Mercy (Somerset University #3) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,12
thought you were staying in Wakefield for another week.”
“I haven’t seen my family in forever. Another week was torture,” she said. “Where’s my little man? Get in on this hug.”
A squeal and then two tiny arms wrapped around our legs.
“Adam’s hanging out with Daddy at his office today,” I said. “After we drop him off, you and I are having lunch with Maverick.” I released her to pick up Adam. He was getting too old to be carried and I didn’t care. I’d hold him until he or my back complained. “Ready to go?”
“Yes. Livia, are you coming?”
“Of course, I am.” Olivia tickled him, sending him into a squirmy, giggling fit. “I used to work at Shea Industries. I’ll show you where they hide the good snacks.”
“Yay!”
I carried Adam to his room, grabbed his stuff, and the three of us continued on to the car. The trip to Shea Industries wasn’t a long one. Our twenty-five-minute drive we filled with music and chatter about Mom’s trip.
“There are so many places the three of us have to visit together. Adam will love Hawaii. And you, Val, are destined for Egypt.”
“It’s Austria that’s tempting me after seeing your pictures,” I replied. “Speaking of, who were those gentlemen you were posing with, young lady?”
Mom tossed her head back laughing. “What happens on a transcontinental flight, stays on a transcontinental flight.”
“Mom!”
Her cackling bounced through the car.
“Anyone I should know about?” I asked.
“Guillermo and I agreed to keep in touch, but it’s not serious. Right now I’m focused on writing the next chapter in my life. I’ve been thinking a lot the last couple of months about going back to school.”
“That’s great, Mom. Will you finish your marketing degree?”
“I’m not sure. I enjoyed it, and when I worked for Shea Industries, I caught myself making mental notes on how I’d improve a presentation. I can still see myself doing it, but I don’t have to fall into what’s familiar. I’ll poke around the community college catalog, audit a few classes, and see how I feel.”
“Can I tell you that I always pictured you as a teacher or professor?”
“Honestly?”
I nodded as I switched lanes for the one heading directly to the company. “You’re good with people. You know how to talk to them at their level. You don’t take any nonsense, but you don’t take yourself too seriously either. Plus, you said you look for and find ways that people can improve. What if you taught marketing, Mom?”
“Huh. That’s not a bad idea.” Mom tapped my forehead. “This is why I need you, kid. You put the pieces together for me.”
“Did you talk to Caroline?” I asked. “She said you were welcome to stay indefinitely.”
“Caroline is generous to a fault. I’d love to live with you and our favorite guy.” Olivia twisted to smile at Adam. Adam beamed in return, showing off his missing-tooth smile. “But I have a home and friends in Wakefield. Evergreen Estates, promenades, and country clubs were never really my scene. I don’t think I’d fit.”
“Evergreenians are more down to earth than you think. Let Madeline get her hands on you. She’ll introduce you to everyone and get you in on the parties and events. I want you to be a part of our life here, Mom.”
She ran a finger along my cheek. “I’ll always be a part of your life,” she said. “But I like your idea. I’ll get Caroline out of the house for a few wild girls’ nights out. We’ll shake things up. Blow the bow tie off this buttoned-up town.”
“That is not what I suggested.”
She busted up, inducing my eye roll. Had to love Olivia and her penchant for causing trouble.
We arrived at the company and Olivia and I brought Adam upstairs to Ryder’s office. He rose from his desk as we came in and nearly fell back as Adam tackled his legs. Ryder snagged him around the waist and tossed him over his shoulder like a rolled-up rug.
“Ready to boss around a few underlings? Get your first firing out of the way?”
“Yes,” Adam cheered.
I shook my head. “Why don’t we start small and color Daddy pictures for his office while he works?”
“Okay.” Adam sounded just as happy for the alternative.
Ryder put Adam on his feet. He ran off with Olivia to find the good treats while Ryder locked us in and got handsy with me on the couch. I untangled myself from him with difficulty when it was time to go.
Adam parked himself at the coffee table.