Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
By the time we got back to my apartment, Ada was sleeping fitfully in my arms. She was still hot and feverish despite having taken the first dose of her medicine in the cab on the way home, and my mind was fraught with worry as I set her down on my bed while I changed the sheets in her room.
“You know, Pop-pop always used to make sure that me and Uncle Toph had fresh sheets when we were sick,” I said, well aware that I was more babbling to keep myself calm than to make Ada feel better. “It always helped me feel better. And then, tomorrow, if you feel up to it, we can curl up on the couch and watch some movies, okay?”
Ada didn’t reply. She tossed and turned on my bed and I kept a watchful eye on her as I sat down at my desk in the corner of the room. I opened my laptop with the intent of getting some work done, but found that I couldn’t focus at all.
This was truly the first time Ada had been sick with anything more than just a bug. She’d been such a healthy little kid – maybe I’d taken it for granted now – but seeing her so pale and sweaty made me so scared. I closed my eyes and prayed that she’d feel better soon.
Maybe when she did, I’d finally have the balls to tell Nico the truth.
23
Nico – Tuesday
It was strange, but I almost couldn’t believe how weird my life had gotten in the last few days. Things had come so close to coming together with Harper, only to be dashed in an instant.
When Janice, the head of HR, showed up in my office, I knew I was in for even more drama.
“What is it?” I asked without looking up.
Janice gave me a pinched look – given her current job, she had to be the only one at Ulrich Sports who was unhappy about the news I’d delivered the day before. I was already on my way to hiring at least six new HR people: I wanted one person to be responsible for five people at the company, which seemed like a respectable ratio.
Janice, however, was clearly displeased that her position was about to come down in significance. She wouldn’t be getting a pay cut or anything like that, but I could still sense her displeasure.
“You know, nothing about your current status is going to change,” I said smoothly. When Janice didn’t reply, I added: “I would have thought you’d be quite pleased to learn of new staff joining human resources, especially given what I addressed yesterday.”
Janice’s facial expression didn’t change.
“It will, though,” she said finally. “You’re planning to replace the head of HR with several people, if I understand correctly.”
It hit me – she was just the kind of person who liked being in charge.
Of course, she is, I thought to myself as I leaned back in my chair. If she didn’t like being in charge, she wouldn’t have shot for a career in HR.
“So,” I said. “Is that why you’re here?”
Janice shook her head. “No,” she said. “I’ve received a call from your former assistant, Portia Glass.”
I raised an eyebrow. “And?”
“She’s in reception now,” Janice replied sourly. “And she’s refusing to leave. I wanted to ask your permission to phone the authorities, or at least the security to remove her from the building.”
“That won’t be necessary,” I said.
Janice’s jaw dropped.
“Are you serious?” She said. “There’s no way I would advise against meeting with her – even with a witness in the room. She made serious allegations against you, Mr. Ulrich.”
“And I’m confident that I can handle her,” I said. “Please. Show her in.”
Janice looked like she wanted to fight me, but thankfully she didn’t say anything to that effect. She merely got to her feet and left my office, her eyes angry and her lips pouting.
When Portia appeared at my door moments later, I’d never seen her look so meek ... and that was saying something.
“Mr. Ulrich, I’d like to speak with you,” she said.
“Come in,” I said as I gestured for her to have a seat in front of my desk. “But please, do keep the door open.”
Flushing furiously, Portia made her way into my office and sat down in front of my desk.
“I just wanted to begin by saying how sorry I am,” she said slowly. “I had no right to say anything about you, and I regret it.”
“Yes, well,” I said, raising an eyebrow at her. “I’m sure you do.”
Portia flushed hotly. “I never felt like you treated me wrongly,” she said.
I nodded. “I don’t think I did.”
“Well ... I’ve come to ask for my job back,” Portia said.
I gave her a strange look. “Why? You clearly weren’t happy working for me.”