Page 15 of Fake To Forever

Chapter Six: A Small Favor

Christian

A headache forms between my eyes as I lean back into my office chair, turning towards the floor to ceiling windows that look out over my backyard. It’s beautiful here, more than I could have ever wanted for Oliver. The lush green of the earth stretches on almost further than I can see from where I’m sitting.

And every day I can’t help but pray that this place will help to heal the invisible wounds that both of us have.

Exhaustion fills me after doing paperwork all day, and I’m trying to figure out when I can get out to the rig outside of town. I’ve gotten several phone calls and emails today letting me know there’s a problem hitting depth, and as much as I wish they can handle it without me, that doesn’t look like it’s going to be the case. I’m going to have to head out there to check on it myself if the crew can’t figure it out.

Most men who own stakes in the same industry as me may not particularly care about going out there themselves to solve problems. But I do.

I love working on the rig. Getting my hands dirty is one of my favorite things to do. I don’t do it as often anymore because administrative work takes up so much of my time, but since this rig is so close, I should have more opportunities to go out there when I’m needed.

The only issue I’m facing is figuring out who can take care of Oliver while I’m gone.

There’s no one I really know well enough in Blue Ridge yet that I trust enough to watch him for an extended period of time. I left most of my house staff back in the city to take care of my father and grandfather. It’s just Oliver and I out here with a handful of part-time staff, none of whom I know well enough to feel comfortable leaving my son with.

Which is a problem.

I was in such a hurry to move us here that I didn’t really think about what I would do in this scenario. I need to secure a babysitter, and quick. If Theresa ever got wind that I didn’t have someone trustworthy to take care of Oliver while I had to work, she’d rush straight to court to bring it up as a custody issue.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, fighting against the persistent headache rattling through my mind. It doesn’t last long before the alarm on my phone goes off.

Shit, it’s time to go pick Oliver up from daycare.

Which also means I’m seeing Haven again. My heart rate spikes momentarily at the thought of her. Seeing Haven when I drop off and pick up Oliver has become a highlight of each of my days. I like talking to her, and I like how normal I feel when I’m around her. Not to mention her smile is enough to brighten anyone's day.

As corny as that may sound. It’s like she doesn’t have a single gray cloud surrounding her.

Not to mention, she doesn’t look at me like a walking bank account, which is unfortunately rare for me. I just have to ignore the fact that she doesn’t actually know who I am. That’s the only real damper on my interactions with her.

Pushing the thought aside, I make my way out of the house and into my truck. The drive from my house to the daycare isn’t long and the moment I arrive I’m greeted by Maggie, who always has a smile on her face when I pass her desk.

“Afternoon, Chris!”

“Afternoon, Maggie,” I reply with a light chuckle.

Everyone is always so cheerful here. Which is refreshing considering how people in the city typically are. One of the many perks about this town that I enjoy.

I continue down the hall toward Haven’s classroom. The door is cracked open, and I stop to peek inside. Oliver and Haven are sitting together on the big story time rug, playing together with toy cars. The sight makes my chest tighten, but I’m confused.

Where are the other kids? Am I late picking him up?

I check my watch and frown. I don’t think I’m late.

Pushing open the door, their gazes meet mine and a smile crosses both of their faces.

“Hi, Daddy!” Oliver exclaims.

“Hey, buddy. How’s it going?”

He holds up two of the cars he’s playing with. “Playing cars!”

“Fun!” I declare, trying to match his excitement.

“Miss Haven is fun.”

Warmth blooms within me. That’s really something, given how hesitant Oliver is around new people. I suppose spending time in the facility over the last few days has made him open up a bit more.

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