“I probably should have, but something about the way you left today woke me up inside, not just because you’re a hard worker and the best asset I’ve ever had working with me. I can admit when I’m a dick and when I have my head up my own ass, and for that, I apologize. There’s no excuse, but I’m truly sorry.”
“Thank you. It’s very much appreciated. No matter how unethical it is, I can’t say I’m sorry that I left today, even though I’m sure I could have given you a two weeks’ notice. The thing is, I have a little girl in there that needs me first and foremost. Her recital is something I wouldn’t miss for the world,” Callie states with her hip cocked to the side, elongating her legs when I am already having thoughts of them wrapped around my hips. Fuck. Once again, I’m kicking my own ass.
“And for that, I couldn’t be sorrier. I’m not even sure if I’m in a position to ask you to come back to work. Just know the option is there if you do decide. Of course, things will change. Hours, pay, and hell, if you don’t want to work for me anymore, I’ll put you in a different department, unwillingly, of course.” I take my hands out of my pockets, wanting to walk toward Callie, even with the ‘don’t touch’ vibe she’s giving off.
“It’s late tonight, so why don’t we do this tomorrow morning? We can meet for coffee after I drop Clairabella at school, and maybe, just maybe I’ll come back to work for you. I’m not saying yes, and I’m not saying no. I’d suggest you bring your best offer to the table, though.” Then she does the thing I least expect; Callie extends her arm.
“You sure you want to shake on it? I’m more than likely not going to take no for an answer.”
“Yep, I’m sure. Oh, you owe the swear jar one dollar. Claira won’t forget. I’ve put enough in that jar to at least pay for her first year of college.”
My hand engulfs hers as we shake on it. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow at around nine o’clock. And Callie?”
“Yeah?” she asks.
“Put this in the swear jar, and I’ll meet you here.” I hand her a ten-dollar bill before sweeping a piece of hair that’s falling in her face. Hearing her sharp intake of breath lets me know she isn’t as unaffected as she leads me to believe.
“I’ll be here.”
When she turns to leave, I watch her the whole way this time to make sure her door locks. Once I hear it click into place, I get in my car and head home.
7
Callie
“Oh, Momma, you look beautiful,” Claira says as she gets her shoes on for us to head to school.
“Thank you, pumpkin pie. You look pretty darn beautiful yourself,” I say with a wink. Claira absolutely loves matching clothes with me, and I take it while I can because I know she’ll outgrow this one day. So, today we’re both in matching grey shirts stating “homebody” that we got at none other than a boutique in town owned by Jamie’s mother, skinny jeans with distressing through the knees, and our black chucks to tie it all together.
“Do you think we can get ice cream after school and before my recital?” She loves her ice cream, and I’m sure I’ll be her least favorite person with my response.
“Not after school, but after your recital, it’s your choice for dinner and ice cream.” I’m waiting for the stomp of her foot and throwing sass. It doesn’t happen, though.
“Oh, my choice? Does that mean rolled ice cream?” Claira bats her pretty eyelashes.
“I guess it does. What about dinner?” I already know her answer.
“Momma, you know I love ice cream for dinner.” She walks away to grab her lunch box and backpack.
“How about I make a light dinner before dance, then we’ll get ice cream for dinner?”
“That works. Can you make sure we have carrots with ranch, please?”
“You got it. All right, let’s rock and roll. Momma has a meeting after I drop you off at school,” I tell her.
Claira knows my job situation right now. I had to be transparent with her this morning over breakfast when she asked who the man was that owes money in the swear jar. So, I let her know. Claira put her finger to her head and said, “I think he’s a nice man, Momma. Maybe not a nice person to work for, but he seems nice enough.” What can I say? I think Jamie has her fooled on good looks alone. I told her we’d have to see what happens after this morning’s meeting before we go any further with her prediction.
“Yep, I’m ready. Can you walk me all the way into class this morning?” she asks, it seems today she’s full of questions.