Page 64 of The Wish List
The temptation to do exactly that was strong.
Asher was careful not to overstep or go too far. But the difference in our worlds was so clear every time I stepped back into my small apartment after leaving his more luxurious space. It surprised me how comfortable I was there. How much it felt like home.Hefelt like home. How tempting it was to ask him to let us stay. Because I knew if I did, he would arrange it in a heartbeat. He had already added to AJ’s room. A race car bed frame now stretched along one wall. New toys and toy box. Racing stripes on the walls, a soft rug on the floor for when AJ was playing. A big chair in the corner all three of us sat in to read a book at night.
Items for me appeared as well. A thick, soft robe and warm slippers. Luxurious bath and beauty products. Another big chair to curl up in and look out the window of the bedroom. Every type of cooking implement and ingredient I could think of to use in the kitchen. Blankets and pillows in the living room. Some new comfortable shirts and leggings appeared in the closet. A pretty, warm jacket I had yet to wear.
All added for our comfort, slowly turning the condo into a haven of warmth for us all.
But I had only known him a short time, and I still worried. It frightened me how much I was beginning to rely on him. How much I needed him.
My phone rang, bringing me out of my musings, and I frowned when I saw the day care number.
“Hello?”
“Rosie, it’s Gwen from Happy Faces Day Care.”
“Is AJ all right?”
“He’s fine. But we’re closing early due to the storm.”
“Storm?” I repeated, standing up and peering out my door. My little office had no windows. I was surprised to see the heavy snow swirling around outside from the window across the office.
“Wow. They forecast a few flakes,” I said, shocked.
“They updated it an hour ago, and now they’re calling it the storm of the season. We’re asking all the parents to pick up their kids. They’re advising people to head home and get off the roads.”
“I’ll get there as soon as I can.”
I headed to Ms. Wells’s office, knocking on her door. I noticed a lot of desks were empty as I went past the other offices.
She glanced up, the perpetual frown on her face evident. “Yes.”
“I have to leave.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“The storm outside. I have to get my son.”
She glanced at the clock. “You have two more hours until you can leave.”
I shook my head. “I have to leave now. I have no choice.”
“I said no.”
Anger grabbed hold of me. “I haven’t taken a lunch in weeks. Or a break. I’m not asking permission. Half the staff has already left. I have to get my son.”
“I’ll dock your pay a full day unless you work it.”
“I’ll report you to HR.”
She shrugged as if she couldn’t care less. “I have lots to share with them about your attitude.”
I was done. “I have no idea why you dislike me so much, but do whatever the hell you want. I’m going to pick up my son now.”
“You’re fired.”
I blinked. “What?”
“You leave, and I’m letting you go. Take your personal things, and don’t come back.”
