Page 47 of Dear Mr. Brody

She sniffed, pulling a few tissues from the box on her desk. “You weren’t at the meeting. It feels like too much. I’m afraid the mission will get lost.”

“I hear that. But think about how many more kids Pride House could help if it was nationwide.” I sat down in the chair across from her. “Change is scary, but I think this could be great for these kids.”

“You think so? What if the new director is a shithead? They didn’t even ask me if I wanted the job.”

I tilted my head and raised my brows. “Come on… like you’d want that job. You hate being the manager.”

Rachel cared more about the kids and less about the administration side of things.

“Yeah… but this new company doesn’t know that. They’re bringing in one of their own, and he’s bringing some staff as well. What if he comes in here and thinks he can just change everything?”

“Then, we’ll show him how it is.” I grinned, and she finally smiled. “He’ll figure out his place.”

“I hope so. Silver lining, with the expansion, each director will have an entire region they’re responsible for. Maybe he won’t be around much.”

“Way to be positive.” I chuckled. “Or… maybe he’s awesome and we’ll be lucky to have him.”

She pulled on the end of her braid, a habit she had when she was stuck in her head.

“I don’t know… he’ll be here in a month. I guess we’ll find out, then.”

I read over the letter, impressed with the new guy’s experience. “Shit. He’s been all over the world.”

“He sounds too good to be true, if you ask me. And he’s only been with this non-profit for a few months.” She leaned over the desk and pointed at his picture. “He looks arrogant, right?”

He was handsome as hell, but I kept that thought to myself. He seemed weathered, like his skin had seen too much sun. But it was his bright blue eyes that softened the rugged edges of his appearance.

“I mean… he’s kind of hot.”

She playfully ripped the paper from my hand, a laugh bubbling past her lips. “You’re such a whore. If this Chance guy was a woman, would you be so relaxed? I swear, y’all men stick together.”

“Is that his name? I didn’t finish reading because some out-of-controlwomanstole the paper out of my hand.”

“Yeah… Chance Davenport. Snooty name, arrogant face.” Rachel closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. “Why is he bringing staff? What if he goes on a firing spree? We’re all fucked.”

“Shit. I didn’t think about that. You think he’ll fire us?”

“I don’t know.”

“I’d like to see him try. This is our place, Rach. It’ll be alright.” It had to be. “I know what will make us feel better,” I said, holding out my hand as I stood. She laced her fingers through mine, and I smiled when she gave in. “Coffee.”

“Cup and Quill?” she asked.

“Sounds good to me. It’s the closest place.”

We walked into the hall, and one of the kids cooed when they saw we were holding hands.

“Simmer down, Makayla,” I said in a teasing tone, and they giggled.

Makayla was one of the youngest residents. They moved in about two months ago after being removed from an abusive situation. They had come out as transgender to their mom, and she’d flipped out. When Makayla arrived at Pride House, they didn’t speak for almost two weeks. Now they were one of the most vocal and fun residents we had in the home.

“I thought you liked boys?” Makayla asked.

“I only have eyes for Rachel,” I said, and she dropped my hand.

“Good Lord, when the new director gets here, he’ll end up firing your inappropriate behind.” Rachel shooed Makayla out of the hall. “Shouldn’t you be in the study room?”

“That’s where I’m going,” they said and stuck their tongue out as Rachel turned the corner.

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