by Claire Angel
“Fine. I’ll stay, but I want seafood for dinner,” I told Seth, opening my chat app.
Brenna: I need to work late tonight. Can we reschedule?
Jack: What an asshole. It’s as though he knows you had plans. Did you tell him no?
Brenna: I don’t think I can. I knew it was part of the job when I took it.
Jack: You’re a pushover, Bren. We’ll try to reschedule.
I closed the conversation, feeling heat was over me. Was I a pushover? I got this job to learn and make a name for myself in the industry at a young age. I knew that it would require some overtime, and my only reason to hesitate to accept that was Mom. I glanced at Seth, who seemed to have a pleased smile on his face as he talked to someone on the phone. Did he enjoy taking away the little fun that I had in my life?
Everyone left the building, and Seth assured me that he ordered in dinner. I joined him in his office as he explained the situation with a particular client, and I nodded as he finished telling me that he was working remotely instead of over the phone. The company was closed, but we had access. I fought the urge to ask why we couldn’t do this when they were open but kept my mouth shut. I didn’t need to lose my job.
Dinner arrived faster than expected, and I watched as Seth tipped the guy with a large bill. He pulled some plates from a cabinet as well as a bottle of wine, and I looked around the building. “Is this okay to do while working?”
“Nobody’s here,” he assured me as he pulled out the containers. I smelled the food before seeing it: full lobster tails, crab, shrimp, and fresh salad and biscuits to go with it. It was enough food for us without being too much, and I recognized the name on the bag as the place that Jack planned to take me to for dinner.
Was that a coincidence?
“Let’s eat while it’s hot. Cold seafood is nasty, in my opinion.” He plated for me, splitting everything on two large plates before pouring me some wine.
“I can’t argue with that,” I agreed, thanking him for the plate as I looked it over. We dug in, and everything tasted as great as it would if we were sitting in the restaurant. I dipped the meat into the melted garlic butter, keeping my eyes from rolling back into my head as I washed it down with the wine.
“Good?” Seth asked as I nodded with a smile.
“Thank you. It’s delicious.” I stabbed the last piece of crab, dipping it and eating with a flourish.
“I like a woman that eats real food. So many order a salad and act like that’s enough,” he observed as I giggled, feeling the wine.
“I think it’s pretty obvious that I eat. I’m not half as skinny as some of the girls that work here,” I said before covering my mouth.
“You’re much more beautiful than any of them,” he assured me as I blushed.
We finished the meal and cleaned up before he asked me to sit beside him at the desk. He explained the issue as he logged in remotely, and I watched as he dug into files with another glass of wine in my hand. I offered my opinion when asked, finding it interesting as we moved forward with the work.
Was I wrong to enjoy this over dinner at the same restaurant with Jack?
We finished at nine, and I was relieved that I told my parents I’d be working late. After the second glass of wine, I had switched to water and felt fine to drive home when Seth asked, “Are you sure? I could order a car to take you home as well as pick you up tomorrow morning.”
“Are you ordering a car for yourself?” I asked as he chuckled.
“I’d never leave my car here. I’m fine to drive,” Seth assured me as I drank a large swallow from the water bottle.
“I am, too. I drink wine with dinner at home often,” I assured him, walking over to drop the bottle into his recycling bin.
“I’d like to do a dinner like that with you more often,” he told me as I arched a brow at him. “It was delicious, don’t you think?”
“Yes. It’s a favorite of mine. I don’t get to eat there often,” I replied, walking to get my purse.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” he offered as I nodded. We got our things, and he locked his door before we walked down the dim hallway. I had much more of a feeling of having been at dinner with him, more than I would’ve with Jack. It might have been work, but it was rewarding. He pushed the elevator button, and we rode down, walking across the lobby as the security guard greeted Seth by his first name.
“You work late a lot?” I asked as he nodded. “Nothing to rush home to?”
“I knew I’d work a lot of hours here when I started with the company. I don’t have a problem with staying late.” He looked around as we entered the nearly empty garage. “Where are you?”
“The third,” I replied as he nodded, walking to the elevator. He led me to my Jeep, taking a long look at her.
“Nice Jeep. I like the features,” he told me as I smiled. I picked one that offered what I needed for weekend drives.
“She’s my baby. I bought her when I graduated from college,” I explained, opening the door. He helped me in, watching me start the engine and pull out before going down to one of the other levels. Did he walk me up here when he parked on a lower level?
I drove home, not feeling the wine as much as I did the adrenaline from the day. I should be irritated that I had to work late, but I ate one of the best meals of my life and learned something more tonight. One of those was a bonus.
Mom was in bed when I arrived home, and Dad hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. “How is she?” I asked as he walked to the kitchen.
“Your mom had a bad day today,” he admitted as I frowned.
“I’m sorry. I should have come home,” I started as he silenced me with a stern look.
“You weren’t out, Brenna. You were working towards your future,” he reminded me as I thought about my original plans. “Even if you were out, you’re a twenty-three-year-old woman that should have some fun.”
“What are you thinking about, Dad?” I asked as worry flooded me. ”I can help with Mom.”
“I know I work a lot, and I’m going to make a change based on that. I don’t want to take away your life any more than I have, so I might hire someone to come in for eight hours. An aid of sorts. That way, you can work on your future, and I can keep the best life for your mother as possible.” He was looking towards the dark window as he spoke, and I pressed my lips together. “I want to take her on vacation, assuming she feels better. She needs some time in a tropical climate where she can truly relax.”
“Mom would love that,” I replied, feeling tears in my eyes. Her illness had taken a toll on all three of us, and I enjoyed the thought of her on a warm beach.
“I am proud of you for getting this far despite your difficulties, Brenna. You have risen above all of it, and I see you going far in life. I want you to be able to relax as well, though I can’t offer you a beach vacation like I can your mother. You’re too new on the job.” I laughed and walked over to hug him.
“Good point, Dad,” I said, giggling as he wrapped his arms around me.
I went to bed with a mixture of relief and guilt, cleaning up before I slipped under the covers. I loved my father for encouraging me to work hard, though tonight didn’t feel that way. Seth wasn’t an asshole to me like he was the others, but he was firm. I’d miss my mother and the times we shared alone, but those weren’t gone. I’d still make a point of having them as often as possible.
I turned to my side, seeing the moon shining on the water before I closed my eyes.
I made sure that I picked another dress in the morning, smiling as I left for work.
I saw Jack buying coffee as I walked into the lobby, and he glanced my way. Shelby approached him, and guilt crossed his face as she slipped an arm around him. I chuckled to myself, going right for the elevator as I silently wished him luck with that girl.
I walked towards my office, feeling a little hope for the day. Seth’s office was empty, and I wondered if he was in the break room as I sat down, warming up my computer for the day
. I wanted to thank him for last night, but I sensed a change in the room.
I looked up to see Seth walking towards me with a scowl on his face. He held a coffee, staring forward as he walked as if I wasn’t even here. “Good morning,” I said as he walked into his office and slammed the door.
I stared at the closed door, wondering what was wrong and if I could help. What happened since last night?
Was it me?
Chapter 7
Seth
I walked into my condo to find Mom stressing out as she spoke to someone on the phone. Andie was nowhere in sight, and I looked down the hall to see Abby’s door open. “Why isn’t she sleeping?” I asked in a low voice as I turned to check on her.
Andie was in there, pressing a cloth to her forehead and speaking softly as my daughter rested against her pillow. “Andie, what’s wrong?” I asked as she glanced up at me with tired eyes.
“Abby came down with a fever just before dinner. We’ve been giving her medicine and baths, but it just keeps on. Mom knows what to do, but she finally called an advice nurse.”
I sat on Abby’s bed as her red eyes peered at me. “I don’t feel good, Daddy.”
“I know, sweet pea. Grandma’s talking to a doctor, and we’re going to figure this out.” I stroked her hair, feeling the heat as Andie rose to wet another cloth. My daughter’s pajamas were sticking to her, and fear washed over me as well as anger. Why didn’t they call me to come the fuck home? I held in my anger, counting to ten before I spoke again. “Why didn’t you call me?” My voice was low and firm, and my sister looked at me with a scared expression.
“You were working, and we thought we could handle it.” Her voice choked, and I leaned down to kiss Abby’s forehead before placing the cloth on it.
“I can always leave work,” I reminded her, thinking over the night I spent with Brenna, hardly thinking about the welfare of my daughter. I ate fine seafood tonight, admiring Brenna as she enjoyed it without inhibition. I could still hear her laughter as we chatted, attributing the wine to her excellent spirits. I did work, but that was the last part of the night that I’d think about, even if Brenna did impress me.
I also kept her from seeing jack, offering her the same meal and a better time.
“I know you can, but Mom said it was important tonight. We were trying to do the right thing, Seth. Get over yourself,” Andie snapped, and I knew how stressed out she’d been over this.
“I am going to check with Mom,” I said, gazing at Abby as her eyelids fluttered closed, and she seemed to drift off to sleep. I stood, entering the living room as Mom ended the call. “What did they say?”
“If it gets past one hundred and three, bring her in. It hasn’t so far, and she is fighting an infection, so they said to keep a close eye on her.” She gave me a remorseful look, knowing how angry I was. “I’m sorry, Seth. You were working, and I just thought it was a fever.”
“Call me when Abby is sick. I only get her every other fucking week,” I hissed as she recoiled from me. “I’m sorry. Just stressed right now.”
“I know, honey. She’s going to be okay,” Mom assured me, hugging me tightly.
I knew they were tired from the last several hours, so I told them to get some sleep. I carried Abby to my bed, making her comfortable before I grabbed water, Tylenol, a thermometer, and several cloths to cool her before slipping on some lounge pants. I’d watch her tonight.
She slept fitfully, which meant I did as well. I didn’t think it would be any different, but my ability to wake up at any noise or movement amazed me. She stayed at one hundred degrees for the better part of the night, and I’d check her temp and soothe her back into sleep.
Abby seemed normal when my alarm clock went off at seven, and I dropped to my back. I felt exhausted, but I forced my eyes open as Mom knocked on the bedroom door. “Seth? How is she?”
I rose and opened the door, seeing how tired and concerned she looked. “She’s finally feeling normal again and sleeping well. I wish I could say the same, but at least she’s better.” Mom walked past me, checking Abby’s skin as she smiled.
“Are you going to work today?” Mom asked as I sighed.
“I run the tech staff, so I have to.” I also wanted to see Brenna, so what kind of selfish asshole did that make me? “At least for part of the day, unless you have somewhere to be.”
“I’m here all day, sweetie. She’s going to be fine. I’ll make some soup, and it’ll be a relaxing day for us.” Mom gazed at me, and I nodded. “Get ready for work. I’ll make you some coffee.”
I dressed in a clean suit and went to get my coffee from Mom. She cut up some fruit and made toast for Abby, and I gave her a hug to apologize for my behavior the night before. “I’ll bring dinner home, Mom. What would you like?”
“I’m making some chicken noodle soup tonight, and you have bread. Don’t worry about bringing anything but your appetite. Abby is going to be better today.” She smiled as I kissed her cheek. “If not, we’ll call you and figure this out.”
“Good.” I sipped the coffee from the travel mug, setting it down before going to kiss Abby goodbye. She woke up during my shower, hungry and thirsty, and she let me carry her to the table so she could eat.
I left my coffee behind, remembering as I parked in the garage. I’d be surviving on coffee at this rate, so I went into the break room to make some espresso roast. I was there just in time to hear Shelly talking about the dinner date she had with Jack, and my blood boiled. He made plans with Brenna and then went out with Shelby? It wasn’t hard to notice that Shelby wasn’t even at work yesterday, to begin with, and he used her as second choice.
Classy.
When I saw Brenna sitting at her desk looking beautiful, anger flooded me all over again. I was with her when my daughter was sick and suffering. I knew better than to do that when I had her for the week, but the date with Jack made me lose all track of logic. I stomped past her, slamming my door closed after she greeted me kindly, something she was prone to do every day.
Fuck. Everything was going to bother me today since I was so damn tired. I sipped the coffee, praying for it to hit me quickly so I could get something productive done today.
I helped a few clients, checking the new work orders that came in from Brenna’s desk periodically. She was doing a great job, but she more than likely slept better than I did. I didn’t know too much about her, but Brenna was a caring woman that would stay up all night with a child if needed. She wouldn’t even complain, and I envisioned us together, raising my daughter.
“Fuck me,” I moaned, resting my head in my hands. What the hell was wrong with me? There I was, being selfish again.
I didn’t bring anything for lunch and knew that dinner was waiting, and it would be good. I loved my mom’s soup, and it would get Abby back on track. I placed an order to the deli down the street for two salads, and it was the kind I’d seen Brenna eating in the past. I hid all day behind my door, so that should be an excellent peace offering.
After I ordered, I walked to my door to open it. Brenna looked up, and I took in the soft yellow of her dress, likely bought with the plum one. Her curls were loose around her shoulders, and red lipstick complemented her full lips. “I ordered salads for lunch. One is coming for you since I didn’t know if you brought anything.”
“You don’t always have to feed me, Mr. Morgan. I have a job.” She offered me a flaring smile, and I shrugged, feeling tired again.
“There’s petty cash for that. Don’t worry about it.” I glanced at my smartwatch. “It’ll be here in about twenty minutes.”
“I’ll get drinks from the break room,” she said, standing to walk away as I gazed at her ass.
“Seth. Good job with the project last night. You made them very happy working after hours like that.” Neil approached me, and I looked at my partner in running the team.
“Not a problem. I know how different their hours are, so I did what I could.” I shrugged, looking around the hall.
“How is the new assistant working out? I’m a little jealous since I have Ben. I’d rather look at yours,” Neil said, laughing softly.
“Aren’t you married with a baby, Neil?” I asked sharply as he held up his hands in defeat.
“Just looking, buddy.” He shook his head. “She’s beautiful, and I’m sure you’ve noticed. I wouldn’t doubt that had something to do with hiring her.”
“How shallow do you think I am, Neil? I want someone that’s going to make the work flow smoothly, not look pretty at her desk.” I glanced up to see Brenna walking towards us with two cans, and she glanced up before pausing.
“Sure about that?” he asked in a soft voice before turning to go.
“Is everything okay?” she asked as she handed me a diet drink, her eyes wide with concern. “Were you arguing with him?”
“I wouldn’t call it that. Just talking shop.” I saw the delivery driver turn and approach us, and I handed him a tip after taking the bags. “Do you want to eat inside my office?”
“I’m going to stay at my desk. Thank you. I have some reading to take care of,” she said, taking one of the bags with a smile. “Thanks for lunch.”
“No problem,” I replied, watching her sit behind her desk. I headed into my office, sitting to eat as I gazed over Seattle. I sent several messages to Mom throughout the day, deciding to check on Abby again. I smiled when I read that she was up and playing in front of a movie. That’s my girl.
I glanced up to see Brenna gazing at me with warmth in her eyes. Part of me wanted to talk to her about Abby and my life as a father, but I took another bite of salad and checked my log instead. Abby was my private business.
Chapter 8
Brenna
I finished my day with no requests to work late again tonight. A part of me longed to be with Seth alone like that, seeing that he was witty and kind.
Well, he wasn’t that way this morning. Something must have happened, and that was okay. That was life.
I also heard that Jack went out to dinner with Shelby last night in the break room. She told everyone who would listen, and a small part of me wanted to tell her that she was his second choice. I did remember what my mom told me about being nice to people. I also felt irritated that he so easily made plans with someone else, but thinking back, I had a better time with Seth. While the food might have been something similar to what I ate in the actual restaurant, it tasted better in his office as we talked through it.
