7. Chapter Seven
chapter seven
. . .
Olivia
I bit back a moan of relief as I settled my aching body into my new ergonomic chair. Carter had surprised me with it this morning, along with a standing desk that could be adjusted to my preferred height. The thoughtfulness of the gesture took me by surprise.
I squinted against the glare of the rising sun as it blasted through the large windows of Carter's office, bathing the meticulously organized space in brightness. I glanced at my to-do list, already half-crossed off despite the early hour. Calls made, meetings scheduled, correspondence handled.
A soft ping from my computer alerted me to a new email. I scanned the contents then swiftly crafted a response, my fingers flying over the keys. The familiar rhythm of work settled over me like a comforting blanket.
“Olivia?” Carter's deep voice startled me from my focus. I looked up to find him leaning against the doorframe of his inner office. “I need you to reschedule my 3 o'clock with the zoning board. Something's come up.”
I nodded, already pulling up his calendar. “No problem. Any preference for the new time slot?”
He ran a hand through his dark hair, leaving it charmingly disheveled. “Tomorrow afternoon if possible. And can you get Emmett on the phone? I need to discuss the changes to the community center plans.”
“Of course.” I reached for the phone, my fingers hesitating over the keypad. “Um, Mr. Cassidy?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”
I bit my lip, suddenly self-conscious. “I wanted to say thank you. For the chair and desk, I mean. It's...it's made a big difference.”
An expression flittered across his face, too quick for me to decipher. “It's nothing.” His tone was brusque, but I caught the hint of warmth beneath it.
As I dialed Emmett's number, I couldn't help smiling. Maybe working for Carter Cassidy wouldn't be so bad after all.
The morning flew by as I juggled calls, organized files, and even managed to squeeze in some research on sustainable building materials for Carter's latest project. By the time lunch rolled around, I felt more alive than I had in months.
“I'm heading out for a bit,” I called, grabbing my purse. “I'll be back in an hour.”
He grunted in acknowledgment, not looking up from his blueprints. I shook my head, amused by his single-minded focus.
My mind was still buzzing with the events of the morning when I pulled up at Sunnyside Nook. The familiar scent of coffee and pastries enveloped me as soon as I stepped through the door. I spotted Mom at our usual table by the window, her face lighting up as she waved me over.
“Honey!” She stood to embrace me, her bird-like frame so similar to my own. “You look... different.”
I slid into the booth across from her, unable to contain my smile. “I feel different, Mom. This job, it's challenging, but in a good way. I forgot how much I missed working.”
Mom beamed with pride, but I caught the flicker of worry beneath. “That's wonderful, sweetheart. But you're not pushing yourself too hard, are you? With your condition?—”
“I'm fine, Mom. Really. Mr. Cassidy's been surprisingly accommodating.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Do tell.”
I launched into a recounting of the morning's events, pausing only to order my usual turkey club and Mom's chicken caesar salad. As I spoke, a weight lifted from my shoulders. It felt good to share my small victories, to see the joy and relief on Mom's face.
“He sounds... interesting,” Mom said when I finished. “A bit prickly, perhaps, but not unkind.”
I laughed. “That's one way to put it. He's definitely not what I expected.”
As our food arrived, a memory tugged at the edges of my mind.
“Liv! There you are!” Sarah's voice rang out across the bustling shelter cafeteria. I looked up from my sandwich, grinning as my coworker plopped down across from me. “You'll never guess what happened with that Pitbull we brought in last week. ”
I leaned forward eagerly. “Don't tell me someone adopted him already?”
Sarah's eyes danced with excitement. “Even better. Remember that veteran who came in looking for a service dog? Well, it turns out Buddy is a perfect match. We're starting their training next week!”
Joy rose up in my chest, pure and bright. This was why I loved my job at the Columbus Humane Society. Every day brought new opportunities to make a difference. I threw my arms around Sarah, laughing as we celebrated another small victory.
“Olivia?” Mom's voice pulled me back to the present. “Earth to space cadet!”
I blinked. “Sorry, Mom. I was just thinking about the shelter.”
Her face softened with understanding.
“I miss it sometimes, you know? The sense of purpose, the feeling that I was making a real difference.”
Mom reached across and patted my hand. “Oh, honey. You're still making a difference. Just in a different way now.”
I managed a weak smile, pushing down the familiar ache of loss. “You're right. And this job with Mr. Cassidy, it's a fresh start. A chance to prove myself again.”
The rest of the meal was spent dissecting Mom’s latest garden club drama. I felt more myself than I had in years. I wouldn't let my past define me. I was more than my pain, more than the shell of a person Ethan had tried to turn me into.
Back at work, I threw myself into my tasks with renewed vigor. I tackled a mountain of paperwork and managed to sweet-talk a difficult client into extending a crucial deadline .
As the afternoon wore on, I noticed Carter emerging from his office more frequently. He'd pause by my desk, ostensibly to check on my progress or drop off another task. But I caught the way his eyes lingered, assessing my posture, the set of my shoulders.
“How's the chair working out?” He leaned against my desk with deceptive casualness.
I smiled up at him, touched by his poorly disguised concern. “It's great, thank you. It makes a world of difference.”
“Good. That's... good.” He hesitated, as if wanting to say more, then shook his head. “Don't forget to take breaks. I don't need you burning out.”
I watched him retreat to his office, warmth spreading through my chest. Despite his prickliness, Carter Cassidy had a heart. He just didn't want anyone to know it.
A steady stream of work kept me occupied for the rest of the afternoon. In no time at all, it was five o’clock.
“I'm heading out,” I called to Carter as I gathered my things. “Is there anything I can do for you before I go?”
He emerged from his office, looking rumpled after hours bent over his drafting table. “No, that's all. You did good work today, Olivia.”
Pride fluttered in my stomach at his terse praise. “Thank you, Mr. Cassidy. I'll see you tomorrow?”
He nodded, his eyes softening. “Tomorrow. And Olivia?”
I paused at the door, looking back. “Yes?”
“Call me Carter. Mr. Cassidy makes me feel like my old man.”
A grin spread across my face. “Okay... Carter. Goodnight.”
Later that night, as I soaked in a hot bath to ease the day's aches, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed .
I thought of Carter, of the quiet consideration behind his surliness. Of the way his eyes seemed to see right through me.
Crap. This is a dangerous train of thought.
I sank deeper into the bubbles, pushing away thoughts of my enigmatic boss. Whatever was developing between us—professionally or otherwise—I'd face it tomorrow.
I wanted to savor this rare moment of peace.