Chapter 6
JESS
“You’re such a doll for picking them up,” I say, embracing Savannah in a tight squeeze.
The first thing she surveys is my outfit, since I put it together myself this morning. “Not bad.”
“I even wore the heels.” I pick one foot off the floor in demonstration. “They’re murdering the soles of my feet but I’m starting to get the hang of the walk.”
“Good,” Savannah says. “And how’s that alter ego working out for you?”
“Fine,” I sigh. “But it’s not working on Nadir.”
“What do you mean by that?”
I head into the kitchen, away from the kids who are all busy playing. “He’s hiding something, I’m sure of it.”
Savannah searches my eyes. “What could he be hiding?”
“I’m working on it.” I lean on the countertop. “But it’s hard when my access is restricted.”
“Restricted?” A line appears on Savannah’s brow.
“Uh-huh. As an investment associate, I should have access to everything, and that includes financial records from his top clients. He made me sign a nondisclosure.”
“Weird,” Savannah says. “But I’m sure it’s no biggie.” She prepares veggies for the oven, laying them out on a roasting tray. “Have you told him about…?” Her eyes veer over to the kids.
“No. And I plan on doing that never.”
“I know, I get that.” Savannah slides the tray into the oven and closes the door, dusting off her hands. “Are you feeling any better about things?”
“I was better at handling it today, but God, Savvy, he’s even more of a looker than before.”
“You have to be kidding?” Amusement creeps into her eyes. “Didn’t you say he looked about forty?”
“Just about. But oh, he’s definitely in his forties now.”
“All I’m hearing is that he sounds old enough to be your dad.”
“Yeah. Maybe.” I wouldn’t know, having never met mine. “Trust me, it’s hard to keep my eyes away. I’m trying my very best. That being said, besides the face and the business, I don’t think he has much substance.”
“Never go back there with him again,” warns Savannah, leading us into the living area. “Trust me, I’ve been there. It looks so unprofessional. Keep the clothes on at all times and resist temptation.”
I glance at my kids and the clouds suddenly disperse.
Clarity comes to me every time I’m in the same room as them.
I watch them play with dolls, all getting along for once.
Willow will get bored of it soon and stick her nose into what Charlie’s doing, which right now, isn’t much.
Kindergarten must’ve mellowed them all out.
I sink into the couch. I’ll feel better when my first paycheck comes through, when I can finally give my kids the life they deserve.
“By the way,” Savannah says, “Iris’s teacher told me to pass on a message to you—apparently she was acting more withdrawn today, but she thinks that’s only because they were doing a lot of group work.”
“I should get her assessed,” I say, keeping my gaze locked on the kids.
“Yeah,” Savannah agrees. “It would clear a lot of things up.”
“Damn, I really gotta get my head down with this job and limit all distractions.”
“Have you ever heard of exposure therapy?” Savannah asks, turning to face me. “The more times you see something, the more the brain gets used to that thing. You should try that with Nadir. You might find it takes your mind off him.”
“What do you suggest I do? Sit in his office all day and stare at his face until it stops becoming attractive?”
“No.” Savannah scoffs. “Just give it some time. Things are still new, but I’m sure things will settle down.”
“Yeah…” I say absentmindedly, focusing on my little Nadir look-alike.
I think back to the conversation I had with Nadir this morning and still feel unsettled. I told him I saw something suspicious and he barely asked any questions. The day before, he was dead set on making sure I reported weird behavior.
Something’s not quite adding up.
Granted, I’m new to the industry, but I should have full access to everything…
My stomach turns over with nausea. I should’ve listened to my gut when Nadir asked me to sign an NDA. That was my first warning sign.
I fear there’s something very abnormal about this company. Something bigger than private equity going on. Nadir seems to enjoy letting others do the running around for him until it comes to the big clients. The restricted access doesn’t even let me see their names.
Could it be that my boss and baby daddy is a criminal in disguise?
What if I’m way out of my depth, and I’ve just signed myself and my kids up for ruin?