Page 21 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
"Okay. But what if something urgent comes up?"
"They’ve got my cell," I assure her.
"And if there’s an emergency?"
"If the building’s on fire or the press calls, text me. Got it?" She nods hesitantly, then looks at Kim, who’s slumped into the passenger seat clutching her bag.
"And she’s really feeling better?"
"Yes. Insulin works fast, but it can take up to thirty minutes before she’s completely back to normal." By then, she’ll be home, and I won’t have to worry anymore.
Sally nods and steps back so I can get in. I catch an annoyed look from Kim and can’t help smiling.
"Just because you’re driving me home doesn’t mean I forgive you…" she grumbles.
"Fair enough," I answer, buckling my seatbelt. I hear her sigh as she clicks hers in too. I probably won’t get a thank-you—but I guess that’s on me.
Kim stays silent the whole drive. Every now and then I glance at her, not used to this kind of quiet. We’ll be at her place in about a mile.
I try again. "You really can’t work for me. But Steven’s position is still open. You can keep him on his toes. It’s similar to the one I advertised. Salary isn’t as high, but I’d be happy to let him know, and then you could have an interview with him."
"You don’t actually believe I’d work for your company after everything in the last twenty-four hours?" Her horrified look says it all.
"Just an offer. Nothing more." Once I drop her off, I won’t see her again anyway.
Chapter 5
Kimberley
How did I not notice my blood sugar was that high? I knew the meter would start beeping soon, but I kept forgetting to check. By the time I felt dizzy, I should’ve tested—but sometimes I just forget.
Of course, I’m grateful to Gabriel for giving me the insulin when I couldn’t do it myself, but…
It’s because of him I got so upset in the first place. Anger spikes adrenaline and cortisol, and those hormones shoot my blood sugar up. I need to be careful next time. It can happen so fast…
I was just so angry with him, I completely forgot I have diabetes.
"You can drop me off here," I say when I see my apartment. It’s not far, and a short walk to get my circulation going should help.
"Okay." Gabriel stops at a small bus stop. I get out silently, saying nothing. Yeah, I’m really angry. I don’t think I’ve ever been treated like this before—and I certainly don’t want anything to do with anyone like him again.
As I close the door, he’s already driving off. Gone. The man I so desperately wanted to work for. My dream job. My dream employer. Why did I even go to Chloe’s lounge that night instead of just going to bed? Then today would have gone completely differently.
And now?
What do I do now?
I go into my apartment on the second floor, toss my things on the kitchen counter, and grab a chilled bottle of mineral water from the fridge. I flop onto the couch, turn on the TV, and have a long drink.
I’ll just erase today from my memory. That’s it. Simple.
One week later…
I’m sitting in Chloe’s Midnight Lounge. It’s Monday afternoon, and in an hour I have an interview with Steven Bones.
"Be honest—how do you feel about it?" Chloe asks, having let me in before opening. She’s cleaning the counter and organizing the liquor on the shelves while I sit in front of a glass of mineral water with a lemon slice. Treating myself to the finer things.
"Pretty good." I sip and look at Chloe, who gives me a reproachful glance. "The worst feeling ever," I admit. I can’t fake it with her.
