A Moment Like You (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #2) - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,32
and Mills are doing their part. They took it upon themselves to defend me on their social media outlets. They both posted their support to Henry Aldridge, who is doing the best he can to ensure that his employees work in a safe environment. What’s even more surprising is that Beacon, who never mentions his family, called me his brother.
“When do we start interviewing the candidates?” I ask once she finishes talking.
“We could start as early as tomorrow. They need at least a day’s notice to prepare for the interview,” she explains. “If we hire within the company, they’ll be available almost immediately. I created a folder in the cloud with the resumés. They are organized by position, availability, and current employment. I’m screening them as human resources sends them to me. We’ve received hundreds of them since we posted the positions. I asked HR to close it tonight.”
“We should start by hiring for the human resources director position,” I suggest. “I’m extremely upset that I wasn’t in town when the former director tried to access the offices.”
“From what I heard, Frank did his best to kick him out. No worries,” she adds, and I keep watching the screen hoping she’ll look at me, but in the two hours we’ve been working she’s managed to avoid me. “Now, this is of course up to you. I sent you the resumé of the best candidate for each particular position. Read it, analyze it, and if you agree with me, I would like you to have a face to face interview.”
There’s a beeping sound coming from her side of the conversation. She sighs and says, “I have to leave in ten minutes.”
“We’re working,” I remind her.
She finally looks at me, her expression slightly wary. “As I said when I called you a couple of hours ago, I wanted to get started before I had to take my mom to the doctor. We are accommodating your…request. You could be more understanding.”
“Is Julian picking you up?”
Her eyebrow lifts. “What I do during my free time doesn’t concern you, Mr. Aldridge. I only use your driver when I have to run errands for you—or when you’re imposing your agenda on me.”
Irritation ripples through me, partially because she’s ending the conversation and I want to spend more time with her. I’ll take anything. Even this cold and insignificant videoconference. Maybe not. I’m fucking mad because she’s being indifferent.
I press the bridge of my nose, trying not to take the bait because she’s so fucking aggravating, but I’m not fighting with her today. If only I could fuck her, all this tension between us would go away.
“It’d be best if you use the car service. I assume your mom will be more comfortable riding in it, instead of a cab,” I point out to aggravate her. I want her to react.
Her annoyed gaze meets mine and I smile because she hates that I’m right. And I’m finally pushing that wall.
“It’s just a suggestion, but what do I know?” I say.
“I’ll take it into consideration,” she replies, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Don’t try to be nice to me because that’s going to ignite my rage, Mr. Aldridge.”
“We wouldn’t want that, would we?” I tease her.
“Have a good rest of the day,” she wishes before disconnecting the call.
I text her.
Henry: When can we meet again?
Sophia: Go through the resumés, make some choices, and I’ll get the interviews lined up for tomorrow.
Henry: Are we done for today?
Sophia: I’m done. Your schedule has been updated, and I’ll make sure to add the interviews tomorrow.
Henry: Will you be at the office today?
Sophia: No. Everyone has questions, and I don’t have all the answers yet. It’d be helpful if you were in town. Everyone is wondering if you are hiding. I understand why you have to be in Baker’s Creek. Tomorrow, once we have a plan, I’ll be there first thing in the morning.
Henry: Do you think I should address them again?
Sophia: From an employee’s standpoint they would feel a lot better if you personally tell them what’s happening, maybe even tell them why you can’t be in headquarters. Say you’re mourning your father, saving a town, or something to that effect.
Henry: I’ll speak to the PR company and the department to figure out the logistics.
Henry: Thank you for everything you do. Let me know how your mother is doing.
Sophia: …
I watch the dots dancing for at least ten minutes, but she never sends a text.