Page 8 of Miss Manage

“Gosh, she’s so pretty,” she complimented. “But, then again, no surprise given her mother is a knockout.”

Yes, my ex was a beautiful woman, at least on the outside. “Tanya and I split nine years ago.”

I half expected the polite apology most people gave, but Olivia only murmured a quiet “oh” and went back to unpacking books, her lips pressed together like she was holding something back.

“What?” I asked, amused despite myself.

“Nothing.”

It was so obviously something that I chuckled. “Go ahead. It was a long time ago.” Not that it ever really ended when you co-parented with your ex.

Olivia blew a strand of hair out of her face. “Let’s just say my parents weren’t your wife’s biggest fans.”

My brows lifted. Tanya had always been careful about appearances and how others perceived her. “You won’t offend me. What made them feel that way?”

She wavered only a moment. “Last time I babysat Samantha, you were out of town on a business trip. Tanya went out for a girls’ night and told me she’d be back by eleven. She didn’t come home until after four in the morning, and never called or texted to say she was running late. My mom was furious. And after that, I wasn’t allowed to babysit anymore. I was upset because I really loved Samantha, but Tanya never apologized.”

No, she wouldn’t have. Tanya never apologized for anything. Back then I’d taken any excuse to travel, miserable in the marriage and prioritizing my career. Tanya had accused me of never loving her, and despite telling myself I could develop those feelings, in the end, I realized she was right. The divorce had been ugly, and the co-parenting since then was a daily nightmare.

“I’m sorry that happened,” I said quietly. “Your parents were great neighbors, and you were a wonderful babysitter who deserved more respect.”

She waved her hand as if brushing it away. “Thanks, and sorry to bring it up here. Don’t worry, though. This will stay between us. I won’t be sharing your personal business. Charlotte always reminds me to exercise a filter.”

I smiled faintly. The teenage version of Olivia had been just as chatty. “I appreciate that. And I want you to always feel comfortable with me. Speaking of Charlotte, how long have you worked for her?”

“A little over five years. She’s the best.”

I’m sure there were few people Olivia didn’t like, which really said something about my ex. Her sunshine personality was refreshing but not exactly objective. “In what way is she the best?”

“She puts people first,” Olivia supplied without hesitation. “Understands you can have empathy and still be a strong leader. She values work-life balance and makes sure it’s a priority. Knows everyone’s names, regardless of title, and goes out of her way to ensure people feel heard.”

I was struck by the thought that my father would admire her. I told myself it was natural to want to learn more about the person I’d be working closely with, and pressed on carefully. “Is she from the area?”

“Yeah, at least since she was a teenager.”

A quiet warning bell sounded in the back of my mind about treading into personal territory. Still, I found myself on the edge of asking if her family included a husband and kids when a knock at the door cut the thought short.

Turning, I smiled at the familiar face of Rhys Mandell. I hadn’t exaggerated when I’d told Charlotte he was a rising star. Late twenties, sharp as they came, hardworking, and respectful, Rhys had all the makings of future leadership.

“Hey, Rhys.”

He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets, his bright blue eyes flicking briefly to Olivia before returning to me. “Hey, boss.”

“Rhys, this is Olivia Roberts. Olivia, meet Rhys Mandell, our new senior manager of operations.”

Olivia blinked slowly, her mouth opening as if to speak, only to close again like she’d momentarily forgotten how. Rhys was a good-looking guy, and I’d seen more than a few young women caught off guard in his presence.

I jumped in, letting Rhys know some context. “Olivia is the executive assistant to me, Charlotte, and the CFO. She’s been helping me get settled into the office.”

Rhys stepped forward, extending a hand with his usual easy confidence. “Nice to meet you.”

Thankfully, she recovered enough to shake it. “You as well. I sit right outside this office, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

His grin was quick and appreciative. “I might take you up on that. Thank you.”

Looking between us and realizing there was a reason Rhys had come up to see me, she excused herself.

“Thanks, Olivia.”

As soon as the door shut, Rhys’s shoulders eased, and he dropped into a chair. Given his sharp mind, and quick wit, my plan had always been to develop him into my successor.

“How’s it going?” I asked, though I already knew we were all adjusting to the upheaval.

“No complaints you haven’t already heard from everyone else. Give it a few weeks, and it’ll settle.”

That was what I valued about Rhys. He didn’t waste time whining. He was also happy to relocate to San Diego having originally been from California.

Then, true to form, he went straight to the point. “What’s up with the acting CEO title for Charlotte Green? Does that mean they’re still looking for someone permanent?”

Because I trusted him, I didn’t bother sugarcoating. “It appears so. Whether it’s just for optics, or they’re serious about considering someone else remains to be seen. Either way, I’ll be applying for the job.”

“You have to be the most qualified candidate.”

Not long ago, I would’ve agreed without hesitation. Now, I wasn’t so sure.