by J. D. Walker
“Great. So, how about you decide what to wear today, and then I’ll meet you in the bathroom?”
Sam wiggled out of my arms and I let her down. “Your clothes are in the bottom drawer.” I pulled it out so she could see everything. “Your shoes are in the closet.” I opened that so she could see it, too. “Okay?”
“Okay,” she murmured, and I smiled.
* * * *
Fifteen minutes later, after Sam was dressed, bathroom needs taken care of, and teeth brushed, she followed me into the kitchen. “How about pancakes for breakfast?” I asked as I dug around for ingredients. I hoped they weren’t moldy.
“With butter,” Sam added, her pronunciation of butter—bubber—was adorable.
“I think I can do that,” I replied. I made two small pancakes to see how much she could eat. I happened to have some plastic forks leftover from takeout that she could use. I needed to buy child-sized utensils today.
Once I cut up the pancakes into more manageable pieces and smeared everything with bubber, I set the food before Sam. She picked up the fork and said, “Thank you, Unka Martin,” before diving in.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” I said, and tucked into my own meal.
We were ready to go at seven thirty. Sam went to get some things she just had to take with her to daycare, and I gathered my laptop and briefcase. Then we were off.
When Sam and I arrived, the place was a zoo. Parents and guardians were everywhere. Ryan, though, he was calm amidst the storm. In between all the flustered adults, he took the little ones off their hands along with the other daycare workers that I hadn’t seen yesterday.
“Ryan!” I heard Sam say, and was surprised to see her run toward him on her little legs when I put her down. Ryan picked her up and spun her around a little, then kissed her cheek.
“How’s my angel?” he asked, and she whispered something in his ear. He chuckled and said, “Is that right?” He glanced at me and winked. “Why don’t you go inside and play with some of the kids, okay?” He set her down and she scampered off.
“Morning, Martin,” Ryan said, and I was drawn in by his openness.
“Morning,” I greeted him. “What was she whispering to you?”
“Oh.” He smiled. “You forgot to comb her hair.”
Aw, man. I knew I was red in the face. “That’s why her hair kept getting in her face. I’m clueless, aren’t I?” I groused.
“A little, but it’s cute,” Ryan said. That made me blush even harder. What was I, four years old? “Okay, so we’ll talk about tomorrow’s stuff when you come by tonight, right?”
“Yeah. I’ll see you then.”
“Great,” he said. I watched him walk away, in black jeans this time, and a plain green T-shirt. No matter what Ryan wore, he still looked good.
* * * *
I spent most of the morning buying furniture, bedding, and toys that would appeal to a three-year-old. At least, I hoped so. I had to take the salesperson’s word for it. By noon, I’d accomplished most of the things I wanted to do on Sam’s behalf. Now, it was time to deal with my job.
Henson had been sending me nasty emails and texts all morning, which I’d ignored. Whatever was chapping his ass would just have to wait until I was actually at work. I’d never felt such a sense of freedom before. It was like having Sam around had burst open a dam inside me.
All I’d ever done was toil nonstop, take my shit out on my employees, and expect results. How could anyone ever truly be happy in such an atmosphere? Maybe Sam was the straw that had broken the workaholic’s back.
In the space of twenty-four hours, one little girl had changed my priorities, and I was a better man for it. Come what may, I’d decided I was in this for the long haul. When I arrived in my department, my staff observed me with wide eyes. I wondered why, aside from the fact that I never telecommuted or took time off.
I sat behind my desk, arranging everything to my satisfaction when there was a knock on my door. “Yes?” I said, without looking up.
“Sir.” It was Willard.
“Willard. I trust you found my files. The right ones, yes?” I asked, glaring at him.
“Oh yes, sir. They’re in front of your monitor.” He stood there, wringing his hands.
“Something else on your mind, Willard?”
“Mr. Wesley, it seems there’s a rumor going around that you’re going to be fired. I…thought you should know. Sir.”
I was stunned. “Where on earth did you hear such a thing, John?” That was his first name. I just always found it more intimidating to use his last.
He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Uh, well, Ashton was in here searching through your files, again. He was yelling at all of us—not the way you do, sir, when we screw up. He was pissed, said he’d fire your ass. And now the whole place is buzzing with it.”
I leaned back in my chair, trying to keep calm. What the hell was Henson up to? “This happened when, this morning?”
“Yes, sir.”
I stood. “Thank you, John. You’re a good man.” I held out my hand to shake his, the first time I’d ever done so.
Shocked, Willard took it. “You’re welcome, sir.” He quickly left and went back to his desk. I needed to confront Henson. This cloak and dagger bullshit was getting old. And if he wanted to fire me, he needed to say it to my face.
I stalked through the department, feeling eyes on me as I headed toward the elevator. I hit the button to the top floor and ignored the indignant prattle of Henson’s personal assistant as I walked past her and barged into his office, without knocking.
“Look here, Henson—” I started to say then stopped. The COO, Morgan Fuches was sitting in the chair across from the CEO. I hadn’t even known he was in town. This was serious.
Henson bristled. “How dare you come in here like this, Wesley! I ought to fire you right now, for insubordination.”
“Really? What’s going on, Henson? Why’ve you been sneaking around in my files, keeping me in the dark, and spreading rumors about me, huh?” I whirled on Morgan. “And what the hell are you doing here, exactly?”
Morgan held up his hands. “Look, Martin. Some changes are being made in the company, and it doesn’t look good.”
I was taken aback. “But I’m the CFO! Why wasn’t I told?”
“Because we didn’t think you’d be on board with what we’ve decided. You’d make waves, and we can’t have that,” Morgan said. Cowards.
“Somebody better explain this to me, and make it damn good.”
Henson puffed up a little, but after a look from the COO, he deflated. Leaning back in his chair, he said, “We have to cut staff. The company’s not doing so well overseas, and we need to cut our losses. To remain viable, we have to downsize. Worldwide.”
I was flabbergasted. “Is that why you haven’t let me see the books in months, keeping me busy with piddly shit?” A lot of things made sense, now, but I still couldn’t believe this.
Morgan appeared uncomfortable. “The money we’ll make from the sale of underperforming sectors is too good to pass up.” And there it was.
“We’re consolidating departments, closing branches, selling off units. It’ll be brutal.” But not to your pocketbook. “Your staff?” Morgan said. “All gone. Unless you want to give up your hefty paycheck to save their jobs.” His smirk disgusted me.
I ignored his jibe. What really got to me was that instead of searching for a way to fix things and save jobs, as I would have done, they were letting the employees be the scapegoats, in the interest of the bottom line. They were right not to have let me know. I’d have raised hell. I hated bullies.
That settled it. I’d had enough, and to hell with them. Why was I working here, anyway? I’d long felt like a cog in the wheel of something I couldn’t even understand anymore, or believe in. And now that Samantha was in my life, my priorities had abruptly shifted and I just couldn’t bring myself to care. Amazing what a difference twenty-four hours could make for the soul.
I did a quick mental calculation. I had enough savings, since I rarely spent money on anything except the bare necessities, to last me for a long time. I could easily support Sam and me for many months, if it came to that. Maybe I’d go into consulting, move into a place that was more child-friendly and slow down. A lot.
Mind made up, I said, “In that case, I quit. You’ll have my emailed resignation within the hour. All items that belong to the company will remain in my office. Good day to you, gentlemen. I can’t say it’s been a pleasure.”
I had the secret satisfaction of seeing the shock on both men’s faces as I turned to walk away. Let them play their games with someone else’s life. I was done with this crap.
* * * *
When I got back to my department, I held a brief staff meeting in the conference room. I asked Willard to stand beside me while I spoke.
“Everyone, I have resigned from the company, effective almost immediately.” I heard gasps as I continued. “Changes are coming down the pipeline, and it is likely that you will all lose your jobs. I would suggest you start looking for employment elsewhere, right away.” The gasps were now shouts of outrage and despair. I could sympathize.
I cleared my throat and waved my hand for silence. “You haven’t been treated fairly, and I am sorry for that. I can only wish you well in your choices for the future. I admit that it hasn’t always been a joy working with you, but I realize that I can be a pill to work for and a bit demanding, so what can I say? For my last task as CFO, I appoint John Willard to act in my stead until such time as the higher-ups make their next move.”
I addressed John. “Good luck, Willard. You’ll need it.” He swallowed and nodded.
I left the room, amidst a furor of voices and went to my office. It didn’t take long to fire off my exit notice to Henson, then gather my things. I’d never kept anything personal here, anyway. The laptop was mine, however, and I made sure all company data was removed from the drive.
When I left, the staff members were still shouting at each other, but that wasn’t my problem anymore.
I handed my parking pass to the woman behind the security desk and strolled out of the building. It was midafternoon by the time I got home. My life had changed in an instant, and now I had to figure out my next move. My purpose was no longer to just survive the daily grind for an ungrateful, backstabbing corporation. It was to take care of a little girl who just wanted to be loved.
* * * *
I arrived a few minutes early to pick up Samantha. I found her and Ryan chasing each other around the playroom and smiled at her squeals of delight. It was such a happy sound.
When Ryan caught her in his arms, they both collapsed on the huge floor cushions, laughing at each other.
“Looks like you’re having fun, huh?” I said, and two pairs of eyes looked over at me with surprise and joy.
“Unka Martin!” Samantha yelled and ran up to me for a hug.
I picked her up and she giggled. “Hey there, pumpkin. You been good today?”
“Yes! We played games and Henry pulled-ed my hair.” She wrinkled her nose at that memory, and I grinned. It was cute, and I was so happy she was speaking now, in full sentences. Maybe she was comfortable and more certain of her life, with me.
“Pulled-ed, huh?”
“Uh-huh.”
I raised an eyebrow at Ryan, who elaborated. “Henry is her best friend, and he likes to play with her hair.”
“I see.” I set Samantha on my hip. “You ready to go home, little lady?”
“Yes, Unka Martin. I’m hungry.”
“I bet you are.” I turned to Ryan. “How about you, you hungry? We could talk about plans tomorrow as we eat something. You interested?”
“Oh yeah.” The tone of Ryan’s voice told me that he was talking about more than food. Hmmm. I’d have to think about that later.
“Okay. Sam, how about we help Ryan clean up so we go get some grub, hmm?”
She nodded her head so hard I thought she’d fall out of my arms. I set her on the ground and between the three of us, we got the daycare center as neat as we could before leaving.
“How about Olive Garden tonight?”
“Yeah!” both Ryan and Sam said at the same time. I chuckled, feeling free for the first time in forever. It felt as though I had found something to live for—to fight for—and even though I’d only known Ryan for a couple of days, he felt like…home. The fact that it had happened so fast didn’t negate the strength of my feelings on the subject. It felt right.
Who knew the prospect of having a family would become everything to me?
* * * *
Hours later, after getting Sam ready for bed and reading her a bedtime story—both Ryan and I had to read it to her—Ryan settled next to me on the couch and we both drank ginger ale.
“What has you so lighthearted, Martin? The weight that you had on your shoulders when I first met you seems to be gone. What gives?” He curled up onto his corner of the sofa.
“I quit my job today.”
Ryan sat up so fast that he almost spilled his drink. “What?” And then he winced at the volume. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I know it’s a shock. I decided I was tired of underhanded, lying bastards and I could do without that kind of stress. It was killing me.”
“But Samantha…”
“We’re fine, don’t you worry. I’ve been saving, as well as funding my 401k, for years. I’ve got other investments, too. I’m thinking of moving out of this place, though. Maybe find somewhere in the country? Animals, fresh air. It would be good for her—and me. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just…be, you know?”
“Man, you’re so hardcore,” Ryan responded.
I was confused. “What do you mean?”
He flushed. “I…admire you, a lot, for what you’re doing, how you’ve stepped up to the plate for someone who just dropped into your life out of the blue. Not many would have done that.”
“I had lots of help from you,” I said, nudging his hip with a sock-covered toe.
“You were halfway there already,” he said, clearly embarrassed.
Changing the subject, I asked, “What do you want to do tomorrow? When can you come over?” I wanted to spend more time in his company, and I knew Sam would like that, too.
“I can be here at nine in the morning. We can go around town, and I’ll show you some of the places we take the kids on outings, as well as give you some tips on managing three-year-olds.”
“Any help you’re willing to give would definitely be appreciated, but I don’t want you to think that’s the only reason I want you with us.”
“No?” Ryan looked at me, and I realized what he was asking.
“We’ve only just met, but what I know of you intrigues me. I’d like to pursue that, see where it goes, if that’s all right with you?”
He let out a breath. “That’s definitely all right with me. You don’t mind that I’m…younger than you?”
“Only by a few years, and that doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Who am I to judge, anyway? I haven’t been on a date in years, and I’m not much of a prize, myself, with my scars and all.”
“But you’re hotter than fire!” Ryan blushed. “Jesus, my mouth. Sorry, yet again.”
I chuckled. “It’s okay. I think you’re mighty fine yourself. So, this weekend is a family date, then?”
“Sure.” We clinked our bottles together and smiled at each other. I couldn’t wait for tomorrow morning.
* * * *
When Sam awoke early on Saturday, she was raring to go. “Is Ryan here, Unka Martin?”
“Not yet, sweetie. In a little while.”
Fifteen minutes later, after using the bathroom and getting dressed, she asked, “Can we leave now, Unka Martin?”
Again, I said, “Not yet, honey. Soon. Have you brushed your teeth?”
She gave me a big-eyed stare and said, “Uh-huh.” Since I hadn’t seen her do it, I led her by the hand to the bathroom
.
“Show me your teeth, pumpkin.” She kept her mouth tightly closed. I raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t brush them, did you?”
Slowly, she shook her head. We’d have a talk about lying on another day. Right now, I needed to get her breakfast and keep her occupied until it was time to go.
We tackled teeth, then finally, she was at the table eating waffles. By nine o’clock, Sam was bouncing off the walls, and I breathed a sigh of relief when Ryan showed up.
“My savior!” I exclaimed, and he laughed.
“She’s driving you crazy, right? Kids that age have a lot of energy, and we gotta use it up or we’re gonna be used up.”
Ryan bent down to greet Sam. “Hey, honey bun. Ready for a fun day?”
“Yes. Let’s go!” She tugged on his hand and pulled him with her down the hallway, her precious teddy bear trailing behind her. I chuckled as I locked up and followed them to the elevator.
* * * *
Ryan took us to all the kiddie places I’d either ignored or wasn’t even aware existed. My head hurt with all the screaming children around me, but Sam was having a great time.
By midafternoon, we’d decided on an impromptu visit to the park. Ryan sat on a bench next to me as we watched kids chasing each other, as well as dogs, all over the place.
“Are you hanging in there?” Ryan asked, looking at me with sympathy as I rubbed my temples.
“I’ll get used to it, I suppose. How you do this every day, I don’t know,” I said.
Ryan grinned. “I come from a big family, remember? I used to babysit my younger siblings, too. I know all the ins and outs of kids that age.”
“Bless you,” I said and shook my head.
He snickered. “You’ll be okay. And, I’ll be here to help you out, too.”
“Thank God.” I smiled and took his hand in mine. “I don’t know if I could do this without you.”
“Sure you could, but I’ll help anyway.” He raised my fingers and kissed the knuckles. “You know, I think a movie night is in your future.”
“Really?”
“Right after we put Sam to bed. We can snuggle on the couch, maybe make out a little. Whaddaya say?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
