After parking my car, I step out and say, “Good morning,” while I walk toward Callie. The smile she gives me does something to the beating organ in my chest. It’s one that gives me hope, and I all of a sudden want to be the one putting that smile on her face.
“Good morning. I’m shocked to see you outside of the office this early in the morning,” she quips.
“Yeah, me too. I don’t think I’ve had a morning off in, well, ever, but I have to say it’s nice.” I come up on the porch, and she nods to the seat beside her. The furniture may look funky, with egg-like chairs hanging from the ceiling posts, but as I sat in one last night, it was comfortable.
“I guess it’s a good thing I walked out then. Tell me, does your mom know just how much of a workaholic you are?” Callie questions, but not in a mean way. She truly wants to know.
“Oh, she knows. She knows so well. It’s who I get it from naturally. Somehow, she slowed down by the age I’m at now. Meanwhile, I’m still stubborn and bullheaded and haven’t yet,” I say with truth in my eyes. She makes a humming noise while taking a sip of coffee.
“Then maybe you should take this as a learning lesson. What did you want to talk about?” Callie cuts to the chase.
“Can I get a cup of coffee first?” I’m pressing my luck without a doubt. The only thing I have going for me right now is the way she’s staring at me. I’m not even sure she realizes she’s doing it either.
“I suppose we can go inside and have a cup of coffee since I’m just about finished with this one anyway.” I wait for her to get up to lead the way. The way Callie fills out a pair of jeans… God damn was I an idiot.
She holds the door open for me, letting me go through before her. This time, she’s the one looking, and all I can do is smirk as I pass by. When I make it inside, I stand to the side so she can show me to her kitchen. My mother would kill me if I didn’t use my manners.
“Come on. The kitchen is through here.” Callie’s home isn’t like a lot of the houses are today. Every room is divided, but it works for the place. Her kitchen is a galley style with bar-top counters.
“I’ll make it if you show me where you keep everything,” I offer.
“It’s okay. It won’t take but a second. This way, you can get down to this top-secret offer you have for me.” I take in the clean lines of her white kitchen and black countertops. Everything is clean, and even with the older appliances, it all looks to be in good condition.
“I was hoping you’d come back to work for me. I know you’ll probably say no, and if you do, I’ll understand, but I’m proposing shorter hours, a pay raise, and more vacation time.”
“What kind of hours are we talking about?” she asks.
“I was hoping we could get you on a schedule from eight-thirty in the morning ‘til two in the afternoon with the occasional late day if we have a new client that can’t come in until later. With this, I’ll be shortening my hours as well.”
“I’m liking where this is going so far. What about the rest?” She nods as she sets my cup of coffee on the counter in front of me. There’s something to be said for her being my assistant; she knows everything before I need to ask it.
“The pay raise is a guarantee, and I’m throwing in three extra weeks of paid vacation along with the two you were receiving. Does this sound fair?” I ask her.
“So far, it does, but Jamie, I need the next week off. My girl needs time to be with her mom, and I need time with my girl.”
“That’s fine. Do you mind if I call you or have my mom call you if something comes up and we can’t figure it out?” I ask, not only for work but for my personal gain as well.
“I’m okay with that. I can’t believe your mom is at the office working for you right now. I bet she wants to kick your rear end.” She laughs into her coffee.
“You have no idea.” I hand her my phone, unlocked.
She picks up with a retort. “Do you know the kind of evidence you just handed over? A girl could go through your phone in under five minutes and find everything out she needs to know about you.”
“I have nothing to hide from you, Callie. Take all the time you want to look.” I take a sip of my coffee while she peruses my phone. I hear her cell phone ring in her purse.