Page 84 of Call Me Sir

Pacing the hallway outside of our business suite, I try to think how I will word this. Sensing everyone in the office is listening, swallowing my nerves as best I can, I press a shaky thumb to my cell.

The ringing in my headset startles me.

“Hello?”

The stern voice throws me off.

“Hi, um, this is…” Jesus I sound so out of my element. This isn’t the person he’d picture his son dating… if we were dating. Or in charge of an important event. Clearing my throat, I say more assertively, “Hello, this is Cole Matthews.”

“Ah, yes Mr. Matthews. It’s wonderful to hear from you again. How are you?”

I force a stiff smile as if he’d see it. “I’m excellent, thank you.”

I’m ready to ask him for Oliver Davis’s number, but he’s got other things in mind.

“Before you ask, yes I approve of you both dating.”

The approval causes my cheeks to redden.

“If the owner of the company takes issue, I’ll reassure him that it doesn’t bother me one bit.”

Does this man see all and know all?

The thought of him knowing we’re intimate almost makes me choke on my tongue.

Holding the cough tickling the back of my throat, I stand a little taller. “Thank you, I appreciate hearing that.” Should I deny it? Tell him we’re not boyfriends?

“I know Sal can be rough around the edges, but he’s sweet under that mean mug.”

The man knows his son. A snicker leaves me.

Carried away by the friendly banter, I say more than I probably should. “I think Sal acts mad, but I think he’s grateful to have you back.”

Not that he shows it.

“It’ll take time,” I add.

The heavy pause between us has my palms sweating. That was out of line for me to mention.

“I appreciate that,” he finally says. His perky demeanor sounds lost. “Sometimes I think I’ve damned myself but this gives me hope.”

A slight smile creeps onto my face. Maybe I haven’t blown it.

“Oh,” I say, forgetting I’ve called him for something other than a social call, I add, “May I have the number for Oliver Davis?”

Like a car jump started back to life, his ready to go attitude is back. “Yes, that’s right. I will text it over to you right away.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Of course! Don’t hesitate to reach out.”

I’m not sure how to end the conversation but there pause makes me panic. The rescue by Mr. Hammond throws me off.

“Thank you.. For taking care of my boy. I’ve failed him but I have hope he’s gonna be okay despite my mistake.”

“Oh, of course.”

“Take care,” he says quickly.

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