Hard Hit by Toni Aleo (IceCats #3) - Toni Aleo Page 0,62
she says, “Heading out early?”
“Yes, actually. My friend’s dad is sick, and she needs me to take care of…” I pause. What do I say here? Fuck it. “Of my boyfriend’s daughter. She’s actually his nanny, and she needs me to help out.”
Her brow perks. “I’ve never known you to, one, have a boyfriend, or two, leave in the middle of the day. But I’m finding out you’ve been leaving early a lot.”
I swallow hard. “I know, but my work is done, so I think I’m doing all right. But if I’m not, please let me know,” I say, stepping around my desk. “I really need to go. Do we need to set up a meeting?”
She eyes me. “I don’t know. Do we?”
I hold her gaze. “I don’t know. You came to my office. Something you don’t do.”
She smiles, her dark gaze playful. “I was passing by when I saw you packing up. Figured I’d pick on you.”
We share a grin. “Well, thanks for freaking me out!” I laugh, and she grins. “I really need to go. She’s panicking right now, and I want to alleviate some of her stress.”
“Okay, but can I take you to lunch tomorrow, catch up, since I’m behind on a boyfriend?”
I pause. Damn it. “Yes, that would be wonderful.”
“Great,” she says before taking my wrist and looking me in the eye. “I’m happy for you.”
I smile gratefully at her. “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Of course. Hope everything is okay.”
“Thanks.” As I rush out of my office, everything I just said and did becomes a reality for me.
I just admitted to having a boyfriend.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Jaylin
* * *
When I arrive at Kirby’s house, Jean is holding back her tears.
I wrap my arms around her and Celeste, hugging them both tightly as Jean lets out a sob. My heart is full when Celeste puts her cheek to mine, holding my chin in her hand. As sad as my friend is, I can’t help but grin. I rub Jean’s back as I whisper softly, “It’s all okay. Go.”
“I don’t want Kirby to be mad. I couldn’t get ahold of him. He’s in meetings, I think?”
She shakes her head, her eyes dewy with tears. “Not really. I don’t talk to my oldest sister much, so it’s very awkward and hard, but she just said I needed to be there.”
I squeeze her one last time. “Okay, keep me in the loop. If anything, I’ll take Celeste to my place tonight, as long as Kirby is cool with it.”
She nods as she pulls out of my arms. “Hopefully, you won’t need to, but thank you for the offer. I’ll call you.” I watch as Jean gathers her things. “You know I don’t do this, right?”
“Jean, you’re fine. I promise.”
“It’s just my dad and all—”
“Honey, I completely understand, and Kirby won’t be upset. I promise.”
She chews on her lip for a second then meets my gaze. “Thank you again.”
“Of course.”
After explaining to me when Celeste ate last and that she may need a nap soon, Jean also gives me the keys to Kirby’s truck with the car seat in it. Just in case, she says. Jean is a mess, shaking with not only fear for her dad but for her job. I basically have to push her out the door with reassurance that this is not a problem. When she leaves, I lock the door behind her just as Celeste leans her head on my chest. I rub her back, thankful I’m able to be here with her and to help Jean out.
I know Jean, I know the company she works for, and they wouldn’t allow her to leave like this unless it was an emergency. I’m worried that the situation with her dad could be worse than she thinks, so I’m glad she is able to go. I know Kirby won’t be upset. How could he? She is so good to him, and this is an emergency.
I carry Celeste and my work bag to the living room, before sitting her down on her bottom. She bounces happily as I set up the baby gates so she can’t get far. She isn’t very fast crawling but still dangerous in a non-blocked-off area. I kick off my shoes before stepping into the barricade with her, opening my computer to work. Of course, my laptop is the holy grail for this baby, so for the