4. Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Law
A s soon as Nic’s name popped up on my caller ID, I clicked my computer into unavailable mode, locked it, and stood from my desk, making my way to the break room. The fact that I had to be in the office at all irked me, and I’d been fighting to be able to work at least part-time from home, but since I was about to put in my notice, I wasn’t going to worry about it anymore.
“Good morning. I was going to call you today,” I greeted as I pushed open the door. Carl shot me a disdainful look as though I was interrupting his break, but I just rolled my eyes. It wasn’t like he owned the room.
“I couldn’t wait. Are you serious?”
I chuckled. “Of course.”
“But are you sure?” She huffed out, like I was being unreasonable or something. I didn’t understand where it was coming from.
“Yes. I wouldn’t have told Charlie if I wasn’t. You know I would never get his hopes up like that.”
“I know.” She blew out a breath. Then after a second of silence, “And Caitlyn agrees?”
I squinted even though Nic couldn’t see. “Yes. She’s fine with it. Happy even, since we’ll be closer. And you know she never really got along with my mother, even though Mom thought having a doctor daughter-in-law was something to be proud of. At least, until she realized I was the parent who did most of the work, and she decided Cait was shirking responsibility or something.”
“With good reason,” Nic ground out. Talk about someone who never got along with our mother, Nic had a contentious relationship from the moment they met. Not that Nic cared one iota. She’d never tried to make Ruth Caldwell happy and couldn’t give a flying fuck what Mom thought.
“Yeah, well.” I leaned my hip against the coffee counter, turning my back to Carl, who was still grumbling. “What’s with the being interrogatory?”
“I just want to make sure that you’re sure. That’s all. It’s a big move, and I know Charlie is here and he’s an angel on earth, but it’s still a huge deal. And from what Charlie says, a quick timeline. Which is fine. And there’s a salary, of course there is, but it’s not that much and—”
“Nic,” I tried to interrupt.
“You have three kids to take care of, which I know isn’t cheap,” she steamrolled on. “So I worry we’re going to get you and you’ll realize it’s not sustainable or something. I don’t want to get my hopes up either and—”
“Nicole.”
She huffed. “What?”
“When Charlie showed me the house, he said we could move in. Is that true?”
“Yes.”
I hummed. “And are you going to charge me rent?”
“No. Don’t be ridiculous. It would be part of the package.”
“Exactly.” I chuckled when she growled a little. I always did enjoy getting one up on her. “If I don’t have to pay rent or utilities, between the salary, my portion of the house sale, and Cait’s child support, we should be fine financially. With the added bonus of the proverbial village to help with the kids, I can’t see a downside.”
“Fine. Be logical.” She was grumbling again, but I heard the edge of happiness in her tone. I didn’t know her as well as Charlie did, of course, but we’d been in each other’s lives since she’d glommed onto my brother and didn’t let go. Charlie needed someone like her in his corner, so I’d done my best to get to know her and support her in that effort.
“You and Dana do want us there, don’t you?”
“Don’t be an idiot. Of course we do. Not only because we want your maintenance skills, but because we love you and the kids.” The growl in her voice was adorable but I was smart enough not to tell her that. She sighed, and when she spoke again, her tone was much lighter. “I’ll email the employment contract when we get off the phone.”
My brows rose. “Don’t you mean write it?”
Nic snorted. “No. I’ve had it ready to go for weeks now, before you even came for a visit. Just in case.”
“That’s really sweet, Nic.”
Scoffing this time. But she was silent for several moments before she added in a softer tone, “We need someone for the role. Our business has grown by leaps and bounds, and we were going to have to hire someone soon. But we were holding out, hoping it would be you.”
“I’m glad I can make your dreams come true,” I said, only a little sarcastically. Really it was a win-win situation all around, and I couldn’t be happier. When I’d discussed it with Caitlyn last night, she’d been instantly on board, pleased not only that we would be closer—since that would make visits easier—but that I would have help with the kids. “Send the contract, Nic.”
“Consider it done. Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything you need to discuss. All right?”
“You got it.”
There was a muffled noise, and Nic laughed. “Dana wants a list of all the kids’ favorite meals, by the way.”
“Your wife doesn’t need to…” I stopped at Nic’s growl, then laughed. “Got it. I’ll have them call her later, yeah?”
Nic chuckled. “She’d love that.”
“Consider it done,” I said, repeating her words to make her laugh. I got a huff instead, but that was almost as good. “I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“You bet. See ya.”
I hung up and shoved my phone back in my pocket, then just stood there for a moment, getting my bearings. It was funny how I’d made up my mind, and Cait had agreed, but it wasn’t until this second that the whole thing felt real. We were moving across the country, to a place with four solid seasons and all the loving family we could ask for. I was sure there would be adjustment pains, but deep in my soul, I knew this was the right choice.
I’d only been back at my desk for thirty seconds when the interoffice messaging app pinged. It was my supervisor demanding an audience. I squinted at the message for a few seconds before I sent an acknowledgment and stood.
Roy was standing at his office door, grim expression on his face, as I approached. Coworkers’ heads swiveled to watch my progress as I walked through the open concept floor plan. I’d always hated the cubicle farm we worked in, mostly for the lack of privacy. I kept my gaze straight ahead, not worried in the least.
Motioning me in, Roy shut the door behind us, though it didn’t do much for that aforementioned privacy. The walls were thin and made of glass. Everyone could see and hear everything if they wanted.
My supervisor was a short, thin, squirrely man who liked to manage by attempting intimidation. It had never really worked with me, even if I’d let him think so on occasion. Keeping a steady job was more important than getting into it with the powers that be. So I was calm and smiling as I sat across from his desk, my knees bending ridiculously. He liked to have low chairs on this side, so that he was taller on the other side. Another intimidation tactic I didn’t care for.
Roy didn’t say a word, just stared at me while twirling a pen through his fingers. He probably hoped I would break and ask what was going on. But I was done playing his games so I was content to sit there until he spoke.
He cracked after a few minutes. He tossed the pen on the desk, clasped his fingers together, and leaned forward, gaze never wavering. After another few seconds, he sighed. “Lawrence, something concerning has been brought to my attention.”
I always hated the way he said my name, the emphasis he put on it. No matter how many times I told him I preferred “Law.” Another mark for attempted intimidation that only irritated.
“Oh?” That was it. Nothing more, nothing less. He would have to spell it out.
Roy waited, but when I didn’t push either, he sighed. “Are you considering leaving us?”
Fucking Carl. I always knew the man was a brownnosing narc. “No.”
Roy’s expression changed to anger, for just a second, before he schooled his features again. “Is that so? Because I’m under the impression that you are.”
“I’m not considering it,” I said as calmly as possible. “The decision has been made. I will be leaving.”
And just like that, the anger was back, and Roy couldn’t disguise it fast enough. I understood it, to a degree. Not only was I one of the best techs, but he liked to have complete control over everything. And he didn’t. I did.
“That is unacceptable.” His skin mottled, like his anger was rising, though I had to give it to the man. He was doing his best to keep it out of his voice.
I shrugged one shoulder. “Sorry, Roy. You don’t get an opinion here.”
“You can’t quit, Lawrence,” he sneered, not even trying to keep it out of his tone anymore. “The detriment to the company—”
“Is not my problem. Please consider this my resignation.” I’d been planning to tender my resignation tomorrow, to give a full two weeks. I’d pack and make arrangements during the evenings, and then have a full week to drive east with Cait and the kids. But this was better. “Effective immediately.”
“You can’t do that! Two weeks’ notice, at least, is required.”
I stood, ready for this to be done. “Arizona is a work-at-will state. I can, in fact, do that. Are we done?”
Roy stood so fast his chair rolled back and hit the wall. He slammed his hands down on the desk. “You’re done, all right. You’ll never work in this field in this city again!”
I wanted to roll my eyes, but since I was trying to be the bigger person, I refrained. He didn’t have that kind of pull, just an overinflated sense of ego. But even if he did, it wasn’t a problem. “I’ll just go pack my desk.”
With a breath, Roy pulled on a sleazy smile. “Now, Lawrence, why don’t you sit down and we can talk about this.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. And it’s Law. You can’t even give me the courtesy of using my preferred name, and you wonder why I’m so quick to leave.” I headed for the door but before I opened it, I glanced over my shoulder. “I’m just the latest in a long line of people leaving this job, and there will be many more after me. Perhaps you should consider why that is, Roy. I’ll give you a hint; it’s not the people who’ve left.”
“Security will escort you out,” Roy ground out.
Since security was an elderly guy named Tom who always smiled at me and asked after my children, I wasn’t worried about that in the slightest. It would take me all of sixty seconds to pack up my personal belongings, which consisted of a picture of my kids, my lunch, and a few pens. I’d probably make it down to the lobby before Tom even got up from the security desk.
I was grinning as I walked back to my cubicle, and just as I predicted, I was on my way out a minute and a half later. What I didn’t expect was the sense of freedom that surged through me. My future awaited, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch my kids flourish in a new environment, away from all this negativity.
The kids were thrilled when I picked them up early from after school care. Normally, they were there until about five, but I was there at three-thirty. Tristan ran so fast he nearly face planted on the tile. He managed to catch himself before he did though and threw himself into my arms. I was glad for it, not only because he gave the best hugs but because we’d avoided another trip to the emergency room. His arm had only just healed.
The girls were just as happy, and all three chattered brightly as we headed out to the SUV and got buckled in. As I headed toward home, they kept it up, though every time I glanced in the rearview mirror, Harper was staring at me.
She knew something was up. I hardly ever picked them up early unless one of them had an appointment, so she was fully aware something was going on. I sent her a reassuring smile and she seemed to relax a little.
When we got to the house, I sat them down with an after school snack. Juice for Harper, along with some carrots and ranch dressing to dip in but chocolate milk and cookies for the other two. Tris squealed and dug in, Marlie grinned and started chomping, but Harper stirred her dip with a carrot without eating anything.
I pulled out a chair and joined them at the table, knowing I needed to cut to the chase to ease my anxious child’s mind. “I’ve got something to talk to you guys about.”
“Wha?” Tris asked with his mouthful, but a look from me had him grinning apologetically and chewing quickly.
“I knew it,” Harper said, hand going to her hair. She immediately started twirling one brown lock.
“Course you did, sweetheart. You’re smart like that. It’s nothing bad, I promise. But it’s a big thing.”
Marlie pushed her cookies away and tugged on her hair. “Big?”
“Yep!” I smiled brightly. “Mom and I have talked, and we decided the best thing would be for you guys and me to move to New York. We’ll live at Black Dog Inn and be super close to Uncle Charlie. How’s that sound?”
All three kids froze, then Tristan’s mouth dropped open, showing off the remnants of Oreo still on his tongue.
“For real life?”
I nodded solemnly at my five-year-old son. “For real life.”
Tristan’s joy could probably be heard down the block, with how loud he screamed “yay.” I couldn’t help but laugh at that, but he was only one of three, and I knew my girls were more reserved. Knowing Harper would understand, I focused on Marlie first, who was still tugging on her hair.
“Whatcha thinkin’, baby girl?”
Marlie shrugged and stared at me with wide eyes. “What about my friends?”
I reached across the table and she took my hand. “I know it’s a big change. And I know you’ll miss your friends. But you can talk to them on the app and I know you’ll make new ones. Lots of friends are better, don’t you think?”
I wasn’t about to tell her that she was only eight, and that most likely, her current friendships would fade with the distance, and new ones established. That was too much for right now. Marlie considered this for a long moment, and eventually, she let go of my hand, gave a single nod. She was still tugging her hair, but it was gentler now, and she went back to eating her snack, so I knew she was all right. Only then did I turn to Harper, who was studying me with her far too knowing eyes.
“How about you, Harper Charlotte?” I kept my voice low.
She rolled her eyes at the name but smiled a little too. “Why?”
She didn’t have to elaborate. And I always tried to be honest with my kids, according to their age level. Harper was eleven and understood things far beyond her years, so I gave her the bare facts. “A couple of big reasons. We’ll be a lot closer to Mom, so it’ll be a lot easier to see her. And I want us to be really close to Uncle Charlie, because after you guys, he’s my favorite person in the world.”
Harper giggled a little at that. “Even before Mom?”
I laughed too. “Well, they can tie.” He was, but only because he was my brother and that trumped ex-wife, mother of my children, and best friend. But only by a bit. I scooted a little closer. “It’s a great town with a lot of people who already think you guys are awesome. I can’t ask for better than that, you know?”
Harper studied me for another second, then leaned in for a hug. While I was squeezing her tightly, she whispered in my ear, “And far away from Grandma?”
Damn. I knew she understood, but I hated to think of the trauma that my mother had caused my children. I’d have to keep an eye on things and get them into counseling if they needed it. But I was really hoping the move and being surrounded by love would be enough.
“Yeah, sweetheart. That too.”
Tristan, proving that he was not quite out of the toddler stage where he heard everything you didn’t want him to hear, shouted, “Grams is waaaaay better than Grandma.”
Harper giggled as she pulled away, and I pecked a kiss on her head.
“Yeah.” That was all the acknowledgement I was going to give that statement. “Okay, kids. Finish up. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of weeks. Because I haven’t even told you the best part.”
“What?” Marlie and Tristan both shouted.
“We’re going to be there in time for Christmas!” Then anticipating the next question, I shot Tristan a look. “Santa will know where to find us.”
The cheers from all three were deafening, but I was just as excited, so I didn’t bother to try to quiet them down.