Chapter 10
JETT
“I told you about this months ago, Mr. Knight. It’s my sister’s wedding! I have the invitation to prove it. You said it was okay for me to take the time off.”
I press the phone tighter against my ear, irritation bubbling up. I’ve had a brutal few days in Sacramento. My father knew exactly what a snake pit he was throwing me into. The management team hasn’t been doing its job well, and sales are in the toilet. I think I’ve managed to figure out why, and put together a plan to fix things.
I wish I could say the same about the problem with my nanny. “But three weeks ?” I try not to yell. “We’re supposed to be going to Bermuda for three weeks.”
“I haven’t had a vacation since last year, Mr. Knight, and I told you.”
Damn. I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to think. I forgot. Of course, I did. And Cari didn’t remind me. I’ve been in the Sacramento office for a few days now, maybe that’s why. I rely on her for so much, and now everything’s spiraling.
“You went to a bachelorette party recently,” I retort.
“Yes. That was my sister’s bachelorette party and I just went for the weekend.”
“Can you at least come back straight after the wedding?” My voice edges on desperation.
“My entire family is flying in from all over the world, Mr. Knight. There are some things money can’t buy.”
I grit my teeth, frustrated. “You’ve put me in a difficult position, Anna.” I have Bermuda coming up—business there that can’t be delayed.” I don't need more crap on top of the mountain of shit I'm already dealing with.
She doesn't say anything, but I can tell she's annoyed. Seems like a lot of people get annoyed when I talk to them. People like Anna, and Cari.
Cari.
I squeeze my eyes shut, not having slept well the past few nights. My assistant has left me in the lurch with her resignation. I spoke to her a few days ago about some files I needed her to scan and email over, but I didn’t mention a word about the resignation letter. I want to ask her what the fuck she thinks she’s doing, but that’s a conversation I need to have with her face to face.
“If you go and you don't return by next week, Anna, I cannot guarantee that your job will be available when you come back.” I can't lose my nanny too, so I threaten her hoping she'll relent. She'll have attended the wedding and seen her family by next week, and she can return in time for us all to leave for Bermuda. Does she really need to spend so many weeks with her family?
“You'd do that?” she scoffs, sounding defiant.
“Of course I'll do that. I run a business, not a summer camp.”
“Mr. Knight, I put up with a lot. You're not the easiest person to deal with, and I know you’ll struggle to find someone to replace me quickly.”
“It's not impossible,” I toss back, furious.
“Well then, I quit.”
She hangs up. Just like that.
I stare at the phone, stunned. What the hell just happened? “What the fucking fuck?” I toss the phone down on the desk with more force than necessary.
I run a hand through my hair. Great. Not only has my assistant resigned, but my nanny has quit, too. I now have no childcare for Brooke. Just when I’m supposed to head to Bermuda for three weeks. My patience is wearing thin.
The phone on my desk rings. I grab it, barely holding in a sigh. “Yes?”
“Mr. Knight, the board meeting is about to begin,” says the receptionist. I force a breath out, my frustration threatening to bubble over.
“I’ll be there in five.” I hang up, dragging my hand down my face.
With Anna quitting, I’m staring at another problem. I can’t leave for Bermuda without Brooke. I won’t do that again. She’s getting older, and she notices these things. She said it to me the other day, with that look in her eyes, “Daddy, I don’t see you a lot.”
It gutted me.
Now, without childcare, I’m backed into a corner. There’s only one person I can count on to pull me out of this mess. One person I can always rely on. One person who has one month left to work for me.
Cari.