Page 177 of Delilah In Discretion

“I-It’s okay. I got it. Bye, Daddy...” she whispered.

I sighed heavily as she entered the car without sparing me a final glance. Soon I was left by myself as the kids, Brielle, Blaine, Reginald, George, and Benjamin had gone with her. I was left with Leo, who made it known that he was a bit sour that he had to drive me to the airport and that he was going to miss the recital, but he didn’t say much to me.

Soon, we were on the road, and I found myself trying to busy myself with the preparations for the meeting... but I couldn’t. All that I could think about were those little eyes that looked up at me in hope and hurt simultaneously. I didn’t think it would’ve been a big deal... Brielle was upset, but she didn’t force me to go.

“You know this meeting is crucial.”

She nodded. “I know.

“But your daughter is more important.”

She didn’t say those exact words, but I knew that’s what she wanted to say. Fuck, that’s what I should’ve said. Those idiots in Chicago need to figure out what they’re doing on their own. I have a family, for Christ’s sake. I would much rather fire themfrom the comfort of my own home with my daughter in my arms than go and try to fix what they’ve done... and fire them in the end, most likely.

I put the files in my hands to the side, and Leo looked at me through the rearview mirror.

“Leo,” I muttered, looking out the window once again.

“Yes, sir?”

“...We’re going to the recital,” I muttered, and he hummed as he continued to drive straight. I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked over at him and watched him grab a pair of sunglasses from his glove compartment.

“Leo, did you hear what I said—” I began, but I was cut off as he put the glasses on and the opening ofTokyo DriftfromTheFast and the Furiousstarted playing.

My eyes widened as I braced myself in the backseat. Leo made a highly climactic U-turn in the middle of traffic and sped down the other side of the highway. Feeling more confused than scared, I looked over at him, who seemed to have a small smile on his face.

“I want to fire you, Leo,” I muttered, still shaken. He simply laughed as we made our way to the theater.

We’d arrived in less than fifteen minutes, and I rushed in as the recital was seconds from starting. I opened the door to the auditorium and smiled as Delilah stood on the stage with a microphone in her dance costume.

“This dance is dedicated to my dad. The words of the song mean a lot to me, and so does he. Even though it’s a love song, I see it as our song and how he’s loved me for the longest time and—THERE HE IS! HI, DADDY! HI! HE CAME!” she screamed, pointing at me.

I smiled as I waved back, listening to the audience’s laughter. I found my seat by Brielle with the help of one of the ushers, and she laid her head on my shoulder and grabbed my hand in hers.

The lights began to dim, andAll of Meby John Legend started to play. I watched my beautiful girl on stage as she danced and twirled graciously. My heart constricted as I couldn’t even believe I would think to miss this.

Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I looked to see Blaine wiping his tears. “It’s okay to cry,” he whispered, and I rolled my eyes as I continued watching and cherishing my daughter.

Present

Delilah

Sitting in Archer’s office, I sighed as I finished the last of the reports that his father assigned him. Did I like this “new” job of playing his secretary? Absolutely not. It was dreadful, as Benny would say about how messy my room would be, so yes, I would compare this new job to cleaning my room.

But it wasn’t entirely his fault. It was his father’s as well. Having Calvin breathe down my neck for work and insight into my life while Archer was quite literally trying to find different times in the day to breathe down my neck was tiring. However, I appreciated Archer for helping me get my mind off the fight I’d just had with my dad.

It was slowly eating me that I may have gone too far, but I ignored it because the feeling of being liberated was much more enjoyable.

“Knock knock,” I heard at the door, and Archer walked in with two coffees and a lustful look in his eyes.

I looked away from the computer and tilted my head. “Can I help you, Mr. Lockwood?” I asked.

He smiled as he placed the coffee down and turned me in my chair. “There are many different things you can help me with, Princess. I don’t know if right here would be the appropriate place... your office being the neighbor to my father’s office and all,” he muttered.

I rolled my eyes. “And my bedroom being close neighbors to my parents’ room the other night was appropriate?” I asked.

He shrugged, placing a kiss on my neck. “Hmm… more or less.”

I rolled my eyes at him and jumped when I felt his hand snake around my neck.

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