Page 5 of Daddy's Firm Hand

“Understatement of the year.”

The warmth of Molly's laugh washed over me like a comforting blanket. "Maybe he just thinks you could benefit from some one-on-one guidance," she proposed gently. "It could be a chance to grow professionally."

I hesitated, my fingers absently twisting a loose thread on Geoffrey's worn fur. "But it's so personal," I murmured, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "And the way he said it felt . . . different."

"Well, only you can decide if it's something you're comfortable with," Molly replied, ever the voice of reason. "Just make sure you get all the details before agreeing to anything."

"Thanks, Mol."

“What does your heart tell you?”

I sighed. “Well, you know I’ve not exactly been loving work recently. Maybe this is like a test. If this can make me enjoy the job more, make me re-engage, then that’s great. And if I hate it, I can just quit.”

“Not a bad idea,” Molly said. “And if you need work, I can take you on in the café.”

Molly ran a little romance bookstore and café calledSweetheart’s Lattes. It would be a significant pay cut, but I was hugely grateful for the offer.

“Even though I spilled my coffee today?”

I could hear the grin in her voice. “Don’t worry, there would be extensive training before you’d be allowed to carry a coffee anywhere near my precious books!”

“I need it.”

“Whatever you do, you’ll be alright. Let me know what you decide.”

“I will. Thank you, love.”

"Anytime, Candy." I could almost see her warm, reassuring smile through the phone. "Good luck."

As I hung up, the silence of my apartment enveloped me once more, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Restless energy hummed beneath my skin as I paced the cozy space, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions and possibilities that swirled around me. I'd been unhappy and unfulfilled at work for so long; maybe this could be the opportunity I needed to change that.

My gaze fell upon the childlike elements scattered throughout my home – coloring books piled high on the coffee table, whimsical decorations adorning the walls, and Geoffrey, always a comforting presence in my life. A thought crossed my mind: perhaps there was a side of myself I'd been neglecting, a part of me yearning to be acknowledged and nurtured.

I began to tidy my apartment, finding solace in the familiar act of organizing my surroundings. As I sorted through the clutter, each item seemed to tell its own story – the stuffed animals I'd collected since childhood, the pastel markers I used to doodle away my worries, the scrap of ribbon from a long-forgotten birthday gift. With each discovery, I felt a growing sense of recognition and longing.

As I stood amidst the scattered remnants of my life, I knew that I had a decision to make. It was time to face the unknown and take a leap of faith, trusting that the answers I sought lay just beyond the edge of my comfort zone.

When I’d been a kid, I’d been bold. Scared of nothing. I had to connect with that part of myself and be brave.

Morning came all tooquickly, and I found myself standing in front of my closet, selecting an outfit that would make me feel confident yet comfortable. Settling on a professional yet soft blouse and skirt, I added a small pink clip to my hair.

Arriving at work early, I took a moment to compose myself before sending David an email requesting a follow-up meeting. To my surprise, his response came almost immediately, inviting me to his office. As I walked down the hallway towards his door, my heart pounded with anticipation, each step bringing me closer to the answers I so desperately sought.

"Good morning, Candy," David greeted me as I entered his office, his piercing blue eyes searching mine. "Thank you for coming."

I couldn't help but notice how impeccably dressed David was, even more so than the last time I had seen him. His tailored suit was a deep charcoal gray that complemented his silver-streaked hair, giving him an air of sophistication and authority that was hard to ignore. The crisp white shirt under his jacket accentuated his broad shoulders, and his tie, a subtle shade of navy, added a touch of elegance to his ensemble.

"Thank you for replying so quickly," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course," he said, gesturing to a chair facing his desk. "I don’t want our conversations to have an impact on the working day. Please, have a seat."

As I sat down, I reminded myself to remain strong, to be honest about my feelings and fears.

"Thank you for coming," he began, seating himself opposite me. "I know our previous conversation was somewhat vague, and I realize I may have been unclear." He paused, giving me a reassuring smile. "Allow me to elaborate on what I meant by 'unusual discipline.'"

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I'd appreciate that."

David leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I've observed qualities in you that suggest you might benefit from a different approach to personal and professional development," he explained. "I'm proposing we explore a dynamic where I provide guidance and support beyond the traditional employer-employee relationship. This would involve trust, open communication, and mutual consent."

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