Page 68 of Call Me Sir

I messaged Cole throughout the week and didn’t have him come back until Friday. It was hard not seeing him, but I tell myself it’s for the best to get our working career back on track.

The air shifts and I watch Cole stroll into the office. We share an exchange through my window and it’s like nails on a chalkboard to turn my attention back to the blank computer screen open on my desk.

I have done zero work on the gala. Except assemble the team.

Tony and Cole as the senior organizers to make sure things run smoothly and Rumi and Kahlid to offer fresh ideas since they both seem to know the most about what’s going on around the city, at least from what I’ve noticed in their reports.

Taking a deep breath, I mentally prepare myself to see my dad for the first time in a decade.

Will we recognize each other? I’ve aged some, not as baby faced and I’m definitely more defined in the arms and chest. Will he care? Will he still see me as a man?

And if he does? How can I forgive him after all this time?

Releasing the deep breath, I stand and leave the safety of my office.

Everyone looks up to me as I step out as if I’m making some big announcement.

“Cole, Anthony, Rumi and Kahlid, can you please join me in the conference room?”

I don’t bother waiting to see if they heard me, I make my way to the room and flick on the light, obsessively wondering if they noticed I mentioned Cole first.

Fuck.

I stand at the front of the room as the four filter in, Cole is the last one and shuts the door, taking a seat at the back of the room.

I keep my eyes off him.

“What’s going on boss?” Anthony asks, breaking the tension in the room.

“In a few moments, a very important man is going to walk in here and we’re going to do everything we can to meet his list of demands.”

Everyone’s attention is fully on me, phones faced down on the long rectangle table. I make a point to eye each one before continuing.

“We will be planning one of the biggest events this city will see in a very long time.”

“The LGBTQ+ Gala?” Cole blurts.

The frown I give isn’t even meant to hide what’s happened between us for show.

“Yes,” I manage to answer, despite wanting to call the owner of the company and beg him to cancel this contract.

“Wow boss, don’t look so excited.” Tony says and the room bursts into nervous chuckles.

I hold my composure. There’s a knock on the conference room door and it opens. Julio lets my father in then closes the door.

“No fucking way!” Tony whispers so loud that everyone clearly hears him. “That’s the Samuel Hammond!”

“Yes, we all see him,” Cole whispers back.

There are a couple chuckles from the other two employees.

I don’t even react since I’m too damn anxious living my worst nightmare.

“Everyone, this is Mr. Samuel Hammond.”

My father, all six foot and proud, squares his shoulders and smiles at everyone in the room, even me.

There’s no disgust creasing his features, or hatred burning in his eyes.

---