7
How much time did a woman need to get ready in the morning? Wade leaned against the wall outside of the bathroom assigned to the girls. He’d been waiting a few minutes, but it seemed like an eternity with the previous night’s events heavy on his mind. While everyone was enjoying his mom’s breakfast buffet in the kitchen, he slipped away to find Emma. She must have pulled the short straw on bathroom usage because Sam was halfway through her sausage and egg casserole.
He hated to admit that Cole might have been right about their dad’s stress level. Running the business and caring for an injured son and concerned wife had to be a monumental burden. The load would be lightening soon. Dad’s co-partner was back, even if driving was still at least a week, maybe two, away. He vowed to make the situation with Emma the best it could be. For his dad’s sake.
He flexed his hand instinctively as he remembered how Emma’s rotations had helped ease his pain. He’d been cramp-free since her finger gymnastics. That was one of the reasons he had taken Cole’s advice to apologize. His brother could ride off to Whispering Creek for all he cared, but he didn’t want his parents, Sam, and Emma thinking he was callous and rude. Running a company had responsibilities attached. He didn’t sound professional raising his voice and making accusations. During the night, the Holy Spirit had convicted him of the words he had said in anger. How much had everyone heard? Did it matter? The company needed help, and Emma was available.
Glancing at the hallway light, he uttered an arrow prayer. “Help me here, Lord. How do I apologize to Emma when I’m not exactly sure how much she heard?” He rubbed his clean-shaven jaw. “You know, life would be a whole lot easier if You healed me completely. Right now.” He waited, his neck craned toward heaven, hoping for a miracle. “Still waiting, huh?”
As if God had misunderstood his time request, the bathroom door opened.
Emma’s eyes widened for a second. “Oh, hey, good morning.” She peeked down the hall.
“It’s just me.” He hooked his thumbs in the belt loops of his jeans. He didn’t know what he was expecting her to wear, but she looked professional in black pants and a green turtleneck. “I wanted to apologize for last night.”
Her nose crinkled as a quizzical expression flashed across her face. “You want to apologize for eating my cheese pizza?” Emma was wide awake and kidding him at seven in the morning. She had his heart beating faster than a chug of caffeine.
“For what you might have heard me say in the kitchen last night. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.” The words came out heartfelt and polite. Better than he had rehearsed.
Her eyelashes fluttered. She had the biggest, most expressive brown eyes he had ever seen. If tears started flowing, he would be babbling apologies for hours.
“Oh.” She sputtered and flapped a hand at him. “I know you run the business with Mike. It isn’t easy when others make decisions for you. I get why you were upset.”
She was right. He wouldn’t have been caught off guard if his dad had consulted him about her hiring. Couldn’t someone have clued him in about why Emma was in Tennessee? A text even? Would she confide in him during work? Did he want her to? “Well, if you were offended by anything I said, I apologize.”
With the wave of her hand, she wafted a sweet, flowery scent in his direction. “Thank you, but we’re good. I can understand if you’re leery hiring someone with my background. I don’t know if I’d hire someone with my work situation for my parents’ candle shop.” Her stomach rumbled its agreement. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to follow that sausage aroma to the infamous kitchen.” She brushed her bangs to the side of her forehead and gave him another upbeat smile. “See you in a few, boss.”
Stupidest apology of my life.
As Emma hurried down the hall, he felt…odd. Like Emma was on his team. She voiced his frustration about not being consulted in work decisions as if they had talked about it over dinner. He liked how she was rational and not offended. He wouldn’t mind hanging out and watching another game with Emma. Alarm bells buzzed in his brain. She was an employee now. Francine’s replacement. Temporary replacement. Emma would be hightailing it north in a few weeks anyway.
He had to focus on getting his doctor’s release and returning to the helm of Donoven and Sons Electric. If his dad needed a break or a vacation, he could take one while Wade handled the office. God and Emma had given him a much-needed dose of encouragement. He could envision being healthy and back in control of the family business. The sooner, the better.
~*~
Sitting in Mike’s Suburban, Emma flipped the hood on her coat and secured her backpack over her shoulder. Rain pelted the asphalt outside of Donoven and Sons Electric. She would have to make a mad dash for the building. Wade opened her door and held an umbrella with his left hand.
His attitude toward her had pivoted since last night. She could get accustomed to Southern hospitality, especially from a tall bachelor in jeans and a navy-blue oxford bearing his name and a bright yellow thunderbolt. She tamped down those thoughts as her new boss escorted her gingerly toward their workplace. Her position was short term. She’d stay while Fran recovered from knee surgery and use the salary to pad her almost non-existent bank account.
The egg casserole Linda had made for breakfast festered like a cement pit in Emma’s gut. What if scheduling electricians was more difficult than entertaining investors with coffee and conversation? Maybe it was harder, but Sam assured her that selling candles at Home ScentSations was the same as selling electrical parts. If only she knew the names of one or two of those specialty parts.
The Lord is my rock …
Holding the door open, Mike indicated for her to enter first. He wore a jacket with the same thunderbolt logo that was plastered in the upper corner of Wade’s broad chest. The colorful logo caught her eye, but not the decor of the office.
The scent of stale food and old newspaper greeted her as she entered a waiting area. The place could sure use an air freshener or scented candle. She blinked as lights flickered on, noting where the switches were located.
“We don’t get many customers in here.” Mike motioned toward chairs, a magazine-topped table, and a mounted television screen. Too bad that blank screen wasn’t looping golf courses and happy seniors. She could run Ron’s real estate office from a gurney. “Occasionally, a vendor will stop by, or someone will walk in with a question. Most of our customers call. Fran can show you how to check inquiries from the website.”
“I can show her.” Wade gave an agreeable nod to his father. “I’ve been handling that duty lately.”
Where was the grumpy yeller from the previous night? Wade’s upbeat confidence bolstered her spirit. She averted her gaze. Had she been staring? At her half-boss? First day jitters.
“Over here is the front office where you’ll be working.” Thankfully, Mike continued the tour. He opened a door that led to a room visible to the main entrance by a glass window. She’d be able to see if anyone came into the building, was waiting in the lobby; and best of all, she could interact with people while being safe and secure. Not that anyone would locate her to ask questions about her former boss, but in case a reporter found her, they couldn’t descend on her like a vulture with a camera mounted on its tail.
Fluorescent post-it notes covered the edges of the main computer screen. A plastic dancing flower sat at its base. Herbie would fit right in. Sam definitely needed to bring the cactus from Whispering Creek the next time she visited Nashville.
Across from the office counter, a door swung open. Cole held the door while a middle-aged redhead hobbled closer with a bejeweled cane.
“Good morning, Donovens.” Francine was as vibrant as her color-coded notes. “Cole let me park in the garage so I wouldn’t slip and fall before my big day.” Fran’s eyebrows rose as she cast a glance at Wade. “Who do we have here?” Her voice held a hint of innuendo.
Wade stood like a wooden carving next to the copier. “New employee.”
How impersonal. So much for Southern charm.
“I’m Emma. A friend of Sam’s. Cole’s girlfriend.” No sense letting rumors get started. Men in their early thirties were on the top of every matchmaker’s list. She reached over the counter to Francine. “I’m going to be helping out for a short time with office work.” That sounded better than insinuating that Wade needed help.
With a firm shake, Francine said, “Call me Fran. I’m so glad you’ll be here in the office. Now, Wade can focus on getting back to service calls. He’s been cooped up with me for too long.” She grinned at Wade. “That doctor is going to be releasing you soon. I’ve been praying extra hard.” Shuffling toward the computer, Fran plopped a brown purse on the counter. “Probably should get the coffee brewing. If you only master that task, you’ll be appreciated. There are pre-measured packets under the machine.” Fran pointed her cane at a cupboard.
“I’ll do it.” Wade opened the cupboard beneath the coffeemaker.
Where was helpful Wade when the pizza delivery guy came and took Emma’s last dollar. She shouldn’t complain. A good-natured boss topped a total grouch.
“Emma, you’re in good hands with these two. We’ll see you later.” Mike and Cole headed toward some back offices, deep in conversation.
So far, Emma could manage turning on the lights and making coffee. Her muscles eased, untying a few knots. She sat in an empty chair by Fran and set her mind on understanding the electrical business.
Fran sat at the main computer and pointed out passwords and logins on the colorful post-it notes. She pulled up what looked like a work schedule.
“We have an employee out in Lockeland Springs today. Antonio is installing soffit lighting and dimmers.” Fran pointed at the screen. “His schedule is full, so you won’t see him until tomorrow morning.”
Emma had no idea where Lockeland Springs was located. She barely knew the location of the small town of Whispering Creek let alone the city of Nashville. And what was a soffit and dimmers? Her heartbeat thudded in her ears. Could she learn to manage this office? She needed the money, but she wouldn’t take it if she couldn’t do the job.
Wade opened a drawer and removed a laptop. Was he going to check the website?
Mike and Cole returned and filled their coffee tumblers.
“We’re heading out, ladies.” Mike stopped in front of Fran’s computer and leaned on the counter. “If this reno goes long and I don’t see you, know that we are praying for a successful knee replacement.”
“Thanks, Mike. Prayer chains have been activated all over the state.” Fran patted Emma’s hand. “I’ll get this young lady familiarized with the office. She can always text me with questions, but I may be on pain meds. I’m sure Wade will be a big help.” With a squeeze of Emma’s hand, Fran whispered, “You’ll do fine.”
At the moment, Emma wasn’t so sure, but she was fairly sure that reno meant renovation.
As Mike and Cole rushed out the door into the garage, Cole shouted, “I’d tell you to break a leg, Emma, but we have enough injuries in the office.”
“Funny,” she quipped. “Watch your step on the reno.”
Wade laughed. “Good one.”
Since meeting the elder Donoven brother, she’d never heard him laugh. Wade’s deep chuckle made the room seem like a comedy club. She whirled in her chair. Had the ice sculpture of Wade Donoven developed a crack? Had he forgotten she was the office girl who-must-not-be-named?
His expression quickly sobered.
She longed for the quiet, calm office she managed before Ron and Annette vanished.
Another employee jogged through the front entrance and came into the office from the waiting room. His shirt introduced him as Derek. Wavy long hair was swept into a man bun. She’d barter for some of that length and wave.
The phone rang. Fran picked it up and was talking to someone about bad breakers. Emma was fairly sure that wasn’t surf talk.
“Hey Wade, I just saw your little brother.” Mr. Man Bun craned his neck toward the parking lot. “Is he working with us again? In town?”
“Just today.” Wade turned from his laptop. “Dad’s working a two-man job. Can’t wear the old guy out. Cole’s still staying in Sperry’s Crossing near the industrial site.”
With all of the family dynamics she’d witnessed, she could see why Cole stayed away from the Nashville office.
“It’d be good to have Cole back.” Derek scanned paperwork piled on the counter. “You new here?” He shot Emma a curious look.
“She’s helping me run the office while Fran is gone.” Wade rushed over by her chair without his cane. “Temporary hire.”
“I’m Emma.” She didn’t need a man to talk for her. At twenty-four, she could introduce herself. Smiling, she side-eyed the information on Fran’s screen.
“Nice to meet you.” Derek pulled a work order from his pile of paper.
“Likewise.” Short and sweet.
Derek studied the order. “This isn’t the house in Shelby Hills with the big mutt. That dog nearly chewed my backside. The owner couldn’t control it.”
Wade squinted at the address. “Not sure. Let me check the incident cards.” He flipped through notecards in a long metal box.
Shifting his weight to his good leg, Wade brushed her shoulder. One thing about Wade, he was solid. Had he played football in high school? Her face grew warm. She concentrated on Fran and reminded herself that she needed to survive her first day and not focus on Wade’s muscles.
Fran ended her call. “If the customer isn’t in the card file, then we don’t have a record of any incident.” Her fingers typed at the computer. “What’s the name?”
“Bedford.” Derek’s jovial demeanor disappeared.
“Nope.” Fran scanned the computer screen. “I don’t see anything noted. The last call was a kitchen GFI.”
Derek secured a strand of wavy hair behind his ear. “I would have sworn this was the address.”
Emma straightened in her seat. Didn’t Donoven and Sons have an entry field in their customer database to store important customer information? She’d developed software to keep track of the interests of residents at Runyard’s senior living community. His fake senior community. Should she mention her program? She bit her lip. Donoven and Sons had their own system. No sense changing their system on her first day.
“That beast was a menace.” Derek shut a few pens in his metal tray. “Wish I knew. Maybe I’ll call from the truck to see if the lady could put any pets in a bedroom or something.” Concern sprinkled with a granule of fear crossed Derek’s face.
Lord, should I speak up? She sensed a laser beam coming from her backpack right where her flash drive was located. Surely, her People Peeps software could wait until she and Wade had the office running smoothly.
She pointed to the metal tray Derek held. “If you do meet that nasty dog, please make a note on one of the copies. We don’t want you or anyone else getting hurt.” Score one for the new gal. A little empathy went a long way.
“I second that advice.” Fran popped a mint into her mouth. “Safety first.”
“Yeah, dude.” Wade joined in the love fest. “We don’t want to be down another man.”
What time warp had she stepped into with Wade? She stopped herself from gazing into the blue eyes of her boss while he stood sentry behind her chair.
“I’ll definitely call the customer before getting out of the van.” Derek organized his paperwork. “Nice meeting you, Emma.” He waved and left through the garage.
Wade returned to his laptop. He added comments while Fran showed her how to schedule service appointments, fill out work orders, and how to invoice the job when it was completed.
Emma’s temples throbbed after two hours of listening to procedures and electrical terminology. She possessed pages of notes containing Fran’s wisdom. Once she got the hang of scheduling, the job wouldn’t be too bad.
Stiffness in her writing hand had her assessing Wade’s left hand. He typed on the laptop like a video gamer.
She arched her back and shot a short thank-You prayer to God. The morning had flown by, and her linebacker boss hadn’t screamed at her like she was a renegade referee. Only God could have orchestrated this outcome.
Fran excused herself to use the bathroom.
Emma scooted her chair closer to the phone.
The phone rang as if it had been waiting for her solo flight.
Interacting with customers was high on her skill set. She breathed deep and answered. “Donoven and Sons Electric.” She used a professional, yet perky voice and smiled at the receiver.
“Fran! That crazy dog mauled my hand. I’m at emergency.”