Page 183 of Brie's Submission
“I’ll be happy to train two people for you, sir.”
He turned his head at the sound of the title she only meant informally. A smile suddenly spread across his face. “The two of you were certainly the talk of the evening after you left. I was told such a thing has never happened in the history of the Center. Are you still confident of your unorthodox choice?”
She grinned. “Yes, there is no doubt in my mind.”
“Good. Thane is a good man,” Mr. Reynolds said, sounding pleased. “You have balls of steel, young lady. My heart dropped when he said no.”
Brie shuddered. “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but there was no other choice for me.”
Mr. Reynolds’ expression changed, and she noted sadness in his eyes. “Thane has had a difficult time opening up to people ever since…”
He stopped, so she finished his sentence. “Since his father’s suicide?”
Mr. Reynolds’ face became pale. “My brother-in-law’s death changed the boy, but walking in on it would change any man.”
Brie was shocked by the revelation. Sir hadn’t just seen his father’s body; he had been present when the man had died. It broke her heart.
She saw the raw grief in Mr. Reynolds’ eyes when he spoke. “The boy lost himself when Alonzo died. We took him in, but he was in too much pain and far too independent to accept our help. He petitioned for emancipation at age sixteen, and was granted it. I’ve tried to be there for him as much as he would allow.” Mr. Reynolds’ expression changed, as if he regretted what he’d said. “I’m sorry. It isn’t my place to talk about this. Forgive me.”
“It’s obvious everyone was hurt by it,” Brie offered. She found it odd that Mr. Reynolds hadn’t mentioned his own sister. What part, if any, had she played in what had happened?
His voice caught, the emotion hard for him to contain. “It’s a damn shame. An extraordinary talent lost and a young man scarred for life.” He turned away and wiped his eyes before he looked at her again. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you’ve come into his life.”
She shook her head. “Oh, no, I’m the grateful one.”
“It’s good you feel that way, Brie. Thane is much like his father,” he paused and smiled sadly, “in that he is honorable to a fault.”
“Sir is an honorable man,” Brie agreed, returning his smile. “I’m thrilled he has chosen me to partner with.”
Mr. Reynolds wrapped one arm around her. “As much as I hate to lose you, I can’t think of a better reason.”
“At least I don’t have to say goodbye.” She gave him a tentative hug. “Now that I’m part of the family,Unc.”
“You are not allowed to call me that at work. Nepotism and all that.”
She nodded and stepped away. “I understand. I’m sorry, Mr. Reynolds. It won’t happen again.”
He laughed out loud. “I’m just kidding, Brie. We’re surrounded by nepotism here. Truly, I have never had an employee who worked as hard, or treated me with the respect you do.”
“I hope you are allowed to hire good people this time, Mr. Reynolds.”
He shook his head. “I doubt it. I’ve been told there are several nieces and nephews looking for jobs.”
“I’ll do my best to train them well, then.”
Mr. Reynolds chuckled. “You do that for me.”
She spent a pleasant morning at the shop, ringing up customers and stocking the shelves. At noon, her phone binged with a text. She took a quick glance and saw that it was Sir. As texting was not allowed at work, she asked for permission before answering it. “I know it’s against policy, Mr. Reynolds, but it’s Sir. I really need to take this.”
He smiled in understanding. “Yes, Brie. You have my permission to answer his texts only, just as long as customers are not present.”
She beamed at him. “Thank you, Mr. Reynolds!”
Brie held her breath as she clicked on the text. The butterflies began when she read it.Tonight we will play a game.
It left her in a constant state of excitement for the rest of the day. What did Sir have planned for the evening? The possibilities gave her goosebumps.
When five o’clock finally rolled around, she bade Mr. Reynolds goodbye and headed out, a bundle of sexual tension.Going home to Master!
