Page 31 of Single Dad Billionaire Boss

Ella

I remindedmyself that it could have been worse. Just because I missed Zoe and Jacob, just because I didn’t get to work with Harper and the other kids at the health department anymore didn’t mean my career change wasn’t for the best. Private practice had never been what I wanted long-term, but the money was better than working for Celia—even though I was making way less than when I was working for Jacob. I had to dress professionally, no flip-flops and shorts,because it’s a grown-up job, I kept telling myself. The patients, the psychologists expected buttoned-up Brooks Brothers—even if I was only giving them Nordstrom Rack clearance sale.

Celia had already called me numerous times asking me to come back. But a couple weeks after I started, she called me in my office one afternoon and really laid the guilt trip on me.

“We haven’t found a replacement yet, Ella,” she said. “Not that they’d be as good as you anyway. Besides, I miss bossing you around and bringing you iced coffee. Those stuck-up rich kids don’t appreciate you like our gang.”

“Quit trying to get me in trouble, Ceel,” I said. “You know I signed a noncompete clause. Besides, those stuck-up rich kids come with a pretty good salary and benefits package.”

“My presence and mentorship are worth more than all that.”

“I have dental and vision.”

“Ah well, I can’t compete withdentalandvision,” Celia said sarcastically. “Maybe you can throw in a word for me. Ask if those shrinks need another mental health professional with administrative experience and a smart mouth. I’d be in the market for somedentalandvision.”

I laughed. “You know I’d love to work with you again, Ceel. If you get a grant to come through, I’ll ditch these people in a heartbeat and pay the early-out penalty.”

“Did they make you sign a clause for that too? Do you work for doctors or lawyers?”

“I think maybe both. It’s the fanciest pediatric office you ever saw. I mean, when I was a kid, it was like plastic chairs andHighlightsmagazines where somebody already did the maze and look-and-find puzzles. This place has iPads and an art station with easels in the waiting room. I have an office, two exam rooms for counseling, and a sensory room. I’m talking textured stepping stones, swings, climbers—”

“Forget about me applying for a job there,” Celia said. “Tell them I’m moving in.”

I laughed. “I miss you so much, Ceel,” I said with a spike of emotion in my voice. “I’m afraid that, if I ever work for you again, I’ll be so spoiled you won’t be able to stand me.”

Celia was quiet for a moment, and then said, “How miserable are you?”

“What?”

“I know you, Ella. I can hear it in your voice. You left the nanny job, and I haven’t seen you this broken up over anything since the thing with Mike.”

“His name was Max.”

“Whatever, dumb name. What about Jacob and Zoe?”

I swallowed back a lump in my throat. “I miss them both very much,” I said weakly. There was no use trying to hide it from Celia. She was right, she knew me too well.

“Tell me the reason again why you and Jacob didn’t give it a shot?” she asked. “You could have quit working for him and tried going out and spending time together.”

Before I could form an explanation, the receptionist buzzed my office.

“Just a second, Ceel,” I said. “Yes?”

“Your four o’clock is early. New patient intake, dad seems anxious.”

“Okay, thank you. Send them back to room four.”

I said goodbye to Celia and made my way to the exam room. I opened the door, professional smile in place ready to greet a jittery parent and child.

“Hello, I’m Ella Cl—”

My words choked off and I froze in my tracks.

The parent and child were Jacob and Zoe.

“I’m Zoe Sanders, hi!” she said, and held out her hand to shake mine.

Chapter18

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