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“I’m surprised that you came back. I mean, this isn’t the ideal place to live,” she said.
“No, it wasn’t. But I came back because I wanted to start a business, and I knew what it would mean for Tabiq to have a productive factory here.”
“You really came back just to help the economy,” she stated, looking shocked.
“Yes. I would like to think that I have helped, but there are still so many people who need steady employment. A fair wage. But right now, I am concerned about keeping the factory, nevermind expanding it anymore.” I hadn’t shared that with her, but after seeing the latest production reports, it became clear that we were in trouble.
“Niko, I didn’t know that things had gotten that bad. What can I do to help?” she asked.
“Nothing. Well, that isn’t true. You keep doing what you are doing. The rest is on me. I need to find a way to travel again and bring in more new clients, while still increasing production. Losing Ibby will affect us whether we want to admit it or not. He was very skilled.”
“You can hire more people,” she said.
“Yeah. About that. I know I did the hiring, but it was your father that sorted them out, and made sure they were the right fit for the job.”
“I’m sorry. I wish he was here so you two could work this out. I know you need him. I know I do too. But he’s gone and I have no way of getting in touch with him,” she sighed.
“He didn’t leave you a number or tell you how to reach him?” She shook her head. “What if something happened to you? How would he know?”
“He wouldn’t. Not unless he decided to return to Tabiq. But he can’t. This place holds too many memories for him.” She sighed. “Funny how you said we shouldn’t forget. And that is my father’s problem now. He can’t forget and it is eating him up inside.”
“I can’t imagine what he must be going through. He must have really loved your mother,” I said.
She nodded. “I was lucky to have them as parents. They set the bar high for me in regards to what a healthy marriage looks like.”
“From the photos in your living room, I don’t know if I’ve ever crossed paths with another family quite like yours.”
“I’m not sure they exist either, but I know it’s what I want and I’m not settling for anything less,” she said firmly.
If that was meant as a warning for me, I got it. There was nothing casual about what she wanted. Bringing her home to my bed was definitely off the table. I saw now that Ovi and I had too many things standing in our way, things beyond her employment status. She wanted a loving happy home. I could never give her what I hadn’t experienced. I only knew what I was lacking, not how to make it happen.
But that was just one obstacle. Dean was right. I fired her father. She might have let that thought slip, but she hadn’t forgotten. Even now when she spoke about Trye, I could see the sadness in her eyes.
The sadness I put there.
I needed to get home and call Trye. Not sure if I could fix this, but I had to try. Not for me. Not for Trye. But for Ovi and everyone else at the factory.
Turning to her I said, “It’s getting late and I have a lot of work to do. How about I drop you off at home?” I asked.
She didn’t argue. Instead, she said, “I think that is a good idea. Thank you for another lovely evening.”
“How about we do it again tomorrow?” I suggested.
“Maybe you can come to my house for dinner,” she said.
“Want me to bring it?” I offered.
“No. I know how to cook.”
“But you work all day. How do you plan on managing all of that?” I questioned.
“Trust me. I can manage it just fine. But just so you’re prepared, if I cook, you get to do the dishes,” she smiled.
I grumbled. “Damn. Takeout is sounding better.”
She laughed and we packed up and headed back to her house. I kissed her briefly in the vehicle before walking her to the door.There, I didn’t even hug her, I wasn’t sure Almi or any of her other neighbors were watching.
Once I was on the road again, I pulled out my phone and dialed the number that Bennett had provided. A woman answered. “Hello, may I help you?”
