fast. You know how Mr. Waterson likes to test us. He knows too many of our other clients.”
I used to be a lot like him. It’s why I was so hesitant to hire someone after Natalie stepped back. But Liam’s money came with expectations, from myself and my parents. I can’t believe he left you so much. What did he think you could do with it?
“Certainly, Mr. Gainesworth.” The phone shuffled again like she put her hand over the receiver. “I’ll have it to you by three o’clock today.”
We’d be at Bonanzaville by then and I’d have to edit on the phone among a throng of people. “I know it’s asking a lot, but I need it by noon.”
There’s a moment of silence on the other end. “Noon.”
It doesn’t quite sound like a confirmation in that dull tone, but if she says she’ll do it, then she’ll do it.
“I appreciate it.” Natalie’s words from Friday come back to me. It’s a holiday for Helena too. “Look, I know it’s too late to help us out today, but when we return to the office we need to get an ad out for a new assistant, one for you. And we should probably start looking for a new location.”
Neither of us need the extra work, but it’s the growing pains that come with running a successful business.
“That would… that would help.”
I hang up, considering her relieved reaction. Once again, Natalie’s insight into the company and the people behind it is spot on.
My fingers are flying over the keyboard when I hear the delighted shouts of the girls. I save my progress and push back. Going out, I get tackled with hugs before the girls dart away. Their arms are loaded with new sidewalk chalk, containers of bubble solution, and wands to make bubbles as big as them.
Just like I used to, I cross to my mother-in-law and give her a peck on the cheek. “Nana. So glad you’re feeling better.”
“Thank you for giving Natalie a week to pamper me.”
I shake Pete’s hand. He’s grinning and relief washes through me. Being accepted by my in-laws is as important as Natalie’s approval. What I didn’t get with my own parents, I got with Janie and Pete Wagner. For Christmas, I received flannel pajama pants and various flavors of jerky. Blissfully normal gifts that came with no expectations.
My parents make donations in my and the girls’ name, which I’m absolutely fine with, except I wished they’d include Natalie. But other than a card indicating where and how much they gave, we get little else. No phone calls with warm wishes for the holiday season. Natalie sends school pictures and videos every year and they thank me, not her.
“How was your date night?” Pete asks, clapping me on the back. “Abby wanted to call you a million times, but I talked her out of it. Janie finally distracted them with lemonade and cookies.”
Janie gives Pete a playful shove. “You weren’t supposed to tell them that.” She winks at me. “Just like he’s not supposed to say that this was well after their bedtime.”
I enjoy the play between the two. “You were just helping them practice staying up late to see the fireworks tonight.”
Natalie appears at my side, looking more relaxed than I’ve seen her in a while. “Are you all done for the day?” she asks quietly as her parents head to the back deck.
Not even close. But I’m not missing a holiday with my family. “I’m free for now. What do you want me to prepare?”
I’m rewarded with a grateful smile. “I can help you.”
In the kitchen, we busy ourselves with pulling out strawberries, blueberries, melons, and the standard carrots and celery, the only vegetables the girls regularly sample. My mind drifts back to the call this morning. I discreetly check the time. Helena should have the letter done soon. As long as I have my phone on me and can sneak away for ten minutes, I can do enough to mitigate any damage and head off any rumors before tomorrow.
I position myself to cut while she rinses and arranges dishes. “Are you sure you’re done for the day?” she asks.
She knows me too well. “I have a little more to do, but this comes first. I also told her that we needed to start our preparations for expanding.”
I slice into a carrot but Natalie is silent. Peering over my shoulder, I start chuckling. She’s staring at me from over her shoulder, disbelief in her