Our date was a success.
Now I just have more to conquer with her.
19
HAYES
Foster assesses the PowerPoint he’s swiping through on his tablet. We have been sitting in my office seating area for the past hour, going over numbers, and every time we swipe to a new slide, he’s unreadable. Sure, we’ve had solid conversations when a question came up, but the overall theme of my proposal requires deep thought.
“I mean, at least we wouldn’t be letting anybody go,” he points out as he closes the cover and sets the device on the coffee table.
“We have too much overhead, and we need to distribute it better. Too many hands on deck; it’s better to combine divisions. That doesn’t need to be a bad thing,” I remind him.
He scratches his chin and seems to consider. “Budget allocation could be better distributed, I agree. It’s my job to make the numbers work with what others consider to make sense. As long as I don’t have an auditor up my ass, then I’ll do that. I’ll have a look so that the next C-level team meeting can be riveting to all. Get ready for Olivia from HR to slingshade Easton’s way. They might have to work together on internal comms if this goes forward.”
I get comfortable in my leather chair as our conversation takes a casual turn. “Yeah, I noticed they have some issues.”
Foster scoffs in agreement. “Never a dull moment at Haven Crossroads. Speaking of which, let me ask off the record and as a friend. How is it going with my employee?”
An instant smile hits me. We’ve done our best to maneuver around our schedules and Lola. It’s pretty much been stolen time for us alone, especially as we try to keep work separate, which means the office is a no-go zone.
“Good. She’s coming around. Exploring beyond parenting. Speaking of which, my mom is coming to town tonight to meet Lola and Elodie. I’m also meeting Elodie’s parents.”
He laughs privately to himself. “Damn. I thought my family Thanksgiving dinners were hell enough with my asshole brother. But you both? Piling all of that on at once. I wish I had front-row seats.” He crosses his arms and lifts his chin at me. “Scared of her dad? I bet that’s gotta be shaking you up.”
A tiny bit of me, yes, but I’m not going to admit that out loud, especially not to Elodie, as she is already nervous. “Whatever he may think doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change what has happened or what will happen. Besides, I might need to rein in my mom. I’m not 100% sure she won’t say something to Elodie about the not-knowing-her-granddaughter factor.”
“Eek. The thing with Elodie is that she does have a bit of quick wit at times that might ruffle feathers. I love it when dealing with accounts, but I’m not sure that will go down well with your mommy dearest.”
“That’s a good quality.”
He nods with his lips quirked out. “I’m not going to lie,between you and Julian and your adamancy when it comes to the women in your lives, I should either deeply admire it or be extremely concerned. Do you even give her the option to run away if she finds you repulsive and not at all suitable for a relationship?”
Smirking to myself, that is the easiest answer there could be. “Nope. It’s only going to go one way, Foster. One day, maybe you will understand.”
“Or I’m just logical,” he flatly replies.
“Logic can still be part of the process of giving no options. Elodie is the mother of my child; it’s logical that we go through this hard time together. But there is also something else between us, and that’s why I’m so sure that we’re only going in one direction.”
Foster grins at me as he stands. “God, your arrogance could be persuasive.”
“I’ll remind you if you ever actually have a successful date two with somebody,” I call out as he leaves. Once the door shuts, I look at my watch, suddenly aware of the time.
I’ve never seenElodie nervous in this way. We’re in my living room, and she’s visibly pacing next to the fireplace, shaking out her hands, while I casually sprawl across the chaise lounge. On the ground, Lola plays, occasionally holding up a toy and telling me what it is.
"What the hell am I supposed to do with a basket of knitting supplies? Watch from the side knitting socks while your mom glares at me?”
I grin because I thought the gift was a nice idea. Shows I consider her de-stressing activities. Although appreciative, she thinks it was a ridiculous idea.
“It will be fine,” I promise Elodie.
She stops mid-pace and snaps her gaze to me. “How can you sit there so calmly?”
“Because she is my mom and this has to happen.”
I had my driver pick up my mom from the airport. In hindsight, maybe not the right move—I could’ve used that car ride to clue her in about Elodie’s nerves. Instead, I came home. Elodie grabbed Lola and rushed straight here. She wanted Lola settled, but right now, it’s Elodie who needs calming.
“She doesn’t blame you.” That’s what Elodie needs to hear. It might be meh, 90% true, but I see the nerves on her.
