Page 17 of Hale Yes
After hanging up, I go to the back door and peer through the paned glass to check on the girls. They’re splashing in the pool, so I stick my head out to tell them I’ll be just another minute.
Then I carefully draft an email to Dr. Nicolette Bell.
Dr. Bell,
I’m so pleased to hear that you’re interested in joining us at Hale Cosmetics. We strive to be the best in the industry in both quality of products and quality of life for our employees. At our core, we are a family-run business, and we like those who work with us to feel like they are truly a part of the Hale family.
I understand you’d like to come for an interview this Friday. That can definitely be arranged, though I will be out of town for the week. I hate that I can’t be there to meet with you personally, but my lab manager, Dr. Abigail Blake, would be more than happy to conduct the interview and show you around. Dr. Blake has been with the company for over a decade, so she can answer any questions you may have.
I apologize deeply that I can’t be there in person, but I have time-sensitive business at our London offices. I hope you don’t perceive this as a slight to you in any way. If you’d prefer to meet at a different time after I return, I’d be happy to schedule that at your convenience.
Feel free to email me at any time if you have questions or concerns.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Helix Hale, PhD, Laboratory Director and Head of Research and Development - Hale Cosmetics, Inc.
I read over it again before hitting send. Then I walk out to the flagstone surrounding my pool and stride to the side, tucking away my professional persona and fully embracing my fun Uncle Helix side.
“Look out, girls,” I call, taking two long strides before launching myself into a ball over the water. “Cannonball!”
“I like these pajamas, Reecie,” I tell my niece, pulling the satin top over her head.
“I love dragons,” she announces like I’m not fully aware of that fact.
“Did you know there’s going to be a new football team in town? They’ll be called the Houston Dragons.”
“No way,” she breathes, her blue eyes going round. She looks so much like Phoenix when she does that.
“Yes way,” I retort, picking her up and tossing her onto the middle of my bed, where she bounces with a giggle. “And it’s a ladies’ football team.”
Reece scrunches her face and squeals, clasping her tiny hands in front of her chest. “Do you think we can go to a game? Huh? Can we? Please, please, please?”
“I think that could be arranged. Now get under the covers and read your book while I take my shower.”
She scoots beneath the dark-blue sheets and flops back onto the silky pink pillow I keep on my bed just for her. I kiss her forehead and go into the en suite.
When I return a few minutes later, Reece is looking atAzmina the Gold Glitter Dragon, which is book two in theDragon Girlsbox set I got her for Christmas last year. Even though she’s only four, she’s already reading at a first-grade level, thanks to her nanny. Ms. Lorraine is in her sixties, a retired elementary school teacher with empty nest syndrome and a love of reading. Phoenix was lucky to find her.
I’m dressed in black pajama pants when I emerge and climb in beside Reece. Yes, she has her own room at my house, but I’m a sucker for her sweet little face, so I don’t even argue with her about it anymore. One day she’ll be too old to want to snuggle with her Uncle Helix.
“What’s this word?” she asks, and I wedge my arm beneath her head and peer at the book.
“Let’s sound it out. What is T-I-N-G?”
“Ting?”
“Yep, and when you add the rest it’s…” I watch as her lips move and her brain works through it.
“Tingled!” she exclaims. “Her fingertips tingled.”
“That’s right, doodle bug. Do you want to read the rest of it out loud to me?”
Seven minutes later, Reece’s words are coming slower and farther apart as her eyelids begin to droop. I take the book and place it on the nightstand before my niece rolls toward me and cuddles into my side.
Her shampoo gives off a sweet, fruity scent, and it sparks an idea. Our company makes high-end hair products for adults, but what if we developed a shampoo and conditioner line for kids? Maybe different formulations for straight hair versus curly hair, like Reece has.
