im serious
she was just talking to them about where they should get lunch
its fine
Trevor
Adds GIF from 90s hit show- “I’m fine”
16
Ruth
“Idon’t know why Tucker thinks you need so many snacks.” I add his latest acquisitions to the cabinet where I store all the food in his office.
It’s only the second day I’ve come to work with him, and the man has already taken my daughter to the break room countless times to get her whatever she wants. At this point I’ve stocked everything from chips to snack cakes, and instant noodles to shelf stable microwave meals. I’ve never worked anywhere that provided their employees with so many options for free, and it’s sort of mind boggling to see.
As I learn more about Tucker, it’s also not surprising.
Tucker is always worrying about others. Whether it’s me and Birdie, one of his brothers, or one of his employees, he wants to make sure everyone has what they need.
It’s… Endearing.
It’s also causing me to run out of places to put things, which is why I’ve spent a good portion of my second afternoon at McKinley Security Systems reorganizing his office cabinets. I’m sure the way it was made sense to him, but when I had to startfinding room for piles of Twinkies and rows of Nutri-Grain bars, I discovered things were sort of haphazardly put away.
His filing cabinets appeared neat, but nothing was in an order that made sense. His office supplies were spread around the room instead of collected into one area. Almost like he tried to put things away, but ended up losing momentum and simply shoved them wherever they fit.
So, after getting Birdie snuggled up on his oversized leather sofa with a tablet playing her favorite show, I went to work. Things definitely got worse before they got better, and at one point I was seriously regretting my life choices. His beautiful office went from looking perfectly fine and well-maintained to complete and utter chaos in what felt like the blink of an eye. I started to panic Birdie was going to get her afternoon zoomies and plow through all the piles I was working hard to collect into like items.
Thankfully, she ended up dozing off—probably due to the bellyful of stir-fried chicken and vegetables with rice Tucker ordered us for lunch—and I’m finally nearing the finish line. All I have left to do is put all Tucker’s desk items into their newly designated drawers, and it’s finished.
Now all I need is a dose of caffeine to get me through the home stretch.
Pulling out a paper coffee cup, I set it on the machine, selecting my favorite pod from the well-stocked selection, pop it into the designated spot, and set the machine to run. I check on Birdie while I wait, getting her properly tucked under the cozy blanket Tucker keeps folded across one arm of the couch and making sure the throw pillow barricade keeping her securely on the sofa is still sturdy. She’s big enough now it wouldn’t hurt her to roll off, but it wouldn’t be a fun way for her to wake up.
For either of us.
Confident she’s safe and comfortable, I go to collect mycoffee. The door to the office clicks open as I’m pouring in a single-serve cup of half-and-half.
Tucker is quiet as he comes in, his eyes going straight to the couch where Birdie is enjoying her afternoon snooze. I almost think I see something that looks like fondness across his features as he looks at her, but it’s probably just a man who’s excited his plan is working out.
And it does seem to be working out.
I’ve met most of his brothers at this point, and everyone seems to be fooled. The only one I haven’t crossed paths with is Walker, who I’m told is a cousin even though they act like brothers. But I’m not super worried about him. No one else has batted an eye at Tucker announcing we’re in a relationship, so I’m sure Walker will be no different.
I’m still feeling a little panicky over meeting Deidre Bradshaw though. My mother could see through me in an instant, and I don’t imagine Tucker’s mother is any different with him.
But he is putting on a really good show. Yesterday, when he saw me being introduced to the three men from Alaskan Security, he did an amazing job of looking jealous. If I didn’t know better, I might have believed it myself.
The same way his current act of double checking the pillow wall and the blanket over my daughter would make me think he cares about her.
After adjusting one of the pillows to sit a little closer to where she’s curled up, Tucker turns to me, his eyes sweeping my frame from head to toe before shifting to the mess on his desk. His brows pinch together, but not in anger. More in confusion.
“I noticed things were a little hectic in your cabinets as I was putting away all the snacks you and Birdie brought back after lunch, so I decided to get it organized a little better for you.” It didn’t even occur to me that Tucker might be irritated I tookliberties with his personal space. He’s actually made it very clear I can pretty much do whatever I want.
And now the smile on his face confirms it.
“I might have to give you a raise.” He saunters toward me, looking like his normal easy-going—if slightly cocky—self as he closes in on where I stand. “Maybe a bonus of some sort.” He waggles his brows. “If you know what I mean.”
