Angela and I had driven to the development together, so on the way back to the office, she thanked me again for the job and house.
I replied, “I think the timing of it all means it was meant to be.”
I honestly believed in that shit. How else could I explain my going to Haven Springs last week, and not the week earlier like I’d originally planned?
“It definitely seems that way.”
Making small talk as I drove, I asked, “Are you all moved in?”
She snorted, then slapped her hand over her nose and mouth. “No. I was in a car accident when I first got into town, so I’ve been dealing with that.”
“Oh shit! I’m sorry. Can your car be fixed?”
“Yeah, it’s at Mitchell Automotive.”
“Best place in town.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“Have you met the owner, Beau?”
“Oh, yes… we’ve met.”
It seemed like there was more to that story, but I didn’t want to pry, so I let it drop.
“Don’t worry about coming into the office until you get your car back. You can do your work from home, can’t you?”
“Yes, I can. But I’m still able to come in; they gave me a loaner car.”
“Really? I didn’t know they had those.”
“I don’t think they usually do. I’m pretty sure Beau made an exception for me.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You must be special, then. Because the Beau Mitchell I went to high school with doesn’t make exceptions for anyone. Other than maybe his brothers.”
“Well, considering he was the other party in my accident…”
“Ah, okay. Now it makes more sense.”
“Yeah.” She quickly changed the subject. “Sarah said you’re getting married next weekend?”
“I am. I’m headed back to my fiancée’s hometown tomorrow night to help with the preparations.”
“Good man. A bit of advice, don’t let her overdo it. Each of my sisters tried to turn into Wonder Woman the week of their weddings, and they were both a hot mess when the big day arrived.”
“She has a newborn, so I’ve been trying to make sure she doesn’t take on too much. Fortunately, we have a lot of help.”
“Congratulations! I didn’t realize you had a new baby, too! God, you must have been interviewing me from the hospital!”
I wish I’d been at the hospital when Ruthie was born. I wish I would have known Jess then.
But, like I said, timing is everything.
I decided my employee didn’t need to know the details of my personal life, so I just smiled and said, “No, the baby’s six weeks old. She’d already been home a few weeks when you had your interview.”
We pulled into the almost empty parking lot of the office. A lot of people in the company had offices in the building, but they were rarely there.
