Page 58 of Keep My Secrets
Theo walks up behind me and wraps his hands around my waist.
“Stay home today,” he says softly. Not a command, a request.
“I can't keep doing this,” I say. I love that my boyfriend and boss are best friends, but I still have a job to do.
“Do you have anything important to do today where you have to be there?” I think, and I don't think I do. I have my laptop, the files I’m working on currently are all digital, and I don't have any presentations. There really is no reason I can't work from home today.
“No.”
“Then stay home, please.”
“Let me call Kai and see if that's ok.” Calling my boss by his first name is so weird, but it was going to happen eventually, him and my boyfriend being close and all.
“Thank you.” Theo kisses the top of my head before starting to walk out of the bathroom.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, baby?”
“I love you. “
“I love you, too.” He smiles before walking out of the room.
Something about how he asked instead of commanded has my attention. I don't know why he is acting differently, but maybe being home with him today will bring me answers. I put my pajamas back on and bring my laptop out to the couch. Theo is in the kitchen washing glasses that I don’t think we have ever used. I just leave him be. Once seated, I call Kai.
“Castin Construction?—”
“Hey, it's Aria.”
“Calling to see if you can stay home?”
“Yes?”
“Theo called an hour ago, you're good.” He laughs.
“Do you and my boyfriend discuss my work schedule often?”
“I wouldn't say it’s often; he just worries.” I can hear the smile in his voice.
Theo really does try not to overstep, but when he is worried, he will do whatever he can to protect me. But what has he worried about today?
“So all the time?” I can't help but roll my eyes.
“Ok, whatever. He had a valid reason today.” So he knows. Why am I the only one who doesn’t know?
“Would you like to share that reason with the class?” I would love it if someone just told me what is going on. While Kai wouldn't say no if Theo asked him to let me stay home for“personal” reasons, that's never been considered valid. What is happening today?
“Nope. Theo asked me not to, and you know how convincing he can be.” Oh, I do. “But we also aren't expecting you in for a while. So finish as many of the projects you're working on, and we will reassign whatever is left." Well, that’s not fucking ominous.
“Why can't you tell me? Now I'm starting to get anxious.”
“Just know we are doing this for you. We want the best for you. Plus, if you stay home, you can't start any more fights.”
“I didn't start it,” I complain.
"Doesn't matter, you and Elle need some space. Plus, the less you see the other interns, the less guilt you will feel for stealing their job at the end of the year.”
“So I am going to be offered a job?” This is news. I know it's been assumed, but no one who actually has the power to give me the position has alluded to any decisions being made.
