“It was, wasn’t it?” Jack said, pouring himself a drink. “Listen, Sierra. I know tomorrow is the dreaded Black Friday, but I need you to take Ellie and buy her some toys.”
“You want me to go shopping on Black Friday? Are you out of your damn mind?” I cocked my head.
“I really don’t need you at the office, so yeah, I want you to go shopping. Eric will drive you. Just don’t buy too much since Christmas is coming.”
“Sorry, boss. I don’t get paid enough to endure Black Friday hell. Nope.” I shook my head. “No way.”
“I’ll give you my credit card, and you can buy anything you want for yourself.”
“Anything?” I narrowed my eye.
“Anything.” He tipped the glass to his lips.
The thought of Black Friday sickened me. But even worse, taking a child out in that chaos. If he were making me do it, I’d have to compensate myself. He did say to buy anything I wanted, and I’d always wanted a Louis Vuitton handbag.
“Fine. I’ll take Ellie shopping tomorrow.”
“Good girl.” He walked over and kissed my forehead. “I’m going into my office to do some work.”
I pulled my phone from my purse and saw a missed call from Becca. Dialing her number, she answered on the first ring.
“Where were you?” she asked.
“At that damn parade.”
A roar of laughter escaped her. “You, Sierra Knight, went to the Thanksgiving Parade?”
“Be quiet. I never want to discuss it again.”
“What the hell is going on with you?” She continued to laugh.
“Jack made me go.”
“Jack can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do, Sierra.”
“He can when he signs my paycheck.” I sighed.
“I’m off tomorrow. Are you?” she asked.
“Yes. Jack has ordered me to take Ellie shopping and get her some toys.”
Another roar of laughter escaped her. “On Black Friday? Is he crazy?”
“Yes, he is crazy.”
“Let’s meet for lunch. I’ll text you a place and time,” she said.
“I’ll have Ellie with me.”
“So what? It’ll be fun. She’s a cute kid. I have to run and check on the turkey. Happy Thanksgiving, friend.”
“Same, Becca. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Care to explain how I’m crazy?” Jack said as he stood in the kitchen, leaning up against the island with his arms folded.
Turning around, I stared at him. “Are you listening in on my phone conversations now?”
“No.” He walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water. “I was coming in here for water, and I heard you. I assume you were talking about me.”