Page 1 of Soothe Me, Daddy
Chapter 1
Henley
Henley James had watched him for the past six months: he asked colleagues about their families, he brought items into the office that had been discussed previously, he brought cards and gifts on birthdays, he helped colleagues when they were under the weather. This acquaintance…this stranger freely gave other people what Henley longed for. To be taken care of.
When he first began working in customer services at the uniform manufacturing company, Henley thought it would be a short stop before he decided where to focus his attention. At thirty-three, he should have known what he wanted to be when he grew up, but he didn’t. He struggled to find jobs that held his attention for more than a few years, which meant his resume was not the best example of a reliable employee.
Fortunately for him, EasyFit Uniforms Ltd was an amazing company to work for. Each day was different from the last—regarding the small details of the calls, not the actual day to day process—and he had fun with his colleagues. Anne had trained him for a week, and now, she sat next to him, answering the calls as he did but laughing and joking in between. As soon as he’d finished his training, Anne had included him in their bi-monthly nights out, which always ended up as a display of drunken wandering through the streets before he found his way home.
Best nights ever.
Isaac Chapman never joined them. When Henley had brought up the question of why others didn’t join in, Neil, another customer service assistant, explained that each department had their own little groups that ventured out together. It was only during big company events that the groups mixed. Henley thought it a shame because he wanted to get to know Isaac better.
It was the only reason he could think of as to why he was sat in a comfortable visitor’s chair in the manager’s office answering questions about why he thought he was a good fit for the customer service executive position.
The job title sounded much fancier than the job description did. The job was travelling throughout the country, assisting different stores in their uniform needs. That was the baseline, anyway. There were other responsibilities included, but Henley knew he wouldn’t have a problem doing them.
“Well, Henley. Unless you have any questions for me, I think we’re finished.” Derek Sanders studied him, but Henley shook his head.
“You seem to have answered everything I thought about. Thank you.”
“Very well. I have two more applicants to see before the end of the day, and tomorrow, I will be making my decision. I’ll let you know before you finish work tomorrow for definite.”
Henley nodded his understanding and stood, holding out his hand. “Thank you for the opportunity.”
“You’re welcome, Henley. Now, go grab a coffee before you head back to work.” Mr Sanders smiled, showing the gap in his front teeth.
Grinning in response, Henley pivoted and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him before aiming towards the staff kitchen. Finding the surprisingly large room empty, Henley trailed to the kettle and set it boiling.
Most people would say that applying for a new job for the sole purpose of getting to spend more time with another person was crazy, but Henley honestly believed he would enjoy the role. He had no qualms about spending long hours driving or travelling on various public transport, he could happily talk the ear off anyone who would listen, and he knew about fashion. Regardless of the outcome of his infatuation with Isaac, Henley knew he wouldn’t let the company down.
Lifting his mug for a scalding sip of his tea, he carried it up two flights of stairs to the customer service department, the ringing of phones and mechanical sounds of printers reaching his ears before the doors became visible. He strode to his seat, placing his mug on the unicorn coaster Anne had given him as a “welcome to the team” present, and dropped down into his chair, bending forward to stretch out his back before sitting upright again.
“How did it go?” Anne whispered before returning to her caller. “Yes. Once you’ve filled out the correct sizes, click submit, and the order will be sent through. I will put a hurry on it this end for you. You should have it delivered in three days at most.”
Henley waited until she bid goodbye to the caller before answering, “It seemed to go alright. I’ll find out tomorrow.”
“It’s good that you don’t have to wait too long. When do they want someone to start?”
Henley logged onto the computer. “Two weeks.”
Anne whistled. “That’s not long to find a replacement for you.”
“Aww. You think I have the job. That’s so sweet.” Henley fluttered his eyelashes at her, receiving a backhanded slap to his shoulder. “Hey, no damaging the merchandise. I need to be pretty for tomorrow.”
Anne chuckled. “Why? Do you think your looks are what will get you the job?”
“No, don’t be silly. It’s our night out! I’m so looking forward to letting loose for a few hours.”
“Are you bringing your sisters with you? They were a hoot last time.”
Snickering at the thought of the night to which she was referring, he shook his head. “Not this time. Ariel and Arianne might be double the fun, but they are also double the hassle when they’re hungover. Who knew that twins would have different but equally gross results to excessive alcohol?” He shuddered in mock horror.
“You know you love them,” Bernie teased from across the desk.
“Yes, but even I have my limits. I dropped them off at Dad and Pops the following morning.” He cackled and rubbed his hands with glee. “Served them right for doing the same thing to me with Rebecca when we were younger. I swear I still smell the vomit whenever I hoover my living room carpet.”
“Gross.” Anne grimaced.
