Page 63 of Selfless

“What the …?”

A little girl runs out of the house and down the stairs. I see her little lips move but can’t hear what she’s saying as she runs to my father. He bends down and picks her up, spinning her around.

A pain forms in my chest at what I’m seeing. My father is having an affair, and it has resulted in a child.

I throw some cash at the driver and get out, slamming the door. I walk up to the house, and the woman spots me. The smile drops off her face, and her eyes widen. “Ryder …”

My father spins around, the little girl still in his arms. “What are you doing here?” he demands, realizing I followed him.

I let out a laugh, but it holds no humor. “You wanna tell me what you’re doing here with Jaycent’s sister?”

Ashlyn

I get out of the Escalade and thank Milton for the ride. Now that Ryder and I are back together, I don’t have to take cabs anymore. One more thing to be thankful about since my life isn’t in the hands of the crazy cab drivers here anymore.

“Good morning,” I say with a smile on my face when I spot Thomas behind the desk. But he doesn’t return it. Instead, he stands and meets me halfway.

“We have a meeting upstairs,” he says.

I frown at his tone. “Did you wake up in a bad mood this morning?” I ask, but he doesn’t answer. “Are you okay?” I ask, placing my hand on his shoulder. He shrugs it off. “Thomas. What’s wrong?” I demand.

“Come on, Ashlyn.” He gives me his back and starts to walk up the stairs.

I follow him and enter Mrs. Mills’s office. She sits behind her desk with a set of paperwork in front of her. She stands as Thomas sits down in a chair. I sit beside him.

“What’s going on?” I can’t help but ask.

She sighs as she comes around the desk and stands in front of us.

“I have called this meeting because something has come to my attention.”

My brows rise. I look at Thomas and then back at her. “Are we in trouble or something?” I can’t help but ask with a chuckle. They both look so serious.

“We’re closing,” she announces.

“What?” I ask, sitting up straighter. No. Mr. O’Kane told me it would take time.

“I’m sorry,” she says with a heavy sigh. “The owner did not want me to tell you due to procedure and lawsuits, but I want you two to have enough time to find somewhere to go.”

Thomas snorts, and I stand. “How long do we have?” I ask as my mind spins.

“One week,” she says.

“One week?” I ask wide-eyed. “So …what? In one week, you’re just gonna close the doors?”

She nods. “I’m sorry.” Mrs. Mills looks at me. “But you can’t be this surprised. You put in your two weeks’ notice three weeks ago. So you must have seen this coming …”

“Yes. I had been warned, but then I had also been told by Mr. O’Kane himself it could take time. And to give it a month.” She looks away from me and clears her throat. I guess him telling me a month three weeks ago would fit this timeline. I’ve been too wrapped up in Ryder and me back together that I have lost track of time. “Have you spoken to him since you ratted me out?” I demand. I know she was the one who told him I put in my notice. Because I hadn’t told anyone else.

“I have not,” she answers my question. “But I can’t discuss the situation at hand other than informing you of the closing.”

I open my mouth and then close it. I slowly sit back down and try to figure out how in a matter of weeks I have lost my job. How could Ryder not warn me? A heads-up? I know he’s busy with work, but still, this is my job. My future and for him not to warn me …

“So what do you plan on doing for us?” Thomas asks softly.

“Doing for you?” she repeats as if she didn’t understand the question.

“Yes,” he says with bite. “You know? We have rights when termination is fulfilled. I can’t speak for Ashlyn, but I have been here five years. I have health insurance through Talia’s. Will we receive a severance package? Unemployment compensation?”

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