Technical Threat (Westin Force #4) - Julie Trettel Page 0,44
had stepped up behind me too. I hadn’t turned to verify it was her, but I knew.
“I’ll handle closing,” she volunteered.
“That’s not your job,” Shay spat. “It’s Susan’s responsibility.”
Tarron closed his eyes and took in deep breaths. His fox was so close to the surface and that it was exciting mine too.
Sage and Sapphire came over. They agreed to stay through closing too to help Michelle. It was settled.
I tried to discreetly cut my eyes towards the booth where Tarron still had his stuff. I could have just stomped out, but I really needed to get him out of there too.
He turned and retrieved his things.
Sapphire went over to talk to him.
They whispered for a moment and then he pulled out his wallet and handed her a wad of cash.
I could see her gawk and try to give it back to him, but he shook his head, grabbed the last of his things and walked out.
He didn’t get far though as he stood just in the shadows glaring at me and waiting.
I took off my apron and smacked it down by the register.
“I ought to fire you right now for being such a selfish insubordinate.” Then she raised her hand to smack me, but Jimmy grabbed it.
“Lay a finger on her and I’ll call the cops,” he said in a low voice he thought only she could hear.
Shay’s face turned bright red.
“Fire me,” I challenged. “Go ahead, because I’m walking anyways so if it makes you feel better, then do it.”
“Fire her and we all walk,” Michelle challenged.
“Why I never,” Shay said dramatically throwing her hands into the air.
“Well, you have now, mother. Jimmy, I’ll be by in the morning to go over the contract with you. Mom, I strongly suggest you be here too. You really don’t have much of a choice.”
I turned and stomped out holding my head high and only glancing to ensure my sisters were okay. Tears pricked my eyes as Sapphire wrapped her arms around Sage and they both grinned and gave me thumbs up.
Tarron
Chapter 15
Pride filled me as I watched from just outside. Susan stood up for herself. From the way her mother had spoken of her and what little I now knew about her story, I gathered this was a big moment.
She walked out with her head held high and turned away from me to walk to her car. I ran around the other side of the building so not to interrupt her moment by following her in the big picture window.
I found her sobbing next to her car. I dropped my things and pulled her into my arms. We stood there for a while as she cried, and I held her.
A few sniffles and she was stiffening and pulling away. I hated it, but I had to let her go.
“Are you okay to drive?” I asked.
She nodded.
“I’ll follow you. Do you know how to get to the hotel?”
She nodded again.
I desperately wanted to hear her voice, but it had been a long, overwhelming and emotional day for us both. In that moment I would have done absolutely anything that woman asked of me.
I wondered if she had any idea how strong she was.
I got in my car, checking to make sure her monitor and computer were secured. I waited for her to pull out and then followed her back to the hotel.
She parked and just sat there.
I parked next to her and jumped out to go to her.
She was hesitant as she got out. “I think I should get my own room tonight,” she said.
I didn’t like the thought of that at all, but if that’s what she needed I couldn’t deny it either.
“Please don’t. You can room with Nonna if you’d like. I had her get a double just in case.”
Her face softened. “You did?”
I nodded. “Whatever you need, Susan. If that’s your own room for tonight, that’s okay. There’s no pressure here. We can even wait and talk tomorrow if you prefer. I know, it’s been quite a day. I’m likely going to just crash early,” I lied. It wasn’t even eight o’clock yet. There was no way I was going to sleep anytime soon. “There are two beds in my room and two more in Nonna’s. I’m just giving you your options.”
She sighed. “I won’t sleep this early no matter how crazy this day has been. You wanted to talk, and I’d like some answers. Can we just do that and decide later on my sleeping arrangements?”