Page 22 of Cherry's Jubilee

“Whatever you’re typing better be about dismantling the accounting department,” I say. His office phone rings before he can give me a response. He answers, and after briefly speaking with whoever is on the other line, he hangs up and resumes his typing.

“By the way,” he says casually a few seconds later, “my dad’s about to walkin—”

I stand abruptly, unsure if he’s telling the truth, but his door swings open, and a tall man who is a replica of Daniel, if only older, walks in.

Chapter 14

Daniel

Some color drains from her face, and she stands stock still, her mouth hanging open.

“Well,” my dad says smiling down at her. She finally shuts her mouth and puts a fake smile on but remains still. “Who do we have here?” He extends his hand to her, and she takes it, giving him a firm shake. I think she gets her wits about her because she clears her throat and stands straighter.

“I’m Cherry Cross,” she says.

“I’m Dan,” is all my dad says. “Cross?” he asks as he looks from Cherry to me. “Are you Michelle Cross’s daughter?”

“I am,” Cherry says with a smile.

“I’ve known your mom since she was a child. In fact, she came to the house with you and your sister one time. She came with your grandfather.” Cherry stiffens at the story. “DJ was there, and he tried to feed you to our cat. You cried.” She snickers at that.

“What?” she asks. “How old was he?”

“He was ten,” my dad say. “I think you were about three.”

“And you tried to feed me to a cat? I’m rethinking this whole relationship.”

“You’re stuck with me.”

“And what do you do for a living, Cherry?” Dad asks.

“I’m an accountant,” she says. He eyes her up and down and nods in approval.

“About the cat thing,” My dad says, shaking his head. “He was a weird kid. But excellent career choice. I’m an accountant by training,” he says. “And what brings you to DJ’s office on a Monday instead of being at work?” Cherry loses her color again until Dad bursts into laughter. “Relax. He told me all about you this morning.” He taps her shoulder.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, sir,” Cherry says.

“Dan’s fine. And why don’t you work here? We have an accounting department.”

“Oh, God, Dad, don’t start. And why are you so nosy? I told you not to come in here,” I say, but I know my dad never listens to anyone except my mother.

“I don’t take orders from my children,” Dad says.

“Well,” Cherry begins, and I know what’s coming, “I had three rounds of interviews for a position here, but I wasn’t hired.” She turns and narrows her eyes at me as if I’m responsible.

“Who did you interview with?” he asks.

“Clayton Udunka,” she says.

“And you told this to DJ?” he asks, pointing at me. Cherry nods. “And he hasn’t shut down the entire department yet?”

“He’s done nothing,” Cherry says. “He didn’t even ask me the name of the person I interviewed with.”

“I would have shut them down within minutes of knowing,” Dad says. “That’s what a real man would do.” He winks at her, and she looks at me and scowls further. “DJ doesn’t have that kind of power.” He grins, and so does she. “Anyway, I need you in my office before the meeting later. There are a few things legal wants to explain to us.” Dad turns back to Cherry. “You don’t mind if I borrow him for a few?”

“He’s all yours. I have to head out anyway,” she says while she grabs her purse. “I can take the train home.”

“No, absolutely not. Let me call Ari,” I say, picking up the phone while my dad pretends to busy himself.

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