Filed to story: Submitting to My Bestie’s Daddy Read Online >>???
I leaned forward, listening to what she had to say. That was intriguing. “That way,” Sophia continued, “they get the money for their work, and the money from the company goes into their economy. Not only do I get a high-quality product, but they get paid for their work.”
Her expression twisted into one of disgust. “Other companies look for cheap labor, but I pay my sources the price the high-quality leather is worth. Some of the money goes to a reputable charity, as well. I’m not really looking to get richer. Why? No point in having so much excess money.”
That was true. I had so much of it now that I could live comfortably and still contribute to helping people in need. This charity research was very important to me for that reason. “That makes sense,” I said softly. “How can you tell you’re working with reliable sources?”
“I do a lot of research, just like you, but also phone the locals and discuss things. I’ll visit where I get my leather too, the families who make it, and make sure they are being treated fairly. My money goes to charities that are local and not disruptive to cultures.”
“That all makes sense,” I said. I let out a sigh, then ran a hand through my hair. “Maybe going to Guatemala directly and settling there would be counterproductive? Perhaps I should start a charity that would work with the locals. Do you think me being there would be disruptive?”
“That would be up to you!” Sophia said with a gentle smile. “I would take a visit there first, get a feel, and talk to people. You have a good heart, Becca.”
Touched, I smiled at Sophia with gratitude. I still didn’t know the path I wanted to take, but things were looking up for me on that end. Plus, James may be coming around. Granted, this Allison issue could throw yet another wrench in all of our plans.
A few minutes later, the woman Sophia suggested arrived. Her hair was tied up in a bun, and she had a warm look to her. There was a softness to her that emanated off of her in waves, causing me to be intrigued. My first instinct was to give her a smile.
The one she gave back was incredibly friendly. “Sophia!” she said as she got to our table. Sophia stood up and gave her a hug in greeting before sitting down.
“Madeline! Sit, sit! I’m so glad you’re able to meet Becca now,” Sophia said, her tone a gushing one. I couldn’t help but smile at this exchange. Madeline had long red hair that looked long enough to fall down her back if it weren’t in a bun. She had some decent toning, indicating she worked out when she had time to herself.
Her eyes were a light green, and her bright smile never faded as she spoke. Her eyes fell upon me, and she dipped her head with respect. “Hello there! You must be Becca!” she said cheerfully. I nodded, holding out a hand, which she shook with a firm grip.
“I am,” I said with a smile. “You were interested in being a nanny?”
“Yes, of course, darling!” Madeline said with a lot of excitement in her tone. Sophia’s smile widened, and I couldn’t help but notice how positive she sounded about this. She came across as a wonderful woman already!
“That’s excellent. Now, Sophia said you were wonderful with kids, and yours have grown up. Alessandro can pull hair sometimes and needs some patience. He’s sweet, though, and enjoys poking noses. Dahlia loves it when people play with her toy cars so she can join in,” I said.
There was so much more to both children, but I’d wait to inform her of everything. She’d need to meet them first, after all. After I talked about the specifics of what the job would entail, as far as the schedule and pay range, I went into explaining their eating habits, when they went to sleep, and other little intricacies she’d need to know.
The entire time, she leaned forward, listening intently and nodding. If she had a notebook, she’d probably be taking notes! I was impressed. She asked a lot of important questions, as well, such as allergies, appointments, and the like.
“I could take them to the park at some point if you wanted,” Madeline suggested, giving a smile. “Kids play so many imaginative games on the playscapes, after all! And they make for good exercise.”
“That sounds great,” I said, giving a soft smile. “We’d need you to inform security and have them come along if you were to do that. High money family means high risk,” I said. She didn’t seem deterred by that and just nodded.
“I bet. Money doesn’t solve all problems!” Madeline said. “That won’t bother me, though. I will only do it when we all are comfortable, anyway.”
“I’ll need to run a background check on you. Is that alright? If so, can I have your information?” I asked. She nodded and provided all the details, which I forwarded to James. This was around the time the kids would be given a nap, so he’d have ample time to run checks.
The conversation continued for a half hour before James got back to me. I read his text, then said, “Your background is very clean. I think, after talking to you today, I feel good. I need to think it over some more, though.” I smiled at Madeline, who returned mine with a bright one.
“Great! Thank you Becca for considering me, and thank you Sophia for recommending me,” she said politely, leaning back in her chair and seeming satisfied. With that, I was homeward bound, my heart actually warm.
I had just met Madeline, so I’d need to talk to her a few times and watch her interact with the kids before making my decision. However, my instincts told me she was a very good fit. Her general demeanor was incredibly positive.
Not only that, but James knew how to find hidden information that regular people would otherwise miss. Given she had none of that in her track record, I felt very confident.
The drive home was quiet and pleasant, but that energy changed when I got inside, with security by my side. Sophia arrived shortly after me, returning to go occupy the kids so I could talk things over with James. There was tension in the air, and I had no idea why.
I swallowed, entering another room to see James at the table, typing away at his laptop and frowning considerably. Three members of the security team were there with him, muttering back and forth.
“What’s going on?” I asked nervously, taking a seat across from James. He met my gaze and let out a sigh, shaking his head. Running his fingers through his hair, he paused, probably trying to think of how to explain to me just that.
“The security cameras showed someone trying to get over the gate last night.”
My heart began to pound, and I widened my eyes. His expression turned grim, and he added, “It’s hard to see who it was. The footage is unclear.”
My breath caught, and I hugged myself, closing my eyes. There could be any number of things going on now. Could it be Allison or a new problem? I didn’t know.
James said softly, “We’re beefing up security. I have several people on call now. We’ll be safe, Becca. Don’t worry.”
With everything that happened on a regular basis, I wasn’t so sure.
Allegra.
Downing one shot of vodka, then another, I decided to drink my way through this damn phone call. Apparently, I had decided to discuss things with Layla. When had I decided that? I wasn’t sure, I was about four shots deep right now.
Spinning the phone in my hand, I let out a sigh, grumbling in annoyance. Music pounded in my ears, which I bobbed my head to. I twirled my hands, rotating my wrists as I leaned back on my couch and let out a laugh. F*ck.
What situation was I in right now? Love-struck and making bad decisions? That was right. I had the damn mob off me now, so that was a relief. Neal came through, just as I thought he would. Now he couldn’t know about what I was contemplating.
If anyone huffed and puffed at me for thinking of calling Layla back, I’d lose my mind. Though, most phone calls that came through right now were from my boss or coworkers, congratulating me once again on my stunning performance.
Whatever. I grabbed my phone and dialed Layla, throwing caution to the wind. Ring…. Ring… “Hello?” Layla said on the other end of the line, her breath catching. God, the sound of her voice sent shivers down my spine. I ran my tongue over my lips.
I was about to make a bad decision now wasn’t I?
“Hey. You wanted to talk?” I said, my voice slurring a bit. There was a pause on the other line, then a gasp.
“Yes. You’re calling me back, Allegra? I really am sorry. I meant it when I said ‘take me back.’ I really need you,” Layla whined a bit pathetically. Problem was, I believed her. I let out a sigh and took another shot before slamming the glass onto my table.
“I get it,” I said, my voice a bit warmer than I probably wanted it to be. “Let’s meet and discuss the situation. Alright? Mob’s taken care of. Your friends are all dead. Hope that’s not going to be a problem, Layla.”
“No, not at all,” she squeaked, sounding terrified for a second before taking a deep breath. “It was meant to happen, after their lies and what they did to you. I didn’t know–I just–… no. Not a problem,” she repeated.
“Good,” I said, my tone a bit husky. “Tomorrow, then. Come back to my house. We’ll see if we can work things back. No guarantees, Layla. Understand? I said. “That doesn’t mean you’re going to end up in my arms.”
“Thank you for hearing me out, Allegra,” Layla said, probably close to tears. “I saw your show on TV. You were beautiful and took my breath away. Everything about you was goddess-like,” she said, adoration dripping in her words.
My heart may have fluttered just a little at her words, and I narrowed my eyes. Licking my lips again, I said, “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Another shot. Then another. I lost count, and everything was swirling around me. I was on top of the world.
Eventually, I needed to pour myself several glasses of water and head to bed so that I wouldn’t be hung over tomorrow. Rather, just tired. I didn’t want to make a bad decision and text Layla how much I wanted her right now.
We’d work that out tomorrow. IF, in fact, I deemed it was worth taking her back. My stomach clenched as I realized I was already making my decision. Nope, needed to wait until I was sober again.
I slept well that night. I definitely wasn’t hugging the pillow and imagining that it was Layla; that would be silly. If I was, no one would ever know. Eventually, sunlight broke through my curtains, causing me to groan softly.
This was it. I rolled out of bed, mercifully spared a hangover despite the shots I had taken last night. That meant I could take more shots tonight if everything went wrong. Or, if everything went right. Either way was tantalizing.
I went to the shower and quickly got myself prettied up. I texted Layla a good time frame to come meet me here. Lunchtime. I may as well prepare something. After a few hours of mucking about, I did just that.
A simple meal of fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli would be fitting. Comfort food, really, which I imagined was what both of us needed. At the knock on my door, I sighed and hung my head a moment.
I’d need to face this head-on and not run from it. I really wanted Layla back, but I couldn’t cave so easily. Not after she worked with those bastards. Still, she was here for a chance, and I needed to also consider that my feelings may be valid, too.
