Page 45 of Rescue Renovations

“Sorry, punk. I’ll try to keep the smooching to a minimum.” I give her a wink and she just rolls her eyes at us before going over and plopping herself in Landon’s lap.

“Sorry about her. I don’t know where she gets all that sass.”

“It’s fine. I adore her and couldn’t imagine her being any other way. Want to go back and sit by Landon so you can keep an eye on her?”

“Sure. So, how was your day?”

“It wasn’t bad. The ER was pretty calm, and everyone has been showing up for their shifts, so it makes my day way easier. What about you?”

“It was good. Reid and I both went to meetings for new clients. I think they will both be a good fit and it might be time to expand our guys, add a few more.”

“That’s fucking awesome, babe! You guys do such a great job. It’s about time you start getting the recognition your business deserves.” I squeeze his hand and finally get a genuine smile out of him. It’s about damn time he let his walls down. I couldn’t handle the awkwardness much more without calling him out.

“Thanks. Today was the interview, right?”

“It was.” I can’t help but smile. I don’t think I’m going to take the job, but it’s nice doing well and knowing I’m wanted for my skills that I work so hard on.

“And, how did it go?”

“It went well. They want me to come and do an in person interview and job shadow for a week or two.”

“Wow, that’s great.” But Cash’s eyes didn’t match his words. “When do you leave to do that?”

“Um, I’m probably going on Sunday if I can get the schedule reworked. I think I’m just going to go for a week.”

“Wow, that’s quick.” Cash rubs the back of his neck while avoiding making eye contact.

“Yeah, but there’s no point dragging them around if I decide to not take the job.”

“If you decide…” His stare is cold and hard and before I get a chance to reply, Penny is interrupting us.

“Chayse, you aren’t going to be here for my birthday?”

“Shit…” I mumble under my breath because I forgot Penny’s birthday is on Thursday. I really don’t want to miss her birthday, but at least I can be home for her party on Sunday.

“I’m so sorry, Squirt, that I won’t be here on your actual birthday, but I will most definitely be home for your party on Sunday!” Giving me a critical look, I hold my breath while I wait for her reply.

“Okay, as long as you can come to my party, that’s okay. Why aren’t you going to be here?”

“Chayse is going to check out another hospital. They want her to work for them.” Cash says through gritted teeth. This is not how I wanted the night to go, but I also don’t want to keep anything from Penny.

“Oh, well why can’t she just come when she is done with that?”

“Because this hospital is a few hours away. It would be too much for her to drive here and then drive back.”

“Well, then why are you going? Are you going to leave, too?” Her panic breaks my heart as tears fill her eyes. Before I can answer, Cash is scooping her in his arms.

“She has a very good opportunity to help so many children. Even though we want her here with us, we can’t be selfish and keep her from helping kids who are hurt just like you, can we?”

“I guess not, but I don’t want you to go. Who is going to be my mommy if you are gone.” She launches out of Cash’s arms into mine. The pain and anger on his face makes me scoot back while wrapping her closer to me.

“Oh, Penny. I don’t want to leave you and there’s a very good chance that I won’t. I love you and it would be awful not to see you. But even if I do take the job, I will have time off and will be able to come back and see you and spend my time with you.” If Cash’s eyes could shoot flames at me right now, I think he would, and I would be left as no more than a pile of ash.

“Come on, Penny. I know this is hard, but let Daddy and Chayse figure it out. I think we’ve had enough excitement for one day. Let’s say goodbye and go home and watch a movie.” I go to grab his arm, but he pulls back.

“Cash, I’m so sorry. I…” But I trail off because I don’t know what to say. I’m about to cancel the damn interview because breaking Penny’s heart is the last thing I want to do.

“Just, don’t Chayse. Let me take her home and get her calmed down. I’ll call you soon.” With a glance over his shoulder, he starts walking away and doesn’t turn back. I slump onto the seat and feel an arm sliding around my waist.

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