Page 132 of Never Let You Go

“Let me finish. As your longtime friend, and as your accountant, I can’t just sit there and watch you jeopardize your business because of her. Because of anyone, or anything, for that matter.”

“The fuck you talking about.”

“Your grant! That’s what I’m talking about. You do know that it’s owed back within the year if she fails her exam, right?”

I close the kitchen door. Not that Skye would understand, but she’d get that we are arguing about Alexandra. Hell, she’s so sharp she might even understand the gist of it.

“From the looks of it, she’s spending more time outside on her phone than in the bakery, Chris. Does she know what’s at stake for you?” Emma continues.

Blood thrums in my veins. She thinks she’s looking out for my best interest, but she’s messing with Alexandra, and I can’t tolerate that. “You stay out of this, Emma. This gets out, I know it was you. You’re the only one who knows. I know why you’re doing it, and I appreciate it. But you’re crossing a line.”

I want Alexandra to thrive doing something she loves. And I can handle the financial repercussions of losing the grant. I don’t need someone to tell me how to run my business. Not even my accountant.

Emma frowns. “She should know, Chris. It’s not fair to you. She’s like a frigging teenager, spending more time outside on her phone than in the bakery, for chrissakes. She needs to know what’s at stake for you. Hopefully she has enough decency not to let you down once she knows.”

I was annoyed at first, but now I’m angry. “You only know this because I gave you access to privileged information. Confidential information. This better not get out of this room, because, Ems, no one else knows. So if Alex finds out, I’ll know it was you, and I’ll make sure everyone in town knows how you treat client confidentiality. Are we clear?”

She raises both her hands. “I’m only looking out for you, Chris.”

“I appreciate that, but I’ll say it again. You’re crossing a line. Alexandra is a great girl. You’d find out if you gave her a chance. She’s loyal, and hardworking. I want the best for her, and I will not sacrifice her well-being for my business.”

I gave this some thought recently, did my calculations. If Alexandra dropped out or failed the exam, it would be tight. But I would make it. I’d take struggling financially for a few years if it meant Alexandra would be happier.

And yes, a thousand times yes, if it meant she’d stay here for good. With me.

“I wouldn’t want anyone’s well-being to be sacrificed for any business,” I say. “Are we good?”

“Of course we’re good,” Emma says as she wipes the kitchen counter. “Last thing I want is for her to get between us.”

I can’t hold against Emma that she wants what’s best for my business, but this conversation is taking us back to the awkwardness of the evening. Seems to me she’s trying to get between Alexandra and me. But I can’t tell her that.

So I end the conversation by opening the kitchen door and calling Skye again.

Skye reluctantly trails down the stairs, Caroline in tow.

“Mommy, can Skye sleep over tonight? Pretty please?” Caroline asks her, her hands clasped together.

Emma forces a sweet smile. “That’s fine with me. Chris? Skye is at home here,” she says, laying it on heavy.

I’m so angry at Emma right now, I almost say no out of principle. Not a mature dad reaction, but hey. We all have our limits. But my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I glance at it. Grace is confirming that us girls are at The Growler, and yes, Alex is there, too, and they’re all having a lot of fun. I didn’t ask about Alexandra, but for once, I’m not annoyed by Grace’s assumption about what I’m really asking.

I’m rattled by the argument with Emma, even if I’m glad I set her straight. I don’t want another argument with my daughter, one I’d have for no reason. And then, there’s the fact that if Skye stays here, I could join Alexandra at the Growler. Keep an eye on her.

“Sure, bug, that’s fine,” I say, feeling like shit. But then, why should I? Skye wants to spend time with her friend, and if that frees me to have that adult time Grace keeps telling me about, where’s the harm?

I’m rewarded by Skye jumping in my arms, hugging me tightly before rushing upstairs.

There’s no reason for me to feel bad. I’m not a bad dad.

When the girls are out of earshot, Emma says sweetly, “Nightcap? I don’t want you to leave upset at me.”

I’m in a fucking hurry to get out of here now. “I’m not upset at you, Emma. I know you meant well.” And that’s the truth. “But I should get home. Early start tomorrow.” And that’s not the truth of why I’m leaving.

She sashays toward me, one hand on her hip. “Come on, Chris, you’re not gonna stay a bachelor all your life, now, are you?”

I’m embarrassed for her. “Not gonna happen, Ems. We already went over that.” I grab my coat from the rack next to the kitchen door. “Thanks for dinner. This was really nice.”

“Anytime,” she says, her lips drawn in a tight line.

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