This morning is the custody hearing. I wanted to go with him to show my support but Zane’s lawyer, Siena, cautioned against it. She’s seen things get nasty at a hearing when a new partner shows up.
I didn’t want to, but I accepted her advice. I won’t do anything to jeopardize Zane’s chances of keeping Adele.
Usually, I spend my mornings caring for Adele while Zane is at work, but there was no way I could stay home with nothing to do this morning. Which is why I’m currently in the storage room atRumrunnerdoing inventory.
Harper pats my hand. “It’ll be okay. No one’s taking Zane’s baby from him.”
I blow out a breath. “The waiting is killing me. I want to be there with him. Supporting him. I’m failing at being in a relationship.”
“You’re not failing. You’re giving him what he needs.”
“I never knew you were good at pep talks.”
She shrugs. “I never had time for pep talks before Kai.”
Her love for him shines from her. She fought Kai long and hard – he’s eight years younger than her, which was a no go for her – but he wouldn’t give up. He kept pushing and pushing until she finally gave in. They’re now engaged to be married.
“I’m happy for you.”
“And I’m happy for you.”
“Whoa.” I hold up a hand. “Don’t jump the gun. Zane and I have barely started dating.”
“Zane’s never dated before. But he changed his ways. For you.”
I wave her comment away. I have enough worries at the moment. I’m not adding worrying about Zane returning to his playboy ways to the list.
“I wish he’d call.”
“Come on.” She drops her clipboard on a shelf. “Why don’t I show you how to use the HR management software.”
My eyes widen. “The HR management software?”
“You’ll need to know how to use it when you’re the assistant manager.”
Excitement bubbles through me. Assistant manager is the position I’ve been angling for. Harper’s been reluctant topromote me because I might have had time management issues in the past.
I’ve been trying to prove to her I’ve changed. That I can handle the extra responsibility. That she can rely on me.
My hard work is paying off.
“Okay. Let’s do this.”
I follow her to the office and sit next to her behind her computer. “It’s pretty intuitive, but if you get stuck, there are videos online to help.”
She shows me how to log in to the software before giving me a tour of the features. There’s recruiting, onboarding, time and attendance tracking, performance reviews, benefits administration, and payroll. It’s a lot more than I expected.
She’s showing me how to log someone’s hours when the back entrance of the bar bangs open. Zane charges into the office a few seconds later.
“Zane!” I rush to him. “What happened? Did you get custody?” I glance behind him. “Where’s Adele?”
“Adele is in the car with Mom. I insisted we stop here before going home.”
“What happened?”
“She didn’t show. Daisy didn’t fucking show up to a custody hearing for her own child.”
“This is good, right? You’ll definitely get custody now.”
