“Thank you for confirming that again,” I say, my voice devoid of any hint of emotion.
“He can speak to me if he has questions about the account,” he says, not letting it go.
I giggle and shake my head.
“What?” he says, looking offended.
“Why are you so worried about the client speaking to me suddenly? I thought you said I have the freedom to say whatever I want?” I muse.
He scoffs and shakes his head. “You do, absolutely. Yes. That’s not what I meant. I just meant…”
I raise my brows and cross my arms over my chest. “Yes?” I ask calmly.
“I’m going to order a roast chicken and mayo sandwich for lunch. Do you want anything?” he growls, his mood turning defensive and sour.
“I’d love the same, thanks.” I press my lips together to hide my amusement.
“Fine, yes,” he blurts out, then turns away from me to walk into his office.
***
This week is flowing so much smoother than last week.
Josiah doesn’t purposefully drive me crazy, and I manage to get a lot more work done. I find my own rhythm within their business system, and by Wednesday, I feel like I belong.
Early Wednesday evening, when I arrive back home, Alara is sitting with the girls in the living room building with giant LEGO bricks.
“A castle?” I exclaim excitedly.
Both girls jump up and run towards me. “Mama!” they squeal in unison.
“Hi, beautiful girls, are you having fun?”
“Yes! We need a crocodile for the castle,” Kira declares, running back to it.
Alara stands up and dusts her hands over her jeans. “I came to visit you and got caught up in some serious construction here,” she grins.
“Looks like you are a professional,” I tease her.
“Oh yes, didn’t you know, I have a degree in LEGO castles?” she grins.
I giggle and drop my workbag onto the sofa, flopping down into the soft pillows so I can kick off my high heels.
Alara sits down and turns towards me, shifting her body to face mine. She bites her lip.
“Kayla, um, the other night…are you okay? I imagine it’s a bit of a surprise to find out something like that…in that way?”
I glance at the girls, my eyes softening as I watch them with love filling my heart.
“I’ll do anything to keep them safe,” I tell her.
“I would too,” she says quietly, glancing at them.
Kelsey runs up to Alara and tries to pull her back into the building. “Come play with us!” she demands.
“I think you have it fully under control,” Alara laughs, brushing her hand over Kelsey’s cheek.
Kelsey decides to abandon the LEGO castle and crawls onto Alara’s lap. “Where is your mommy?” she asks randomly, as five-year-olds love to do.
