The client Jared asked me to follow up with decided not to sign. I received an email reminding me that the money for the online sports certification is due today, and I don’t have it. The daycare called me out of a meeting because Sarai bit some kid. I had to review a fifty-page contract Jared needed “like yesterday” . . . in five minutes.
It’s a day from hell, and it’s not even noon yet.
My email alert dings, distracting me from the branding strategy Jared asked me to tweak for a soccer player who recently signed. I open the email from human resources, and my blood pressure soars. I’m up and charging down the hall, knocking on Jared’s office door before I give myself time to cool off.
“Iris, hey,” he says, glancing up from his laptop. “Come on in.”
“Can I ask you . . .” My words falter. “Did August . . .” Shit. I know he did this, but it sounds ridiculous saying it aloud, and if I’m wrong, it will make things awkward between my boss and me.
“The email from human resources,” I start again. “It said all entry-level employees are receiving a raise, effective immediately. That our next check will reflect the increase.”
“Yes.” Jared sits back from his desk and links his hands on top of his head. “What about it?”
“Did August do that?” I rush the question before I change my mind. “For me, I mean?”
“I’m not in the habit of discussing high-level financial and human resources decisions with our entry-level employees.”
“Of course.” Embarrassment heats my cheeks and twists my insides. “I’m sorry I bothered you.”
I back out of the door, but his voice stops me.
“Iris,” he says. “Wait a second.”
I force myself to meet his eyes.
“I’ve never seen my brother like this about anyone.” He rests his elbows on the desk. “Not just since you’ve come here, but even before, when you were still with Caleb.”
“Oh, well, I—”
“Don’t hurt him.”
I search the stern expression on his face. “Me?” I touch my chest. “Hurt him?”
“When he asked me about increasing the entry-level pay at five o’clock this morning,” he says, pausing to give me a pointed look, “thanks to you both for that, by the way. Because who needs more than five hours of sleep?”
“I’m so sorry.”
“When he called,” Jared continues, blasting past my apology, “he seemed to think it was going to piss you off but said it was the only way to help you, and he won’t stand by watching you struggle.”
Tears spring to my eyes. How much did that cost him? Or this company? I said I didn’t want anything all the other entry-level employees didn’t have, and he gave them all raises so I’d feel better about accepting his help? Would a man who secretly meant me harm do that?
No. And it’s no secret August loves me.
There are many things that may always have to remain a secret between us, but how I feel about him shouldn’t be one of them.
