Aaron sauntered out of the office, leaving Connor reeling. “Did he really agree to it, just like that?”
“Yep.” Pat waved her hands at him. “Now, go pick up your gorgeous daughter and stop imagining the worst. Olivia gets the job, she’ll be happy, she’ll want to see you and have celebratory sex. She doesn’t get the job, she’ll want to see you and have consolation sex.”
“Jesus.” He felt the tips of his ears burn hot, which only made the woman laugh.
“You think because I’m old I don’t know all the different types of sex on offer?” She winked. “I’m looking forward to some retirement sex next year.”
“You’re going to leave us?” He felt a spike of panic. Pat, like Aaron, had been his savior. A boss who understood his commitments and helped smooth the way for him.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going yet.” She gave him a long, steady look. “Not before I’ve made sure you’re ready to step into my shoes.”
“Me? Head chef? In charge of the day-to-day running?” Had she lost her mind?
She squeezed his arm. “Of course you. I’ve talked with Aaron; we both agree. You’ll be able to do the paperwork side of things from home, so you can still work around Ellie.” She patted his hand. “But that’s for the future. For now, go and get your girl. And be there for your other girl when she calls you.”
His mind was in a spin as he walked toward the tube; it was still in a spin as he waited at the school gate, staring at his phone and willing it to ring.
His fingers hovered. He didn’t want to be that guy, the needy one who had to know every detail of what his girlfriend was doing, but fuck, the interviews must have ended three hours ago. He was getting worried.
Just checking in. Let me know how it went when you get a minute.
That sounded okay, didn’t it? Cool, chill, but with a hint of concern.
Exhaling heavily, he pressed Send.
A minute later, his phone buzzed with a message from her.
Sorry, all okay. How was it with Aaron?
Relief surged through him, almost making him lightheaded. With all she had going on today, she’d remembered his small meeting.
He liked the idea.
Told you he would! Can I see you tonight?
He gave a wry shake of his head as he typed.
Of course. Did you get it???
He waited... and waited. When her message finally arrived, it was short and strangely flat.
Yes
Was she teasing him? Being humble? Whatever, she’d got the job and he’d see her tonight. His mouth curved as he typed back.
Never in doubt. Celebratory sex way better than consolation sex. See you soon x
He pocketed the phone and waved at Ellie, who, as usual, came out in a rush, plaits bouncing as she raced over to him.
“We’re going to do a Christmas play and they want us to au... au...”
“Audition?”
“Yes. And Miss Green said she thought I’d be good as one of the main parts.”
He looped his arm around her shoulders. “Of course she did. When does the audition happen?”
“Tomorrow, so I have to learn my lines when we get home.” She grinned up at him. “You can help me like we helped Livvy.”
