage the journey home. It earned him chastisement from both of the women in his life. Betsy he could understand. Tina should have been happy that he was so committed. It meant he met all of his deadlines even if he really would prefer to be anywhere else.

And Nick had never felt so exhausted. He understood Markos' works more than ever. There had to be balance or he would work his life away. And life was far too short for that.

Nick took a deep breath and pushed his files aside. He couldn't focus. Not yet. If he was going to step into Markos's shoes, there was one thing he needed to sort out. He could postpone it. Put off making the big leap until he was ready. But it was only delaying the inevitable.

Taking a seat behind his desk, he glanced at the clock. And, exactly on time, there was a knock on his office door.

"Come on in," Nick called, his hands folded before him on his desk.

A second later, his ever efficient assistant appeared before him. Her glasses were pushed up her nose, her hair tied back in an efficient bun.

"What can I do for you, boss?" Tina asked, stepping into the room with her trusty i-pad clutched to her chest.

"Tina, close the door and take a seat." Nick said by way of greeting, waving to the empty chairs.

She paused and raised a brow in his direction. "Uh oh, sounds like I'm in trouble." Still, despite her words, he noticed the frown as she complied.

"No need to look so worried," Nick immediately attempted to reassure her when he noted the furrow in her brow. "I promise its nothing bad. At least I hope its not bad."

He waited for her to take a seat, her tablet and notepad resting up on her lap. When she glanced up at him, he continued, "I suppose the outcome will all depend on your reaction really."

The woman's fingers tightened around her tablet. Still, in the way that he so admired, she tilted up her chin. "Well, you know me. I hate the waffle and beating around the bush so if you could just get straight to the point and make it as painless as possible, it would be appreciated."

Nick grinned. He knew who most of his staff by name out of necessity. He liked to know who he was working with. However, he could count on one hand the members of staff he counted as more than just employees. Tina was one of them. This no nonsense woman had been with him since the very beginning and had been browbeating him into taking care of himself and his business ever since.

"I can do that," He replied after a puse, lifting his glass to take a sip of water. He used the action to give him a few moments to collect his thoughts. Finally he said, "You will have gathered from the various announcements that there will be a lot of changes going on around her. And I am sorry I didn't clue you in beforehand. We've had a few leaks and this was the only way to ensure it remained hidden until the right time. I trust you but communication methods are not infallible."

Tina nodded her head. "You can trust me but I do understand. There are some new staff members that still need a reminder about what discretion means."

"I know. Your loyalty and trustworthiness are some of the qualities I have truly come to appreciate over the years. And those qualities have probably been a part of your current situation." Nick stated, leaning back in his chair as he watched several emotions pass over her face.

"What do you mean?" She asked, her face draining of all colour as she sat up in her chair. Her fingers tightened around the i-pad "Have I done something wrong? I wasn't aware of any issues. If someone had told me, I would have fixed it - whatever it is."

Holding up his hands in a placating gesture, Nick smiled and shook his head. "I didn't mean that as a bad thing. Your service here has been exemplary. This company is as much a product of my mind as it is yours. Without you as my executive assistant, this company would have been in ruins years ago. Your qualities are not bad things. I meant only taht I have loved having you as an executive assistant and selfishly I have been holding you back. We both know you are capable of so much more."

"But I love my job." She immediately protested.

"And I thank you for that as I know I have definitely not made that easy. And I have definitely loved having you as my assistant."

"Loved?" Tina asked, her voice tight. "As in past tense."

Nick sighed and scratched his neck. "Betsy was right. I'm doing this all wrong." He paused and stared at his hands for a few moments. "As you will know, Markos will be stepping down. He has decided to take early retirement."

Tina nodded, peeling her fingers off of her device and nervously flexing them to get the blood back into the digits. "Smart man."

"Indeed," Nick conceded, before offering her a smile. "What will be released to the press later today is that I will be stepping into Markos's shoes. I've been in consultations with the Giannopoulos board and it is agreed we will formally enter the transitional period from January to ensure I am where I need to be by the time that Markos steps down."

"Nick! That's incredible news. Congratulations." She said brightly, her happiness for him genuine. However, a frown took its place a moment later. "Unless we're not happy about this."

"We are happy about this. It's an excellent opportunity and it is not one I will be turning down." Nick placated before pulling a single file towards him. "What I have come to realise is that I cannot in good conscience take over for Markos and continue with all of my current responsibilities."

Slowly, Nick pushed the closed folder across the desk towards his assistant. She stared at it with suspicion. "What is this?"

"As I said before, I believe you have been under utilised as my assistant. You have been supporting me since almost day one and you have been invaluable to me and the company." Nick said honestly. He tapped his finger on to file and ensured he was looking at her as he continued. "That's why, when I take up the CEO position and take over for Markos, I want you to step in as my replacement here at Davenport Enterprise. I promise the role comes with an excellent benefits package including share options."

Tina opened and closed her mouth. Her eyes flitting from him to the file still pinned beneath his finger. Whatever she had been expecting, those words were definitely not it. If it had been any other occasion, Nick would have loved to be the one to shock his usually unflappable assistant. Instead, he felt a dart of panic when she slumped into the seat back in shock.

"What? Why me? I've never run a business before." Tina immediately muttered. "Why not David? He's a senior manager and has lots of experience."

She paused at Nick's sharp look. Did she really say David?

"Are we thinking about the same person here? Because the only David I know is vastly incompetent." Nick leaned forwards, a frown forming on his brow as he continued. "I've let it slide over the past year but all of that is ending now. David will likely never be ready for this type of responsibility. You and I both know he isn't even passable as a manager. I gave him a shot as a manager due to his long service but not everyone is cut out to lead." Nick stated. "Before I hand over the reigns, I will be getting my house in order. I've already had a sit down with David and HR to discuss the options and David has agreed to step down quietly for a generous redundancy sum. And, before you ask, we did offer him a position elsewhere in the company but he elected to pursue a different career."

Tina nodded her head thoughtfully, her eyes going distant. "And his replacement?"

"Trisha will be promoted in his stead; we all know she has been covering for him for a long time. I hope you agree with that decision."

Tina nodded her head, looking more than a little stunned. "But why me? I'm an assistant. Surely there are other people more qualified."

With a shake of his head, Nick berated himself internally. What kind of boss was he that his best asset did not know her worth? He had always been grateful for her support but perhaps he hadn't communicated that effectively. Things had to change and they would.

"In my opinion, you are a director who has simply been masquerading as my assistant. You've been shadowing me for years. You know this company inside out. You've also been handling more and more responsibility recently without a flinch. And you did it exceptionally well." Nick paused before continuing softly. "This company is like another of my children and I will only place her in the care of someone I trust, I've already had preliminary discussions with the board and they were happy with my recommendations. I have therefore put together a very generous job off for you."

He tapped the envelope on the desk once more before nudging it towards her. Tina tentatively reached out and picked up the file. Her fingers hesitated to open it. Instead, the folder shook in her trembling hands while she opened and closed her mouth several times.

"I know I've sprung this on you." Nick said, earning a snort in response. He almost breathed a sigh of relief at her familiar sass. "Take the file away with you, look through the offer, and consider what you want. I would love for you to take over the running of Davenport Enterprises but this needs to be what you want. So no pressure. If you really don't want it, I will understand."

"Thank you, sir."

"Nick, please. After all, if you take the job, you'll be a co-director."

"You'll always be my boss," Tina replied, her lips twitching up briefly into a hesitant smile. It dropped away a moment later. It was replaced with an expression he hadn't witnessed on her face. Her eyes were wide and she almost appeared smaller. She had always been a force of nature so to see this hesitant side to her personality was new and jarring.

Tina wet her lower lip while she picked at the corner of the file. "Are you sure about this? Do you really think I can do this?"

Sitting up straight, Nick met her gaze firmly and said, "I think - no, I know - you can do this. You have been doing this." He paused before continuing softly, "the important question however if whether you believe you can do this? Business can be cut throat. If you hesitate, or are uncertain, you'll be eaten alive. I'm not saying this to scare you or to put you off. It's the truth. You've seen what Betsy and I have been through over the last few years. That's only the things that make it to press."

Tina swallowed and nodded her head, chewing on her bottom lip which her unfocused gaze stared right through him. Nick hated the knot that formed in his stomach - the brief moment of doubt. Perhaps she wasn't ready. He thought she was however, being thrust into the limelight and becoming a public figure overnight was a lot to ask of a person. He had seen what it had done to the woman he loved. Could he really force a friend to do the same?

"You don't have to worry too much. If you do take the position, we have a budget for a new assistant. The only downside is whoever we hire won't be you."

A reluctant chuckle escaped his assistant's mouth. "Your jokes still don't get any better."

Yet, despite the words, her lips had pulled into a smile. He could still see the indecision in her eyes but her hands swiftly tucked the file beneath her notepad. She released a slow breath before nodding her head. He could almost imagine the mental pep talk.

"Thank you for the opportunity." She stated formally. "I promise to consider it properly and I'll come back to you as soon as I can."

"That's all I can ask."

His assistant scooted to the edge of the seat, her gaze briefly lifting to his. "Is there anything else you need from me right now?"

Nick shook his head, waving her away with a careless hand. "No, that was it for me."

Pushing to her feet with more grace than a person should be allowed to in heels, Tina gave him a stiff nod. And then, so smoothly it he almost missed it, the familiar efficient façade of his assistant was back in place. "I'll be at my desk then, sir." She stated before turning and striding towards the door. She hesitated only the barest moment on her way out to throw over her shoulder. "Don't forget, you've got a conference call at three."

"Thank you. I'll be heading out for a bite to eat in a moment. Did you want me to bring something back for you?"

She shook her head. "No, I've got lunch already."

And with those parting words, she slipped out of his office, the door clicking shut behind her.

Nick stared at the closed door for several long seconds and let out a breath. He rolled his shoulders to ease the tension. What if he had scared her off? Tina had been a large part in keeping him on track for the past few years. He owed a lot of his success to her. She had kept him on track - especially when he became a single parent before he was ready.

"Just need to wait and see," he muttered to himself before pushing away from his desk. If only he could stop his mind from trying to find ways to persuade Tina.

Fresh air was what he needed. And if he happened to stop by the bakery on the way back, who was he to deny himself a doughnut or two. With that last thought, Nick strode to his door with more pep in his step than he had started his day with.