“Yeah, well.” I leaned my hip against the coffee counter, turning my back to Carl, who was still grumbling. “What’s with the being interrogatory?”
“I just want to make sure thatyou’resure. That’s all. It’s a big move, and I know Charlie is here and he’s an angel on earth, but it’s still a huge deal. And from what Charlie says, a quick timeline. Which is fine. And there’s a salary, of course there is, but it’s not that much and—”
“Nic,” I tried to interrupt.
“You have three kids to take care of, which I know isn’t cheap,” she steamrolled on. “So I worry we’re going to get you and you’ll realize it’s not sustainable or something. I don’t want to get my hopes up either and—”
“Nicole.”
She huffed. “What?”
“When Charlie showed me the house, he said we could move in. Is that true?”
“Yes.”
I hummed. “And are you going to charge me rent?”
“No. Don’t be ridiculous. It would be part of the package.”
“Exactly.” I chuckled when she growled a little. I always did enjoy getting one up on her. “If I don’t have to pay rent or utilities, between the salary, my portion of the house sale, and Cait’s child support, we should be fine financially. With the added bonus of the proverbial village to help with the kids, I can’t see a downside.”
“Fine. Be logical.” She was grumbling again, but I heard the edge of happiness in her tone. I didn’t know her as well as Charlie did, of course, but we’d been in each other’s lives since she’d glommed onto my brother and didn’t let go. Charlie needed someone like her in his corner, so I’d done my best to get to know her and support her in that effort.
“You and Dana do want us there, don’t you?”
“Don’t be an idiot. Of course we do. Not only because we want your maintenance skills, but because we love you and the kids.” The growl in her voice was adorable but I was smart enough not to tell her that. She sighed, and when she spoke again, her tone was much lighter. “I’ll email the employment contract when we get off the phone.”
My brows rose. “Don’t you mean write it?”
Nic snorted. “No. I’ve had it ready to go for weeks now, before you even came for a visit. Just in case.”
“That’s really sweet, Nic.”
Scoffing this time. But she was silent for several moments before she added in a softer tone, “We need someone for the role. Our business has grown by leaps and bounds, and we were going to have to hire someone soon. But we were holding out, hoping it would be you.”
“I’m glad I can make your dreams come true,” I said, only a little sarcastically. Really it was a win-win situation all around, and I couldn’t be happier. When I’d discussed it with Caitlyn last night, she’d been instantly on board, pleased not only that wewould be closer—since that would make visits easier—but that I would have help with the kids. “Send the contract, Nic.”
“Consider it done. Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything you need to discuss. All right?”
“You got it.”
There was a muffled noise, and Nic laughed. “Dana wants a list of all the kids’ favorite meals, by the way.”
“Your wife doesn’t need to…” I stopped at Nic’s growl, then laughed. “Got it. I’ll have them call her later, yeah?”
Nic chuckled. “She’d love that.”
“Consider it done,” I said, repeating her words to make her laugh. I got a huff instead, but that was almost as good. “I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“You bet. See ya.”
I hung up and shoved my phone back in my pocket, then just stood there for a moment, getting my bearings. It was funny how I’d made up my mind, and Cait had agreed, but it wasn’t until this second that the whole thing felt real. We were moving across the country, to a place with four solid seasons and all the loving family we could ask for. I was sure there would be adjustment pains, but deep in my soul, I knew this was the right choice.
I’d only been back at my desk for thirty seconds when the interoffice messaging app pinged. It was my supervisor demanding an audience. I squinted at the message for a few seconds before I sent an acknowledgment and stood.
Roy was standing at his office door, grim expression on his face, as I approached. Coworkers’ heads swiveled to watch my progress as I walked through the open concept floor plan. I’d always hated the cubicle farm we worked in, mostly for the lack of privacy. I kept my gaze straight ahead, not worried in the least.
Motioning me in, Roy shut the door behind us, though it didn’t do much for that aforementioned privacy. The walls were thinand made of glass. Everyone could see and hear everything if they wanted.
