4
NICK
“Enjoy your lollipop?” I glance over the computer with a tight lip as she waltzes through the door.
A small giggle escapes her. “You saw that?”
“Yes. You’ll pay for that.” I continue to punch numbers into the computer, adding up the profits from yesterday’s takings.
“This? You’re seriously going to dock me fifty pence?” She holds the shrunken lolly in her hand, then pops it into her mouth, making her cheek bulge like a hamster.
I can’t hold in my smile any longer. “Not the lolly. You’re going to pay for that little stunt you pulled sticking your tongue out at me. I may even take a leaf out of one of those books you read and deal out a punishment.”
Her eyes dart to her desk where she left her book at lunch.Punished by the Bossis the title of her latest read. She sucks in a breath, realising I’ve noticed what she’s been reading. She doesn’t know I read some. But she might when I say my next sentence.
“What’ll it be, little star? The ruler, the clipboard, or my belt?” A chuckle breaks the tension. Of course, she knows I’m only teasing. I like to get her all flustered.
“You’re hilarious.” She doesn’t know what to say as she gingerly steps towards her desk and drops the book into her bag. With a flushed face, she frantically punches the keys on her keyboard with her glittery nails.
She sucks on the lolly still nestled inside her cheek. I’d like to see her stuffed with something else she can suck on. With an exhale, I go back to my numbers before my dick gets any ideas. I can’t make a move on my assistant, no matter how much I want to. She’s the best employee I have and I can’t lose her.
The phone rings.Joy answers with her cheerful telephone voice. “Good afternoon, Toy Trove Treasures. How can I help you?” She covers the handset and says, “It’s your nanny,” to me before returning to the call. “I’ll put you through.”
I check my watch. There’s only one reason the childminder calls me at work and that’s when there’s a problem. The desk handset flashes as Joy transfers the call. I press the button to put her on speaker, dread clawing at my neck. “Hello.”
Her words come out rushed. “Hello, Mr Twist. I’m sorry to do this at short notice, but I can’t collect Theo from school today.”
My spine bristles. “Why? What’s happened?”
“I’m on my way to London. My mother had a fall.”
“Can you not leave later?”
Joy frowns at me and I realise that’s a little insensitive, but I have my own problems without anyone else adding to them.
“I’m already on the train.”
“When will you be back?”
“January.”
“January?” I shout.
“I’m sorry, Mr Twist. I understand if you want to hire a new childminder. It’s just I’m all Mum has.”
Joy’s eyes widen, reminding me to be nice.
“Of course. Right. Just come back as soon as you can.” I take my frustration out on the telephone and bang the button to end the call.
“She can’t help her mum having a fall. You could’ve been a little more understanding.” Joy shakes her head in disapproval.
“Is anyone reliable these days?” I tilt my head to the side and crack my neck. This week’s getting worse.
“Want me to pick Theo up?”
There she is. The one person who’s been my rock this year. The one person I can rely on to ease some of the stress. “You’re a star. Thanks, Joy. I can’t cancel this appointment at the bank.”
“No problem.”
