Chapter Ten #2
I take the first sip of hot chocolate and moan. “Holy fuck this is so good.” Bringing the cup back up to my lips I take in another gulp.
“It’s my moms recipe. I always loved having hot chocolate to end the night.” Josie says, as she takes a seat next to me at the island. Her shoulder grazes mine as we sit side by side.
Were the stools always this close or did she move it closer? Does she feel the need to sit close to me to comfort me when they let me go?
The hot chocolate turns sour in my mouth at the reminder that I might be losing this job. The thought of not spending my afternoons with Shiloh and hearing about his day, or watching the daily changes of Hayes. It’s amazing and crazy how much a baby can change and grow within the first year.
I put my hot chocolate down and push it in front of me.
Is it hot in here? It feels like it’s a million degrees.
Combing my fingers through my hair before wrapping it in a bun.
When I look up, I see a deep brown gaze connect with mine.
He’s on the other side of the island, with his forearms resting on the counter top.
He offers a soft smile before he stands up, bringing his cup to his lips he tips it back and finishes off.
“So, Josie and I wanted to talk to you about this morning.” He starts, as he places his cup in the dishwasher.
Fuck a duck. Here it comes. “I just wanted to say I am so sorry about this morning. I promise I will get a vehicle sorted out. I just need to find something with what I have saved up. It’s just been hard to find something in my budget.
” I feel warmth on my lower back, I look to my right and lock eyes with Josie.
There is a soft look on her face as she rubs gentle circles on my lower back.
“Evie, it’s not about the vehicle.” She starts, and then her eyes widen slightly, “What I mean is– We talked the other night. We hate seeing you have to rely on ride shares or Harper to get you to and from here every day. I can’t imagine the stress just to make sure you have a ride home.”
“Also, I don’t like the idea of some stranger driving you home and knowing where you live.
” Monty grumbles. I look over to him in confusion, I mean that’s what a ride share is for.
You’re asking a stranger to drive you home, it’s no different than a taxi.
When Monty notices my confusion I watch as his cheeks flush before he looks down.
A quiet snort leaves Josie before she continues, “what Monty is trying to say is that we would feel much more comfortable if you were to stay here instead of all this traveling back and forth.”
Wait, what?
“What?” I focus on Josie, looking for any hint of deception as I try to figure out what she means. She… Do they want me to live here? With them?
“As you know, I have talked about wanting to get my salon opened again as soon as the doctor gives me the all clear. Truthfully, I would only feel truly comfortable doing that if I had someone I trust to watch Hayes while I’m in my appointments.
” Her hand moves from my back to my hand resting on the counter.
She slips her hand in mine before she gives it a gentle squeeze.
Her hands are so soft. I don’t want her to let go.
“So you need to find someone who will watch Hayes while you work.” I reiterate.
“Yes.” Her reply is simple and to the point.
“And you’re letting me know that you’ll be looking for someone to do that job. So this is my heads up, right?”
Confusion flashes on her face, and she looks to her husband in search of an answer. For a moment, I thought I saw hurt flash across her features, but why would she be hurt if she’s letting me go?
“Nooo…” Monty begins, “What we’re saying is, we’d like to keep you on a permanent basis. We like you Evie. You’re great with the kids, and you do a great job.”
Ooh. OH. This wasn’t them firing me. This was them offering me my job- for longer.
“Well.” I start, unsure how to move forward with the next part. “I guess I grossly misread this talk.” I force a laugh and then cringe at how it sounds. Josie’s hand is still in mine, and I keep focus on where they are joined.
“We have the place above the garage where you can stay.” Josie begins, “It’s close, and you don’t have to worry about traveling. When you’re here you can use my SUV if you want to do something with the boys while I’m working.”
“I don’t understand. I thought you said that loft is for when your parents visit.” I don’t want to put their parents out when they come to visit. I couldn’t do that.
“It wouldn’t be a big deal, They would be fine staying in a hotel.
Truthfully they don’t come up often enough that it gets used all that much.
So if anything, you’d be doing us a favor by staying there and using it.
” A smile forms on his lips, the movement kick starts my own as my mind begins to put the pieces together.
A place of my own. No roommates, with my own privacy. My own bathroom to take as long of a shower as I want without someone pounding on the door saying they need it.
“Are you sure?” I ask. I need clarification.
“We are.” Monty says.
A smile begins to spread across my face, but I tamp it down. Not wanting to appear too excited about this opportunity. This is the first time in a long time that I don’t feel my brain cycling through what can go wrong, and overthinking the situation.
“Let’s do it.”