Page 118 of Mr. Almost

My mind is still on Olivia, though. She said a positive memory might change her view of the offices. She didn’t say it, but that conference room is the true problem. I wish I could have it ripped out, but even I know that’s not logical.

Maybe we could throw a party?

I don’t think that would help, though. She would be so self-conscious about her panicking that she wouldn’t enjoy herself.

No, I need something better.

As an idea forms in my mind, I wonder how mad she will be at me for it. It’s actually perfect. It’s a positive memory. One that will hopefully overshadow everything else.

“What has you smiling?” she asks as she brings the food that was delivered into the kitchen.

“Just thinking about how much I love you. Did you set up the movie?”

“Yep. Dinner on the couch tonight?” she asks.

“I think so. Does Ari have her table set up?”

“She does. That was smart to give her a way to eat out there when we have lazy nights like this or snack time.”

“Helps keep the place clean. Especially since you fired the maid.”

She rolls her eyes. She fired my maid when she moved in, saying that we could handle cleaning on our own. Little does she know, I still pay the maid for her services. At least until she finds another job. I know Olivia didn’t think about her needing the work when she made the decision. She only saw dollar signs coming out of my pocket.

“Make your plate, Mason,” she grumbles.

As we get everything together, I look over at her. I would do anything for her. Anything at all.

“You’re staring,” she mumbles, getting Ari’s plate ready.

“You’re beautiful.”

“Enough with the charm. Ari has that sad movie about the dog and the fox on.”

I wince. “Again?”

“It’s her favorite right now.”

I watch as she carries her and Ari’s plates into the living room. I grab my own and follow.

As Ari settles at her little play table to eat, I sit next to Olivia and start the movie.

I look around at my two girls, and I know I’m blessed.

I will do anything to keep this.

Chapter

Twenty-Four

OLIVIA

Work has gotten much better nowthat Kendra is gone. Word got around about how she acted. I knew I had to act quickly, so I set up a meeting with each shift the following day. I explained to them that while I have an open-door policy and will accommodate them when I can, I’m not a doormat. I also reiterated that certain behaviors would not be tolerated and that I might seem sweet, but I will fire them if needed.

Everyone took it well. Many of them came up to me afterward and told me that what Kendra did was wrong and I was right for firing her. It seems no one had lost any love for the girl.

Thank goodness.

It’s been a week since then, but everything has been running smoothly.

---