Everything has just been too overwhelming. I know I’m a coward. I know I’m not acting like myself.
But I’m just so scared.
I’ve always tried to plan ahead. I’ve always had my ducks in a row. Now everything is falling apart, and no matter what Ido, I can’t grab all the scattered pieces and hold them together.
But one thing is for certain.
“I will love you.”
I put both hands on my flat stomach. “I will love you so much that love is all you will ever know. I know I’m scared right now, but I’ll find a job, and I’ll—” I let out a gust of breath. “I’ll raise you myself.”
I hear the bench creak and look over to see Roland Blake sitting next to me.
“Mr. Blake?” Taken aback, I look around, but there’s nobody else here. It’s just the children in the park with their parents. It’s working hours, so nobody’s around.
“I was wondering where you’ve been for the past month.” He glances at me. “There was somebody else in your office, and Ethan has been quite tightlipped where you’re concerned.”
“I don’t understand.” I feel a little shaken. “Did you need something from me?”
“Why aren’t you at work?” He looks at me curiously. “And yes, we still have that lunch.”
“Oh.” I give him a small smile. “You can forget that. I resigned from my job.”
“Resigned?” He stares at me, stunned. “Why? Was it the salary?” His last question is abrupt. “They weren’t paying you enough, were they? I had my suspicions.”
I don’t know what his obsession is with my salary, but I have to laugh. He’s a sweet old man. A little eccentric maybe, but sweet.
“No. My salary was good. I just—I needed a change.”
“Are you looking for a new job?”
His question is direct, and I nod. “I’m going to start applying soon. I haven’t gotten around to it yet.”
He turns to face me. “Would you like to come work for me?”
“Excuse me?” My eyes widen at the unexpected job offer.
He beams at me. “I may not run companies, but in certain companies, I have a majority share. I can get you a place in one of them at a salary of your choosing.”
I feel a hint of unease now. “Why would you do that for me?”
He goes still before averting his gaze and shrugging. “You’re a good kid. I want to help.”
I don’t entirely buy it, but I smile at him, nonetheless. “Thank you, but I’ll figure something out.”
“Just send me your resume. Let me handle it.”
“I really don’t?—”
“Natalie already has a job,” a hard voice sounds from behind us, and I freeze, recognizing it.
Roland looks mildly annoyed at the interruption. His upper lip curls.
“Ethan.”
I clench my hands in my lap and say nothing, looking ahead. I don’t want to see him. Not yet. I haven’t figured out what to say yet. I still need time. I need to get my bearings on my situation, a job, before I?—
“You’re not poaching her, so get that idea out of your head, Roland,” Ethan says harshly. “I’ve not accepted her resignation.”
