Page 84 of Broken Daddy

“No, I don’t think so.”

Actually, getting out of the country might be one way to solve this problem.

Over the next ten minutes, I relay to Otto the very basics of what’s been happening in New York. The stalker, the slashed tires, and my employer’s offer to allow me to live in the main house with an updated security system. Otto hums and asks a question here and there. He seems genuinely concerned, and slowly, my anxiety and anger melt away.

“Well, it sounds like Mr. Sharpe is doing everything in his power to keep you safe.”

What’s this warmth sweeping through me? Nathan’s face comes to mind, but not his frustrated expression from dinner with his brother. No, the Nathan in my head that plays on a loop is Nathan Sharpe laughing, chasing Eva around, smiling at me across the kitchen island, licking ice cream off a spoon, settled in next to me on the couch.

I swallow.

“And I can see how this situation could be misconstrued,” Otto continues. “I’ll speak to our marketing team. I’m not sure if you’re aware, Ms. Walker, but I also happen to be majority owner of Saucer.”

I am aware, but for tact’s sake, I murmur interestedly and don’t let on just how much research I’ve done on the restaurant. I’m sure he knows. I wouldn’t be a good chef if I didn’t know what I was getting into.

“I feel confident, then, in my decision to offer you this position.”

My mind goes blank. With how this call started out, this is the last thing I expect.

“I—Mr. Koch, don’t you want more time to discuss this with your team, or—”

“Please, Genevieve. We would be honored to have someone of your caliber join us. Your ideas are fresh and innovative. I think it would be good to open a new chapter here atUntertasse,if you’re still interested, that is.”

Nathan’s eyes crushing closed as he holds himself over me; Nathan in the barn, bent over blueprints; Nathan pacing the patio on his work cell, suit jacket perfectly tailored to his strong shoulders.

“Yes, I’m very much still interested.”

“Good. In that case, let me notify the team and we’ll connect next week to begin the hiring process. I’m sorry for what you’re going through right now, Ms. Walker. Hopefully things take a turn for the better very soon.”

We end the call with polite goodbyes and my hand drops into my lap as soon as it disconnects. Staring ahead at the blank wall, I can hear Nathan moving around down the hall—or maybe it’s Eva, back from her friend’s house.

But I don’t hear the usual chatter or Nate’s laugh at his daughter’s antics. In this moment I feel…alone.

More alone than I’ve felt in months.

I should be dialing Russ, telling him the good news, texting Sienna with a thousand exclamation points.

But all I feel is…guilt. And a sense of loss. Am I ready to leave New York, the place that has been my home for the last decade? Am I ready to leave my big brother, my roots, Eva, the father of my child?

Getting the job at Saucer should be big, exciting news. As I gently stroke my belly, which is beginning to show just a little bit, it feels like the one thing I’ve made a secretshouldbe the exciting news.

Chapter34

Nathan

Flowers are a bad idea.

Gen doesn’t seem like a “flowers” kind of woman. She’s barely interested in the gardens out on the property, aside from the one time she was excited to find a bright orange bloom she insisted was edible.

Eva and I refused to eat them.

Definitely not jewelry. I know enough about the restaurant industry to know she won’t wear it at work. And work is her life.

With a groan, I drop onto my bed and throw an arm over my eyes. What would Chris’s advice be? I haven’t talked to my brother for three days, not since the dinner.

I can hear his voice in my head, complete with sarcasm.Just suck it up and apologize.

Why is that so hard for me? Julia used to point it out, too. That I always found nonverbal ways to do so instead of just owning up to whatever mistake I’d made.

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