Page 5 of Lost Times

“We definitely should, but we’ll have to bring Jasmine. I haven’t found any sitters yet and I think it’d be good to have someone familiar for her with all the changes.” I said, already going over my days off over the next few weeks.

It’d be a bit of a crunch, but we could probably make it work.

Naomi’s happy gasp dragged me back to the present and she beamed. “Of course! You know I love hanging out with that munchkin. I know that tiny little town doesn’t have much, but I think there’ll be a fair soon. It’s going to come through here first, but it should stop at least near by your new place. Want to plan for that?”

It only took a few seconds of internet searching to find the fair she was talking about and after a cursory sweep of the attractions, I nodded. “Sounds perfect. I have weekends off, so we’ll have to plan for that.”

My mind wandered to Ludwig and the fierce scowl that seemed permanently etched into his face. Without thinking, I added on. “I was late today and I doubt the new boss would take kindly to me calling in to go to a fair. He’s already less than pleased with me.”

A beat of silence passed, and I could all but feel Naomi’s attention zeroing in on the subject. I cursed myself inwardly, but before I could change the topic, she asked. “So your new boss is a he… Is he cute?”

I should have seen this coming and never let the topic get this far. Biting back a groan, I spoke.

“Naomi, he’s myboss. Beyond off limits.”

She snorted and I could all but imagine her flipping her hair with a roll of her eyes. “I’m not asking you to sleep with him, I just want to know if you have eye candy while you work.”

Rubbing a hand over my face, I sighed, giving in. There was no point in trying to argue with her, I knew this tone and it would be infinitely easier on me to just go with it.

“Yes, he’s attractive, but he’s alsogrumpy.” As if telling myself more than her, I continued, digging up all the things that made my hair stand on end about him. “He stopped short and then growled at me when I bumped into him, and that’s not getting into the permanent scowl all but attached to his face. He can’t be eye candy for me if I feel like I’m going to get lectured every time I see him.”

She made a low noise of agreement. “You’re not wrong on that one. I used to date a guy like that, and wow was that a mistake. He never relaxed and it seriously cramped my style, having to always walk on eggshells around him. Not like my Robby.” Her tone shifted, turning all sunshine again as she gushed.

“He’s the only man I’ve ever known to encourage me when I get on a roll. Did I tell you that he bought me roses the other day after I mentioned how down I felt about you moving? He bought me one of every color! Hold up, I have a picture.”

Turning off the burner, I readied dinner and glanced at the picture, smiling to myself at the beaming grin on Naomi’s face as she buried her nose into the array of flowers. Robby really was perfect for her.

Hopefully, I’d find someone equally as perfect for me.

Ignoring the familiar sadness clawing its way into my chest, I spoke. “Can I call you back later, Naomi? I just got dinner on the table, and you know how it is.”

She made a noise of sympathy. “Yup, I do. Kiss the munchkin for me!” We gave our goodbyes and I put the phone to the side, taking a deep breath and reveling in the calm that talking to her always brought.

I definitely needed that ‘fair day,’ especially if work made me this tense. By the time we actually went, I’d probably be ready to collapse from it all.

Putting that to the side for now, I called up the stairs. “ Jasmine. Dinner!”

A beat passed, then a stampede of steps came. She flashed by me, cheering as she went, and I shook my head, following with a chuckle.

At least I never had to fight her about eating her food. She’d never been picky on that front.

Her shoes, on the other hand, were a whole new story. She hated wearing them and even after the hospital visit, it was still a battle some days.

Sitting across from her, I pulled my plate closer and dug in, listening to her regale me with tales of her day. Contentment settled into my bones as she talked, and not for the first time, I reminded myself thatthiswas all I needed.

As long as I had Jasmine and Naomi, everything was perfect.

Chapter 4

The numbers all but swam across the page as I rubbed the bridge of my nose. I’d been staring at this particular paper for what felt like hours and it still didn’t make any more sense than it did when I first picked it up. I’d been here a few weeks already, but still adjusting to the mounds of work I needed to complete.

The low hum of activity at the office served as background noise for my frustration as I tried, yet again, to understand. I hadn’t been having too many issues with the paperwork before now, but for some reason, this particular sheet was awful.

There was a discrepancy somewhere in here, I knew it. I just…had to find it. No matter how many times I redid the equations, the numbers weren’t lining up.

Footsteps thudded to a stop in front of my desk and I reluctantly glanced up, right into the confused face of Kelly. Her brow had a furrow and her lips were tugged into the tiniest frown, her tone low when she spoke.

“Are you alright? You’ve been stuck on that paper for half an hour now.”

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