Chapter 12 #2
“You’re not relaxed. Hell, we built this company because it’s what we wanted, so you should be happy when you’re here. You’re like a grumpy hermit in here all day with these stacks of contracts and a never-ending to-do list. I wish you loved coming to work and being here. Instead—”
“Hey! I love my work.” I lean forward against the desk. “I love this company and pour my blood, sweat, and tears into it.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like—”
“No. Let me finish. I know we all work hard, but I also know that it’s easy for you guys to say I need to change.
But you know what? I do the unpleasant shit so you all can be yourselves.
So you don’t have to. Do the three of you think it’s because the world is all sunshine and rainbows that you rarely have to discipline an employee?
Do any of you forgo your end-of-year bonus to give a larger amount at the holidays to our staff? ”
Henry’s eyes widen. “You do what with your bonus?”
“That’s not the point. This company is my lifeblood, Henry.
It not only supports the four of us and our families, but it’s a livelihood for many people in this community.
Do you even know how many employees we have?
” I don’t give him a chance to guess. “Forty-six. People depend on us thriving and being in business for a long time. So, forgive me if I’m being too serious while trying to ensure I don’t let everyone down. ”
What I don’t say is that this is for Dad, too. For him, building something like this company was a dream, a vision. I think, in our own way, we all feel like this is a way to honor our dad and the craft that he loved.
“We. Not ‘I,’ Harrison. You don’t have to do it all.”
Now I am grumpy and pissed off. I stand and repack my work necessities into my bag.
“I’m working remotely today.”
“Aw, come on, Harrison. I didn’t mean all this like it came out.”
“It’s fine.” I look up at him. “Oh, and since I won’t be here, Ellie in HR comes in at eleven on some Thursdays for medical reasons, today included.
She’s exhausted on these days, so don’t overload her.
And Jill in payroll will only be in for half a day so that she can be present for her two-year-old son’s cardiology appointment.
But since I’m the sour-faced dickhead that ignores our employees, you already know all that, right?
” It’s a rhetorical question, and I walk toward my door without giving him a chance to respond.
I’m being a prick to get my point across, but I’m on edge.
Betty has consumed nearly every thought since I saw her at the wedding, and she ran from me—again.
I thought she and I had connected, that she liked hanging out with me as much as I enjoyed the time with her.
But then she ran a second time, and that frustrates the hell out of me.
I’ve been irritable for weeks. Now, I’m straight-out pissed off.
I’ve finished packing my bag, so I grab it and walk toward the exit.
Henry stands.
“C’mon, Harrison...”
I’m almost at my door when Ruthie’s laughter—the one that’s really more of a cackle—fills the air, followed by a soft, amused, female voice that causes me to freeze in place.
It can’t be.
I take a second to gather myself, then walk toward the door. I don’t have to look to know that Henry is on my heels.
“Okay, I guess this is happening now,” Henry says.
I don’t respond. I’m too focused on locating the woman attached to that voice. When I do, my eyes widen, and my mouth falls open. I stare, unable to speak.
“You better close your mouth, or flies are gonna move in there, suit stud.”
Yep, that’s Ruthie’s nickname for me—suit stud.
“We can all acknowledge she’s pretty, but don’t stare at her like a creep.”
The woman’s cheeks turn bright pink. When I see panic in those green eyes—the ones I thought I’d never see again—I’m ripped from my shock.
“Betty?”
She says nothing but bites her lower lip.
“Who’s Betty?” Henry asks. He looks back and forth between us.
I ignore him.
“My name is Delaney.”
She glances over her shoulder, and fear fills me that maybe she’s considering running again.
“Don’t even think about it. Not that I’m counting, but that would be the third time. I’m sure you know what happens after three strikes?”
“Harrison, what the hell is going on here?” Henry asks.
I ignore him, my eyes focused on the beautiful blond woman in front of me. Ruthie, for once, is silent. Her brow furrows in confusion, and her eyes dart back and forth between Betty and me.
“We know each other, don’t we, Bets?”
She narrows her eyes at me, a tiny fire burning in them.
“We’ve met,” she whispers.
That’s fucking annoying and dismissive.
“Is that what you’d call it? Interesting.” I look between Ruthie and Henry. “Would you two please give us a few minutes? Bets and I need to talk about a few things.”
“It’s Delaney,” she whispers.
I don’t wait for Ruthie and my brother to respond.
Instead, I turn and head back into my office.
I hope like hell she follows me. I’m relieved when I get to the door and turn to hold it open for her, and she’s only a few feet behind me.
She doesn’t make eye contact, but I gesture with my hand for her to enter.
When she does, I close the door behind her.
The temptation to lock it to keep Henry and Ruthie out is strong, but I don’t want to freak Betty out.