Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 98992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 495(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 495(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
“Shelly is at home with Shelby who caught a cold.”
“Aw, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s nothing major,” he swiftly insists like it could get his child banned. “Just a few sniffles. Nothing highly contagious or unusual or unheard of.”
“Children get sick all the time, Mr. Collins. It’s a natural activity that helps strengthen the immune system.” The polite explanation is followed by a sincere smile. “I hope your daughter feels better soon.”
“Thank you.” He nods prior to giving his wristwatch a quick glance. “I do not mean to sound rude or impersonal, Miss Morrison, but is this going to take long? I have a lunch meeting with a client and his wife that I’m supposed to be attending in about forty-five minutes.” Without waiting for me to reply, he informs, “If it is going to take longer than half an hour then do you mind if I step out for just a second to reschedule that? See, I wasn’t supposed to be here for this interview. Shelly was.”
Which is why the thought that Noah Collins, Ry’s big brother, could walk into my office never crossed my mind.
I recall all initial interest paperwork having Shelly’s name.
And Collins isn’t exactly a super unique last name.
It’s fairly common, so there was no indication that she was related – or fucking married to – a Collins I had a history with.
“I came in her place because when I suggested we just reschedule she threw one of Shelby’s stuffed unicorns at me.”
My lips press together to stop a snicker.
“Having our daughter enrolled here means everything to my wife and my wife and daughter both mean everything to me, so here I am, Miss Morrison. Ready and willing to do whatever this interview entails. I just need to know if I should reschedule my meeting or if this is more like a meet and greet and be out of here in ten minutes thing.”
It’s impossible not to be touched over his devotion to his family.
That shit is exactly what I want from parents.
What I want in a husband.
What I’ll probably never have at this rate.
I swallow the building lump in my throat and push on another professional smile at the same time I inform, “Not quite ten minutes; however, I will do my best to allow you to get to your meeting. I admire your dedication to both work and family.”
“I appreciate the admiration.” He undoes the button to his jacket. “Between you and I? Most of the time, I feel like I’m just letting one or the other down. I’m working on it, but…the weight of regret seems to be growing every day regardless of what I do.”
As inappropriate as it would be, I am so tempted to give him an “Amen”.
“So,” he clears his throat, hands folding together in his lap, “what is it you need from me, Miss Morrison?”
I proceed with my well-rehearsed speech about my principals, the foundations on which my program runs, and my own hopes for the children as well as the parents prior to asking him what they as parents are looking for in an educational institution. Next, I outline the developmental achievements of our school, making sure to hit the important points that put us above the rest, and allow for him to inquire more information regarding accreditations and licenses. Lastly, I open the floor to general questioning, which is when he asks about staffing – turnover policies, incentives to stay long term, sick time, and substitutes.
Thankfully, the discussion wraps up at almost exactly thirty minutes.
He stands with a pleased smile while I match his stance pretending like I have no desire to throw up everything that I’ve eaten for the last six days. Noah extends his hand my direction on a warm, “Thank you so much for your consideration, Miss Morrison.”
“Thank you for keeping your commitment to your daughter’s education, Mr. Collins.” Once our hands part, I gesture towards the closed door. “On your way out please inform Clemmy to go ahead and schedule your daughter’s classroom tour for next week. If she is well – and has been fever free for forty-eight hours prior to the date – she may show up. If not, then you or your wife can just call us and reschedule. It’s not a problem. We really do our best to be as flexible as we possibly can. It’s a key principle here. Children need it as much as their parents do.”
“And that is highly appreciated.” Noah delivers me a parting smile yet hesitates to actually move away. “You know what’s odd?”
Aside from the fact you’re my ex-boyfriend’s brother that I might have to see every day or weekly or monthly if I actually decide to enroll your daughter?
“What’s that, Mr. Collins?”
“I just visited Ryder not too long ago.”
Just hearing his name spoken chokes the air out of my lungs. “Oh?”