Speaking of validation...NBR

I posted last week about a girl I hate at work quitting and as a result I have to take on managing her entire team and book of business that comes with it.  I can't say I'm looking forward to this because when I'm at work I want to be at home with Mallory and this just means more stuff "on my plate".  I've been talking to my manager and we've decided to have one of the most senior people on that team take on a sort of manager role within the team...acting like a mentor...then I'll work very closely with him.  Anyways, an email went out today announcing how this would look to the rest of our department and I replied to those who I would now be managing just to tell them I'm sick and would be in the office later this week and would meet with them...blah blah.  The most senior guy who I have never worked with replied to me to say "I can't wait for you to be my manager".  There's certainly a bit of butt-kissing going on there but I've heard so many rumors about him hating working for the girl who quit.  And since I hate her too it makes me feel good that he sees good things coming.