Page 23 of Losing his Daddy

“My name is Gerald Grimes. I’m forty-three years old. I’ve spent most of my life working in a rural job setting. A few months ago, I moved to the city. I’m starting over and would love the opportunity to help if you feel I’m a good fit.”

The man watched me closely, his flinty stare penetrating through my bravado. It wasn’t anything meant to intimidate me. I just had a feeling this was his personality as a whole.

“Very well. Turnabout is only fair. My name is Weston Joffry, though I prefer Wes. I’m thirty-eight years old. I cannot handle the outdoors in any capacity, which is why my work has always been the type done in an office setting. My brother inherited all the genes regarding such activities. I’ve lived here for… many years. We moved here when I was young. I didn’t see the point in leaving when it suited my needs just fine.”

“I see,” I told him. I was unsure of what else there was for me to offer him. We’d shared basic platitudes. Was this when I asked him his favorite food or told him my preferred genre of movies?

“How much were you told about this position?”

I shook my head. “Nothing. Princess Aster said I’d be a good fit. He didn’t explain anything after that.”

Wes chuckled. “That won’t do. You should know what you’re signing up for before I hire you.”

“You want to hire me?”

“Indeed, I do. I have a feeling you and I will work well together. Would you like to hear more about the work?”

“Yes, please.” I wasn’t sure what title he’d prefer. While I knew he said Wes was fine, it felt too formal to say his name that way if he was my boss. The last time I got close to my employer — well, we know how that ended.

Wes motioned to the counter. “I’m going to grab something to drink first. Would you like another?”

“Oh, I can go get it. What would you like? I’ll grab them for us both.”

He raised his brow. “I would insist, but I feel this might be important to you. Am I right?”

“Yes,” I replied carefully. I didn’t want him to know just yet how vital it was for me to take care of things. If he wanted to hire me, he’d need to accept my propensity for taking care of things.

“An Americano, please, Gerald. And whatever you’d like.” He slid a card over to me.

I snatched it up, then went to the counter to order. The barista took down my order, then encouraged me to try some of their sweets. While past-me would have enjoyed sneaking a treat at this time of day, I knew it wouldn’t be good for my nerves. Besides, Wes didn’t seem like the sweet tooth type.

Leaning closer, I asked the barista, “Has that guy ever been here before?”

She followed my motion over my shoulder. Her grin was all the answer I needed.

“Do you know what he likes to eat? If so, I’d like that as well, please.”

“Coming right up.”

I tapped his card on the screen, then tipped her properly as I suspected he might have done. In a couple of brief minutes, the young woman returned with a tray carrying our drinks and a small bowl with four dark brown balls inside.

“Protein caramel oat balls. They're his favorite,” she whispered. “Have a good day!”

With the goods in hand, I pivoted to return to our table. Wes watched me the entire way, studying me as if he’d have to give a presentation later. I wanted to shrivel under the stare, but I didn’t. I wouldn’t. The new-me wasn’t going to cower. Not when there was more to overcome.

I eased the tray down, then emptied its contents. “I’ll be back in a moment,” I told him before returning the tray to the counter.

When I finally sat across from him, Wes raised his brow at me. “Why did you get these?”

“Because sometimes hard conversations are best done with food. And also because your eyes drifted to the food case when I told you I’d go grab our drinks. I think had you gone, you’d have bought them anyway.”

“And how did you even know I liked them?” He pressed.

“The barista. She confirmed you’d not only been here before, but that you preferred this particular item.”

His smile was slow to form, but by the time he was full out grinning, I was overcome with relief. I’d passed whatever silly test this had been. Though, I doubted it was a test before I turned it into one.

“Very well done, Gerald. I’m impressed. Attention to detail like that is good. Now then, about the job. I’m looking to replace a few key positions in my life. Notably a chef and housekeeper. I’d also love someone to balance my calendar as a personal assistant. They might need to pick up dry cleaning for me or answer my emails and such from time to time. Is this something you think you could handle?”

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