Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
SOFIA
Despite all the build-up and stress leading to the day, the employment hearing was over in a few hours. An intense few hours, in which Sofia’s hands had shaken and her voice had wavered, but the result was worth it. She’d won her case. She still couldn’t believe it.
The judge had refused her former employer’s request to postpone the hearing as their solicitor had withdrawn from the case last minute, stating it would be a gross waste of tax payers’ money. Despite their numerous objections, the case had proceeded as planned.
The relief she’d felt when she realised Danny had withdrawn was immense, and not just because of her own situation.
However much she’d defended Danny’s right to do his job, she also knew it would be the death of any chance of her sister being with him.
Elena would never forgive him for putting work ahead of family.
In the end, the stern woman from her dismissal meeting, Rosemary Pitts, had been forced to present the employer’s case and she’d made a complete hash of it.
She was unable to find relevant papers, and failed to back up her arguments with actual legislation.
Watching the woman grow increasingly agitated as the day had progressed highlighted the flaws in their case.
In the concluding summary, the judge found that Sofia’s former employers to have been inconsistent in their assessment of the term ‘carer’, and that dismissing Sofia was not a ‘proportionate response’ to the circumstances.
Instead ‘reasonable adjustments’ should have been made to allow her time off to care for her sister.
When the judge asked Sofia if she wanted her job back, she’d declined. He awarded her a financial settlement instead, full backpay from the date of dismissal, plus three months’ salary to cover loss of future earnings. She was elated.
Being stuck inside a windowless room for so long meant she squinted as they emerged into bright sunlight at the end of the session.
Feeling a little shaky, Sofia was comforted by a steady hand on her shoulder. ‘You won, mi hija.’
She smiled up at Papi, still overcome at having him home. His tanned, broad face smiled down at her, more lined than the last time she’d seen him, but less stricken with grief. ‘It’ll take a while to sink in.’
He squeezed her shoulder. ‘A bold move to reject the job.’
‘Maybe, but it feels right,’ she said, leaning into his hard frame, strengthened by years of building work.
‘I’ve lost respect for them as employers.
There’s no way I could go on working for them as though nothing’s happened.
Supposing Luisa gets ill again? I’d feel uncomfortable asking for more time off. ’
He looked at her intently. ‘I’m here now. You won’t be in that position again.’
She searched his dark hooded eyes. ‘Are you staying?’
He nodded. ‘The business is sold. The properties are sold. This is where I need to be.’
Her head titled. ‘Are you okay about that? I know you’ll miss home.’
‘You are my home,’ he said, pulling her close for another hug, one of many since he’d arrived back.
‘You and your sisters. I’ve been selfish.
My grief took me away from you, but matters are now settled, financially and personally.
I have said my goodbyes and made my peace. It’s time to be a good Papi.’
Sofia blinked up at him. ‘We missed you.’
He kissed the top of her head. ‘Forgive me, mi hija.’
She pulled away and wiped her eyes. She felt drained from an emotional few days. ‘What’s next for you?’
He took her hands, swamping them with his calloused hands. ‘The money from the property sales will provide a good income. I will be a builder again, but local, and only a few hours a day. My priority is looking after Luisa so you and Elena can be free to live your lives. It’s time.’
‘You can’t get rid of us that easily,’ she said, trying for a smile. ‘But it’s a relief to know you’ll be here. She’s a handful at times.’
One dark bushy eyebrow lifted. ‘So was your mother.’
She laughed. ‘That’s true.’
‘And I have a surprise for you.’ There was a spark of light in his eyes, something that had been absent for so long. ‘I won’t be caring for Luisa alone. Yulitza will join us.’
‘Yulitza?’ Sofia couldn’t believe it. Their old housekeeper was coming to the UK? ‘You mean for a visit? Surely she’s not staying?’
‘Yes, she’s coming to live with us. She missed you chicas after we left Colombia. She has worked for other families since, but she’s older now, she wants less changing diapers and more relaxing time for herself.’
Sofia raised an eyebrow. ‘You think looking after Luisa will be relaxing?’
He laughed, a sound she’d missed so much. ‘Maybe not. But I think it will suit her. She has no family left in Venezuela and no ties in Colombia, so we will be her family now.’
‘I can’t believe it.’ Sofia’s mind was thrown back to messy baking sessions in their old kitchen, and curling up on the sofa in the afternoons to watch reruns of Las Juanas, Yulitza’s favourite soap opera. The memories were still so clear, even after all these years. ‘When does she arrive?’
‘Tomorrow.’ He rested his hands on her shoulders. ‘This means freedom for you, mi hija. So what now for you?’
Her head was still whirling from all the changes in her life. ‘Job hunting, for a start. I’ve been looking at the charity ads and non-profit organisations and there are a few positions I’m interested in.’
His gaze was intense. ‘And el amor?’
‘Love?’ She silently crossed her fingers. ‘Ask me again tonight. Hopefully I’ll have an answer for you.’
‘You tell me this boy’s name and where he lives, Papi will deal with this.’
‘That’s the last thing I’m going to do. You’ll scare him off.’ It was a horrifying thought.
Papi tutted. ‘Then he’s not worthy of you.’
‘Yes he is, Papi. I promise you.’ She gave him a playful shove.
‘I love you, but you’re quite intimidating.
I need to do this on my own. If things work out then I’ll introduce you to him, but not yet.
’ She checked her watch. She was hoping to catch Connor before his shift at the community centre ended.
If he truly was leaving, this might be her last chance.
‘I’m going to see him now, so I’ll update you later, okay? ’
‘Okay.’ He kissed her hard, squeezing her shoulders. ‘Vamos! Mi hija. El amor no esperará.’
He was right, love won’t wait.
Leaving Papi to head off and meet Elena after work for a dinner date and enjoy their own catch-up, Sofia prepared herself for the day’s second challenge.
She’d won her hearing, now all she had to do was convince Connor they should be together.
It was the tougher of the two obstacles and something that would dictate the rest of her life. She couldn’t blow her chance.
It had been a while since she’d worn formal workwear, so she felt a little unsteady on her heels as she headed for the tube station.
Maybe she should have gone home to change first. A black suit and cream blouse didn’t exactly scream romance, but she didn’t want to waste any more time.
Wearing a suit had given her confidence at the hearing, it might do the same when ‘negotiating’ her future with Connor.
Could she win him over? She was certainly going to try.
She was done feeling shy and protective of her feelings.
What did it matter if she made a fool of herself?
The way things stood now she’d lost him anyway, she had nothing more to lose.
Subtly hadn’t got her anywhere, it was time for a more direct approach.
She was going to lay everything on the line, and if he still didn’t want her, then she’d be left with no regrets.
Well, maybe a few.
It wasn’t late by the time she arrived at the community centre, so she was surprised to find the place in darkness.
There were usually classes running and group sessions in the meeting room, which had now reopened following the renovation.
The main door was unlocked, so someone must be inside.
She headed through the dimly lit hall towards the back office, relieved when she saw the spill of light seeping from under the doorway.
Pausing to steady her nerves, she opened the door, hoping to find Connor inside. If she discovered one of cleaners, she’d be mightily disappointed.
Her fears were allayed when she saw Connor seated at the computer. He turned at the sound of the door opening and stood up.
‘Hi,’ he said, the catch in his voice indicating he was nervous. ‘How did the hearing go?’ His fingers were crossed and he looked hesitant. She’d never seen him wearing a smart shirt before. He looked adorable, even if the sleeves were slightly too long.
She smiled. ‘I won.’
His hands flew into his hair. ‘Thank fu— … Sorry, I mean, that’s great.’ He moved back and forth like he wanted to hug her, but was undecided about what was appropriate.
She placed her handbag on top of the filing cabinet, needing her hands free in case a hug was coming further down the line. She hadn’t given up hope just yet.
‘Danny withdrawing from the case helped,’ she said, removing her suit jacket. ‘The woman who took over wasn’t prepared and made the company seem a bit incompetent. I’m grateful to him. He didn’t have to do that, but I’m glad he did.’
Connor nodded. ‘I’m glad he did too. I didn’t like being angry with him.’
‘It’s done now, and I won, so please don’t let this come between you, I’d hate that. I’ve accepted a decent settlement, which will tide me over until I find another job.’
Connor looked surprised. ‘They didn’t offer you your job back?’
‘They did, but I turned it down. Volunteering here has made me realise this is the type of environment I want to work in. I feel excited and energised coming here. I never felt that about my other job.’
He let out a sigh. ‘I’m so relieved you said that.’
She hung her jacket on the back of a chair. ‘Why?’