xp_logs | (Backdated) Hope & Julian: Hope's Last Day

Hope finds Julian and forces him to head into work, on her last day as his assistant.

Julian was at least showered today. Since Sue had reminded him that things such as styluses existed, he had been at least making an effort to seem normal. Alcohol was still on his breath, though- despite the early hour. Still, it was an improvement, and he'd only had a glass of scotch with breakfast. Now fed and clothed he was trying to find the courage to go outside his room and find Tandy...to try and bring her, and the girls, back.

"There you are. The car is here." Hope hurried over to him, her coat and tote firm in hand. "Ready to leave?"

He hadn't heard anyone come in, and jumped slightly as he turned to face his diminutive assistant. "Jesus, Hope...we need to put a bell on you. Leave to where? I have plans."

"Yes, you have plans... to go to work remember. It's my final day and you have a meeting with your new PA as well as a meeting with the person who will be taking over the charity responsibilities from me till you are back." Hope poked him in the back with her purse. "Come one, time to go."

But he didn't move, instead looking like the proverbel deer caught in the headlights. "I...can't we..." he tried to find an excuse, he needed to go see Tandy. With a sigh, he conceded that this was as important as mending the rift in his relationship: Hope had basically done his job while he was healing. "Okay, but, did you call a car, or could you maybe drive? I still don't trust myself behind the wheel."

"I called a car. It's ready outside." Hope studied his face closer for a few moments, then her face softened a bit. "With a bit of luck, things should not take too long and you should be able to return to your own pursuits quickly."

"Yeah," Julian sighed and followed behind her, trying not to look too dejected. Twenty minutes later they were in the back of the car, heading toward the East Coast offices with the privacy screen up. "So what's next for Hope Abbot?"

"College... XFI... hopefully still some freelance event planning if I am able to combine it with studying." Hope replied. "I learned much at Keller Industries, but if I really want to move further, I'll need a degree."

"I won't disagree with that," Julian nodded. He raised his hand up to his hair and, with exceptional care, brushed a lock of his hair away from his face. The prosthesis he needed to wear into the office were firmly attached to his wrist, which left him feeling uncomfortable due to their somehow knocking out his powers. "You're going to be missed, Hope. I'm not sure I'll be able to fill your shoes."

"I am sure you will find someone competent to serve as personal assistant and someone to take care of the charity duties." Hope replied modestly. "If you do need assistance with planning an event though, depending on my studies and work at XFI, would be happy to help on a freelance basis if needed."

"Nah, I can't afford your rates now that you're a big shot event planner with all sorts of experience," Julian winked at her and flexed his hand. "Seriously though, thank you."

"You're welcome." Hope replied with a nod. "Though I can no where near compare with someone like Lydia Hardy. But who knows what the future will bring... Do you plan on returning to KI on a regular basis soon?"

Julian shook his head, then lifted one of his lifeless prosthetic hands in front of himself, "Too much of a liability- someone like...Justin Crap-Factory Hammer finds out about this and our stock would take a dive. And yes, I realize I'll need to speak with my mother...she's going to be furious about me stepping down."

"Maybe I am too forward, but what are you going to do them? Sit in the mansion and brood?" This being her last day, Hope spoke more directly and plainly then she would have normally. "It's only a matter of time before the truth comes out. Not if. When... Would it not be better to be in control of when that happens?"

"Yes, and if I'm in control of the company, the truth coming out will hurt not only our image, but our shares will take a dive too," Julian held up a hand. "People get uncomfortable around missing parts...trust me, this is for the best." At her reaction, he pushed forward, "I'm not going to mope anymore, Hope. I was done with that when you came to get me...actually, I was going to try to find, Tandy."

"I am not following you. The news is going to come out, even if only when you are seen at an HFC event. Take control of the news and do not let it control you." Hope urged him. "And I am pretty sure Tandy would agree with me."

Julian sighed, "Probably." He did his best not to roll his eyes, "I'll be able to control the spin once I'm off my desk...then come back later. It's not forever, Hope...I'm not going anywhere."

"Good" She nodded. "As long as you keep that one in mind while you are doing all of this. And that is all I wanted to say on this." It had been good to say some of the things that had been frustrating her during the last few months.

"Pretty sure it's supposed to be me lecturing you, kid," this time he didn't hide the eye roll, but chuckled slightly to take some of the edge off. He flexed the fake fingers of his left hand, then his right, nervous as they crossed the bridge into the city proper. "It's going to be a weird couple of months," he said, idly, looking out the window.

"We have weathered stranger months. I am sure you will manage this one as well."

"No doubt," Julian sighed. "It's just going to be damn rough without you though," he smirked, the car slowing and entering Manhattan traffic.