3
“What do you mean he wouldn’t let you help?” Sofia asked.
“Guess he didn’t need it.” More like didn’t want it. She couldn’t believe that Seth had been so…stubborn. He knew she’d done a great job, but his own pride got in the way and couldn’t let her finish what she’d started. Was he afraid to admit he was wrong and she was perfect for the job after all? “And then to ask me to lunch after, well that was…”
“Wait. Seth asked you out?” Sofia said quickly. “And you are just telling me now? How did it go?”
“It didn’t. I said no. And for the record, he didn’t ask me out, he asked me to lunch,” Charlene clarified.
“He might be my brother-in-law, but Seth doesn’t just do lunch.”
“Sofia, the man eats, just like everyone else.” Although there were times he seemed more like a machine than a human.
“You’re right. He eats, but in his office. Nothing drags him out of there unless it’s a meeting.”
And you’re just proving my point even more. Machine.But when he saw how those people were living, the compassion slipped through, even though briefly. That’s why she wanted to help him. What if he flipped and changed his mind at the last minute and everyone ended up homeless? Seth had been reluctant in the first place. The thought of him reverting back to his original belief worried her.
“We were working. I’m surprised Dylan didn’t tell you,” Charlene said trying to get the focus off her. Of course, Dylan might not appreciate her throwing him under the bus either. That wasn’t wise, because as far as she knew, Dylan wasn’t opposed to her working for the company.
“I guess Dylan is trying not to bring work talk home with him. You know so we can just enjoy family time.”
“That’s good,” she replied.
Sofia crossed her arms and said, “That was your cue to tell me what’s going on.”
“It was only my first day Sofia. How much do you think I have to say?” Sofia didn’t say a word. Just sat there staring at Charlene. “Guess we’ve been friends too long to be able to hide anything.”
“Exactly,” Sofia stated.
“Well someone called my office phone today. Obviously, it was a mistake because Lawson Steel had nothing to do with it. However…”
“In the Charlene way, you took it as fate and didn’t walk away.”
Charlene rolled her eyes before nodding. “And then I made promises without even having the authority to do so.”
“You didn’t?” Sofia gave her that look like she wanted to help her, but once again, it was too late. The damage was done.
Yup. Some things never change. I react first, think later.
“I did. Then I had to go and deliver the wonderful news to Charles. By the way, Dylan was there and so was Seth.”
“Maybe I’m glad he’s not talking about work with me. But you might as well tell me what happened,” Sofia said. “And make it quick too before Liliana wakes up from her nap. Eat, sleep and those lovely dirty diapers seems to be her life. At least for now. Like everything else, there is something new every day. A smile or a look and someday she’ll be walking and talking.”
Charlene saw Sofia drifting off into happy thoughts of the future. She was tempted to let her keep on that topic. But they could talk about Liliana anytime. Before the little angel woke, and needed her mama, Charlene wanted to get out as much as possible. Usually Liliana woke up just when things started getting good. But there wasn’t much good about this conversation. So Charlene rattled off the facts, leaving out the details on just how horrendous the woman’s place smelled.
“To me, it sounds like you just proved Charles was right about hiring you,” Sofia said. “Of course I knew you would do great.”
“I’m not so sure Dylan did. I don’t think he ever recovered from the time you two had to rescue me in Massachusetts.” Charlene hadn’t forgotten that ordeal, why should anyone else?
“Are you kidding me? That seemed mild compared to him thinking I was a beggar on the street and taking his money.”
Charlene laughed. “Oh yeah. Like that is supposed to make me feel better.”
“Well it should. Look at me. Married with a baby now.”
“You’re welcome,” Charlene said holding her chin up.
“Don’t tell me you’re still trying to take credit for Dylan and I?”