Page 92 of Mr. Almost

“I agree. She didn’t have to do that. She honestly thought the worst of me, and she still let my daughter believe the best in me. You know she almost didn’t take the job here because of me. She was going to let this opportunity go because she was worried I would find out and do something to her.”

“Christ, that would have been terrible. She has literally helped turn this place around. I know she’s only on the front desk, but the customers have been much happier with the customer service since she’s gotten here. Not only that, but she has implemented some processes to help streamline everything while teaching one of the employees we pulled from the restaurant to fill in everything she knows. They are two of our best employees down there now.”

I smile, pride for my girl flowing through me. “She really is an asset. Mother almost cost us that. Speaking of the employees, how is everything progressing? I came here to help you with it, then got caught up in my own shit that I haven’t even been paying attention.”

“Hey, your shit is pretty important. We have weeded through and gotten rid of most of the problem employees. They were really good at hiding the bad behavior when we were around. Now we are slowly hiring on new people to fill those spots. It’s a work in progress, but it’s going.”

I nod, glad to hear he’s gotten it under control.

“Did you really even need me here?” I joke.

He lets out a heavy sigh. “Not really. I’ll be honest, I was hoping for a break having you here to help out.”

“I’m sorry, man. I can step in more if you need a few days off. Olivia won’t mind,” I tell him honestly.

“Nah, I think I figured my shit out. Don’t worry about me. Having Arianna in the family now has given me a renewed purpose. She’s what we needed to get out of the rut we were both in.”

“You’re telling me. I feel like I’m living for the first time in years. I love being CEO, but that’s just a job. It was my whole life, but now I have something better in my life. Something that gives me a reason to come home every night. It’s intoxicating. I spent so long avoiding commitment that I never imagined settling down. Now that I have, I can’t believe I waited this long,” I admit.

“You’re much happier. I can tell. Don’t let them go.”

“I won’t.”

“Good. Where is Eli, anyway? I haven’t seen him in a few days.”

“We had a crisis at our Sacramento hotel. I was set to go, but he offered. He didn’t want Ari to be sad. She’s got all of you under her spell.” I chuckle.

“Like she doesn’t have you under that same spell, Dad?” He quirks his eyebrow at me.

“Fair point. She has me wrapped around her tiny little finger. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though.”

“Happiness looks good on you, man. I’m glad you found them.”

“Me too. You’ll find your own happy ending one day.”

“I hope so.” He sighs, standing. “Guess I better get back to it. Do you want in on some of the changes Iris and I are considering making?”

I consider it a moment. “If it involves Olivia, I think it’s best I stay back. She won’t accept anything if she thinks I had influence on it. She’s independent like that. She won’t take any handouts.”

“I wish she saw herself the way we see her. She has been a godsend to us. I’ll leave you out of it, though. I’ll make sure she knows that her relation to you has no bearing on her position here.”

“Thanks, brother.”

“Of course. Tell that niece of mine I love her. I’d love to take her on an uncle date soon. Let me know when she is free.”

“Will do.”

As he leaves, I smile to myself. Olivia was worried about how everyone would react to her and Arianna, but she had no reason to be concerned. Like I knew it, my brother and friends have accepted herwith open arms. They fight over who gets to spend time with her. It’s quite comical.

I only wish my mother would have been the same way so that Ari would have one grandparent. It breaks my heart that she will never know the kind of love that comes from a grandparent.

It doesn’t matter, though. Olivia and I will love her enough that she won’t miss it.

I will give my little girl the world, come hell or high water.

Chapter

Eighteen

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