Page 43 of Daycare Santa

“So, you really thought we could continue sharing a business under the circumstances?”

This time, anger flared in Nichelle’s eyes. “You could have given me time to sort myself out, but you had to do everything in a hurry. This is the price you pay.”

“Unreal.”

Rising, Nichelle smoothed her jacket. “It may be, but I need that contract signed. I also want you out of this building by next week.”

“But it will be Christmas,” Gina protested.

“That’s your problem, not mine.”

She swept through the door and when it closed behind her, Gina sank into the seat and clasped her head between both hands. She’d grown used to this building, which was the perfect location. Now, in one blow, she’d lost what had become a familiar and cherished space. As if she didn’t have enough to deal with already.

Her phone rang, but she ignored it. Her problems had multiplied because of one poor decision, and it wasn’t even hers.

But who was she to say Boyd and Nichelle’s choice was a terrible one? If they were happy together, how could she judge them? Still, she’d never trust either of them again. And for Nichelle to demand that she give up their rental ... that was unreasonable.

She picked up the phone and saw that the call she missed was from Zack, but Tara popped her head inside the door before Gina could ring him back.

“Everything okay, boss lady?”

Gina knew exactly what she was asking, so she dredged up what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “Yeah, all is well.”

She could have told Tara what was happening, but that was not her style. Gina preferred to dissect her problems in private before sharing them with other people. Also, she’d have discussed it with Seya before telling anyone at work. Her focus returned to the room when Tara cleared her throat. “You have a visitor.”

Gina frowned. “Who is it?”

“His name is Zack Winters.”

“Ah.” Gina didn’t offer any explanation, but nodded slowly. “Send him in.”

“Will do.”

Tara left the door open and returned in a moment, with Zack behind her. She stepped aside, but scoped out the bags and the cardboard container with drinks he carried, then offered Gina a sly grin.

“I brought lunch.” Zack placed the container with the lemonade on the front of her desk, then sat. “I called ahead, but didn’t get you.”

“Sorry, I had a visitor.”

He’d asked to see her after offering to help with Thursday’s function. Their chat was supposed to be a quick one, but she appreciated him bringing lunch.

Her staff was in the middle of preparing food for this evening’s event, and their cook had also taken care of lunch for the team, but Gina hadn’t eaten as yet.

“You’re going to make my cook mad with me.”

He placed two bags on the desk and put his palms together as if praying. “Tell her it’s my fault and that I’m asking for her forgiveness.”

Gina laughed. “Don’t worry. I certainly will.”

Scanning the desk, he said, “You need to clear a space for this stuff.”

“Not to worry.” She shifted items to both sides, then stood. “Give me a minute to get some place mats.”

She moved down the corridor and into the kitchen, which was a hive of activity. The chef and six other people moved around prepping items to be baked, fried, and steamed.

Gina was in and out in two minutes, after washing her hands, gathering the items she needed, and placing them on a tray. She unrolled the mats made of thin bamboo strips onto the desk in front of her seat and Zack’s, then watched him spritz his hands with sanitizer.

The beef and chicken roti wraps were tasty and substantial, yet she didn’t feel as if she’d eaten too much. The giant oatmeal cookie he presented as a surprise made her chuckle.

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