“That’s part of the reason our children are happy here.”She flicked the sheet she held with one finger.“How long do you anticipate being at Wintertime,ifI give you this job?”
“I won’t lie to you.It’s likely I won’t stick around if I find something else.”He opened both hands, which were large and had clean nails.“I didn’t spend years learning about computers and technology to end up in a daycare.”
There’s nothing wrong with a little humility, since you don’t have a pot to pee in.
Although she didn’t say the words, she was sure he read her thoughts.His smile disappeared, and his gaze hardened as she laid the papers inside the file jacket and forced a smile.“Life sometimes puts us in places we don’t fit.The important thing is working your way out.”She tipped her head to one side.“With some style and a little grace, I might add.”
A reddish tide flooded his yellow-brown skin.Shomari worked his jaw and swallowed, then lowered his head.A tide of emotions crossed his face, and when his chin lifted, he wore a blank expression, and the color ebbed from his cheeks and neck.
She wanted to apologize, but shuffled the already neat papers instead.Her intent wasn’t to embarrass him, but he needed a reality check.Especially if he’d be in this environment.Maybe he wasn’t right for the job, despite what Zack said—too much testosterone and pride.Even if Zack wanted to do a favor for a friend, shewasrunning a business, not a daycare for rescues who didn’t have a grateful bone in their body.The thought filled her with shame, and she shot a glance at him, as if he could hear her thoughts.
Praying for the right words, she sat back and laid both hands on the desk.“Let’s start over.I don’t know your specific circumstances, but I’m willing to assist if this job is what you need.And you’ll be helping me out, too, so we’ll be even.”
“Thank you.I suppose that works.”He paused, then shifted in the seat.“And for the record, I’m grateful, even—”
A tap at the door interrupted him.
Lizette held up a finger and called, “Come in.”
“G’morning, Auntie, and you too, Mister.”Luca, one of the older children, poked his head inside.Cheerful Christmas music followed him into the room on the airwaves.“Is Uncle Zack back as yet?”
“Hey, Luca.Wasn’t it yesterday that I reminded you he’d be back in a week or two?”
“I was checking, just in case.Mommy told me, too, but I miss my computer time.”
Turning her attention to Shomari, Lizette explained, “Zack comes in a couple of days each week and does some lessons with the children.”
“Nice.I bet they like it.”
“Thanks.Correction, the kids love it.If you join the team, we can step that up.”
Luca stood next to Shomari and asked, “Does that mean you know about computers, too?”
Shomari nodded once.“I went to college with Uncle Zack.”
With one arm propped on his side, Luca announced, “That must have been a long time ago.”
Shomari chuckled.A rich and pleasant sound that drew another smile from Lizette.
“It’s been a while, but I’m sure I can teach you a thing or two.”
“That sounds awesome.”Luca’s pitch was loud enough to penetrate the entire building.
With a smile added to soften her next words, Lizette said, “If you don’t mind, Uncle and I have business to discuss, so I’ll see you in a bit.Is that okay?”
Luca bobbed his head and ran out of the room, leaving them with Donny Hathaway’s mellow rendition ofThis Christmas.
“Remember to close the door.”
He returned and pulled the handle.“Sorry.”
When they had the room to themselves, Lizette straightened in the seat.“Now, about compensation.Here’s what I can offer …”
She’d considered what to pay him, given the scale on which she compensated her employees, and knowing she couldn’t offer him less than he was worth.It wasn’t in her nature to take advantage, but at the same time, she didn’t want to be overly generous.Especially with someone who planned to be out the door the minute he found another gig he liked better.
The phone on the desk beeped, and she glanced at it when Shomari responded.She raised one finger to stop him and picked up the cellular.“Sorry about this.Once sec.”
She swiped the screen and read the message.Marion Worms, the consultant scheduled to discuss Wintertime's expansion plans with her, was unable to attend the meeting.The sigh Lizette released came from the depths of her soul.She’d been on this road for what felt like forever, but the journey began only four months ago.
