Page 42 of Grumpy Boss Daddy

Marcus grunts. He picks up his bag and slings it over his shoulder.

“Well, I’ll call you later today. We can go over the new business plan then.”

“Sure thing. I’ll hear from you later.”

With a wave over his shoulder, Marcus leaves the room. I’m not far behind, heading towards the elevator that will take me down to the parking lot. I’m looking forward to going back to Cleveland. I’ve only been away for a couple of days to deal with a meeting I had to be present for, and I’m eager to go back.

Not something I expected to happen, if I’m honest. But having a daughter to go back to is a big incentive. I am looking forward to seeing Amy again. Her and her mother. The thought of going back to Elle does make me smile.

We’re not a couple, and I don’t think Elle is prepared for any type of relationship beyond being a co-parent. But I’m happy to go back. Elle’s company lightens my day.

Could we become a couple? I really hope so. But I’m going to have to go at her pace for everything. It’s a slow dance, but I’m content to do it, just as I am with my budding relationship with my daughter.

Amy is adorable. I am so pleased with how she’s been raised. Elle and her friends did a really good job. I do feel a little envious that I wasn’t there in the early days, and I missed those first milestones, but at the same time I don’t think Amy would be the child she is now if I had been present.

I’m glad to call her my kid. Although I haven’t said that yet. I wouldn’t be able to say it out loud just yet. It’s up to Elle when she wants to break it to Amy. But I feel like that’s going to backfire the longer she waits. Surely, Amy needs to know sooner rather than later.

It isn’t my choice, though. Elle said she wanted to do it, and I don’t want to break that trust I’m building with her.

I hope that it’s soon, though. I want to be free to call Amy my daughter. That would make me so happy.

I’m halfway to my car when I hear someone calling my name. I turn, and see a plump woman of medium height and graying brown hair walking towards me. It takes me a moment to recognize her; it has been a while since we saw each other face-to-face.

“Mom? What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you, darling.” Mom smiles and reaches me, drawing me into a hug. “It’s been such a long time since we’ve seen each other, and when I heard you were in town, I wanted to catch you before you left.”

“Well, I can easily come and see you at some point, Mom. But I can’t stop right now.” I unlock my car and open up the trunk. “I’ve got to get to the airport.”

“You’re leaving again?”

“I’m going back to Cleveland. Didn’t Dad tell you that I’m planning on moving there?”

“He did tell me, but I didn’t quite believe it. You love it around here.”

“I do, but there are things waiting for me in Cleveland.”

Mom frowns.

“It’s not a woman, is it? Have you got yourself a girlfriend?”

I don’t respond. Much as I want to, Elle and I are not a couple, and while the DNA results have come back saying Amy is my daughter, I want her to know about who I am first before I tell my parents. They will understand when I explain the reasoning. But now is not the time. I put my things into the trunk and close it.

“Did you come and see me for a reason, Mom? Or did you just want to say hello?”

“I wanted to say hello.” Mom pauses. “And I also wanted to invite you out for dinner. It’s been a while since we’ve done that.”

I sigh.

“Sorry, Mom, I have plans already. If you want to plan it in advance, I can see when is a good time for me.”

“Why can’t you be more spontaneous?”

“Because I’m not a spontaneous person. You should know that by now.”

Mom huffs.

“But we were really looking forward to this. You can’t stand us up like this.”

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