Page 1 of And Everything In Between

Chapter 1

Paige’s phone buzzed on her desk for the third time in the last hour. It was JT’s worrisome ass again. Same line, same weight in her stomach. But she didn’t groan this time. Didn’t roll her eyes or curse under her breath. She swiped to answer, because he would keep calling until she answered or blocked him.

“What, JT?” she answered, her voice flat. No warmth, no softness. At least not anymore. She was drained, over it, and tired of telling him that. A nigga in prison embodied persistence. With nothing but time, they became the walking definition of I got time today. JT was no different. She was halfway regretting ever getting involved with him.

“Damn, that’s how we doing now?” The line crackled with prison chaos in the background.

“We already had this talk.” She swiveled her chair away from the loan application she was halfway through reviewing. “I told you this wasn’t working and that hasn’t changed.”

"I need a favor." That was always the case. Always something he needed. She’d easily become his personal assistant. Going here, calling there, printing and mailing this. If he was calling, he wanted something.

“What is it this time?” She asked, already reaching for a pen. Already preparing to add one more thing to her endless list. The truth was, she’d started pitying JT, and that’s when he lost her attention and heart.

“My momma’s birthday is coming up.” JT paused. “I was hoping you could fuck with me on that.”

Before Paige could respond, a light knock sounded on her office door before it opened.

“Paige, can I chat with you in my office for a moment?” her boss Ashton called from the doorway, saving her from whatever guilt trip was loading up.

Paige looked up, relief washing through her and curiosity taking over. Whatever Ashton wanted, it couldn’t be bad. Paige loved her job. Loved numbers. Loved her customers. If there was one thing she knew, it was that she was damn good at what she did.

“I gotta go.” She didn’t bother hiding her eagerness to end the call. “Work needs me.”

“You’re always putting stuff before us.”

“You’re right,” she replied, unapologetic. “I am.”

She hung up without waiting for the goodbye, slid her phone into her desk drawer, and took a deep breath. After that, she was back to work mode. Paige the professional. Not Paige, drowning in everyone else’s needs, wants, and phone calls.

Paige took quick steps to the office across the hall from her.

“Close the door.”

Paige closed the door behind her and took a seat. “Am I getting fired? You’re acting cryptic and mysterious.”

“Girl don’t make me knock you out,” Ashton grinned, her belly round under her fitted dress. “You’re my favorite employee. Best loan officer at Coupeville Federal Credit Union’s got. I could never let you go.”

She let out a quiet laugh, her shoulders finally loosening. “You had me nervous. Spill it.”

“You know I’m about to go on maternity leave in a few weeks,” Ashton said, smoothing a hand over her stomach.

Paige beamed slightly, getting lost in the idea of one day experiencing bringing a child into the world. Her closest friends were all at that stage in life and Paige wasn’t jealous.But she wondered if she’d have enough time to love and let someone’s son have her barefoot and pregnant.

“It’s time to get ready for this baby to come. I need you.”

Ashton finished, causing Paige to come out of her thoughts and back to the conversation.

“Need me to do what? You know I got your back, whatever it is.”

“My keys. My access to the bank. I want you to take over while I’m gone. Trina is going on leave as well.”

Paige blinked. “Ashton, that’s a lot. I mean, I can do it, but are you sure you want me stealing your job from you?”

They sat there for a beat before both of them cracked up. Paige loved her some Ashton. She’d taken over the bank a bit before Paige got hired and they instantly clicked and had built a friendship since.

“I got a feeling once I lay eyes on this baby, I won’t care,” Ashton admitted, still grinning. “But seriously, this is step one. I want you to think about submitting for the loan manager position. You’re good, Paige. Real good. And the people love you. You care about your loan candidates. You care about the bank. And you can teach others how to have a little care and compassion. I want this for you.”

Paige leaned back in her chair, heart thumping in her chest. “Can I think about it?”

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