Page 24 of Losing his Daddy

“Absolutely. It’s been a while since I’ve had to cook for myself, but I’m more than capable. I also have access to a number of truly delicious recipes for you to try. As far as keeping house, I prefer to keep things as tidy as possible. The personal assistant position feels much the same way. Would it be safe to say this is more a house manager job than all those others separately?”

He snapped his fingers. “Yes! That’s exactly how I’d describe it.”

“Then, yes, I’d love to accept the job. I do have one more topic I believe we should discuss. It might change your mind; however, I cannot proceed without saying something.”

“By all means, please tell me your thoughts. I’m not sure what you could possibly say to change my mind at this pointthough.” Wes grinned at me as he picked up another treat. He popped it between his lips as he waited for me to speak.

I took a deep breath. This was part of the new life I’d chosen. In order to be better, and to continue to stay sober, it was best for me to be upfront.

“I’m a recovering alcoholic. The move I made a few months ago was into a rehab facility after I got behind the wheel while intoxicated. It was the darkest moment of my life, and since then, I’ve made massive strides to change myself. I completely understand if you wish to retract your offer at this time.”

Folding my hands together, I kept my spine straight. I rejected the notion that I had to let others put me down because of my struggles. If anything, it spoke more about their character than it did mine.

Wes finished chewing his food, then took a sip of his coffee. I watched as he wiped his mouth next, the slow movement an obvious delay of whatever he intended to tell me.

“I’d rather think it bold of you to assume this is a deterrent for you being hired. Your sobriety actually makes you more suited as a candidate. You not only pay attention to details, but you’re going to be aware of things I might not notice thanks to the things you’ve had to overcome on your journey. The only change will be the drinks I used to enjoy in the evening. I’ll swap them for something different. Maybe this tea perhaps? Is it any good?”

There was no universe in which things like this happened. I had to be dreaming.

I pinched my arm roughly to check. Wes saw and scowled.

“Why would you do such a thing?”

“Because I have to be dreaming. You’re… you’re not bothered by this at all?” I hissed.

His frown deepened. “Being upset that you chose to seek help for yourself is unwise. If anything, I should be thankful. Yourchoice to attend rehabilitation led you to the city at the perfect time. Our fates have aligned in a way that I think we can both benefit from working together.”

I swallowed thickly as emotion surged through me. “I would love to accept your offer, Sir.”

“Wes. Remember?”

“It feels rather personal to call you that. I’m not sure I can,” I admitted, though I didn’t expand on why.

He gave a brief tilt of his head. “Understandable. We’ll work on that more over time. You’ll get used to it once you’re comfortable. Now then, I do have one final offer to add.”

“An offer?”

“Yes,” he replied gravely. “You see, I’m actually in the process of moving homes. The last one was… let’s say misused. There's a lot to coordinate, and quite frankly, I don’t have the energy to handle it. Would you be open to starting soon? As in tomorrow. And possibly moving in — at least for the initial setup. You could absolutely move out at a later time.”

I held up my hand. “To recap this conversation: 1) you don’t mind the fact that I’m a recovering alcoholic, 2) you’d like me to start immediately, and 3) it’s a live-in position. Did I get all that right?”

“You did. We haven’t discussed pay yet, but I want to assure you I can pay whatever you need as compensation. I don’t think I can lose you now that I’ve met you.”

I visibly jolted at the words.

Weren’t they merely an altered version of some I’d heard before? In another life at another time, I’d had a man tell me I was more important to him than words could describe.

And yet that same man took our secret to his grave, never once letting those closest to us know how deeply we loved one another. Or rather, how deeply I loved him. I’ve come to seethat his actions weren’t really that of love. Not a love I deserved anyway.

“What did I say?” Wes asked with narrowed eyes.

I shook myself to clear the bad memories. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

He hummed. “I’d bet you aren’t, but I’ll let you keep the thoughts to yourself. I hope that over time, you find you can share things with me if you feel I’ve overstepped. You have a voice and rights to use them.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Where is this new home located? And what time tomorrow would you like me to arrive?” As I navigated us towards safer conversation, I closed off the part of me that wanted to overthink my past. It did me no good back then, it did me no good in rehab, and I highly doubted it would benefit me in any way moving forward.

The past is just that — past.

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