each and every one of the strengths and challenges of each family. They asked questions openly and seemed completely focused on their tasks. The hour flew and by the end even Phil looked invested in all the work the families and the kids were getting done.
As things were slowing down, Julia thanked the parents for taking time off their jobs to come and work with their kids and encouraged them to keep it going at home. The families walked out together looking happy and relaxed. I noticed almost everyone came up to Julia to thank her as they walked out.
We made our way out without stopping to talk to her again. It was Thanksgiving the next day and I almost stopped to ask her if the offer to hang out from the day at the game was still standing. But just as I was considering it, Phil bumped my shoulder with a pointed look and I remembered where I needed to keep my focus on.
Chapter Fifteen
Julia
I was getting the stuff from the academy packed away in record time. If I could get out of the building within the next five minutes I might be able to avoid running into Vicki, who was probably still trying to figure out how to convince Gail she did her job. She’d shown up only five minutes before our guests did and had no clue how to answer any of the questions Phil or the Twins had asked.
I heard Gail before I saw her. “Thank you for today, Julia.”
I turned around with the plastic bin full of the materials we used and smiled at her. “You don’t have to thank me. It’s my job.”
Gail shook her head and came closer. “You did a lot more than your job description calls for today. It was very clear to me and to our visitors.” No, that was not electricity going up and down my spine at the thought of one visitor in particular, aka Rocco Fucking Quinn. I tried to figure out how to respond to Gail’s comment without throwing Vicki under the bus. I settled on redirecting the conversation.
“I hope they were happy and feel motivated to continue funding us.”
“They were very impressed by you and the work you’re doing with the families.” She pointed at the vision boards that the families had done together. We’d had them put together images of the futures they saw for themselves, and they were hopeful and bright, even under the seemingly never-ending challenges immigrant families endured these days.
“The Sturms took photos of them to show the board. The consultant also shared how impressed he was by what he’s seen so far.” She shrugged and looked around as if to make sure we were alone. “Let’s hope their enthusiasm is enough, because Phil seems set on having an issue with this program.”
“I hope so too. But if they need more convincing, we’ll just have to get creative.” I was not into doing show-and-tell with our families, but also wasn’t going to let that asshole Phil take us down without fighting for my program.
That brought out the first real smile from Gail I’d seen in days. “You’re right. This matters too much to let us get bowled over by a dude named Phil.” With that, Gail, in her three-inch heels and perfect makeup, grabbed the remaining container and turned her head toward the door. “Here, let’s get this stuff packed away so that you can go home.”
I laughed trailing after her. “That’s it, boss. We got this.” I sounded a lot more confident than I felt, but if there was a time to fake it ’til you made it, it was now. And giving Gail an extra pep in her step couldn’t hurt.
“It’s Thanksgiving tomorrow!” she exclaimed as if only now realizing it. “Are you doing anything fun?”
We were walking down the hallway to my office as we talked. “I’m taking it easy this weekend. Since I’m going home next month for Christmas. I decided to stay here and just take it easy.” My traitorous brain immediately brought up the image of Rocco sitting at home by himself too.
Nope. Not allowed. No fucking way.
“Take your ‘me’ time when you can get it,” Gail said as she set the container she’d carried back on the floor of my office and waved a quick goodbye. I rushed to get everything in order before I got stopped by someone else.
On my way out to the parking lot, I saw a text from Rocco congratulating