A Different Kind Of Love [18+]

Chapter Thirty-Two

Things at work between Cassidy and I were bordering on uncomfortable. We more or less avoided each other unless we had to talk about anything that was remotely work-related and those conversations seemed tense. I had liked Cassidy when I had first arrived at the firm. She had even been supportive of my being a single mother. It seemed that me being a single mother was far better than being in an unconventional relationship.

There was a knock at my door and I looked up to Cassidy standing just in the doorway. I groaned internally.

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to see if I could expect to see you at the party tonight."

An email had been sent out to the entire firm about the annual party. The firm hosted these parties a few times a year. They were like bonding exercises and everyone got to let their hair down. Lawyers from other firms often stopped by to have a little fun as well.

"I actually hadn't planned on going."

"Really? This is your first party."

"Is it mandatory?"

"Of course not."

"Then I think I'm going to pass."

"Listen-" Cassidy started and quickly turned to the open door. I jumped to my feet and smoothed my hands down the front of my slacks.

"Cassidy. Jade."

"Mr. Hoying," I greeted. Outside of my interview I hadn't had much interaction with the founder of the firm. Having him step into my office was a little disconcerting.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"Not at all. I was seeing if Jade was going to be at the party tonight," Cassidy said all sugary sweet.

Mr Hoying turned to look at me.

"I was just letting Cassidy know that I didn't think I was going to make it."

Mr. Hoying nodded his head for a moment. "Cassidy, can you give us a moment."

"Of course." Cassidy spared me a final glance and stepped out of the office, pulling the door shut behind her.

"Mr. Hoying-"

"Scott, please." He walked over and undid the button on his jacket before he sat opposite my desk. I took my seat and waited expectantly.

"My wife and I got quite the shock of our lives when our daughter and her longtime boyfriend came home for the holidays a couple of years ago."

"Mr. Hoying?"

"She told us she was bringing a friend and we thought nothing of it. It wasn't until the end of their trip that she told us that her friend was actually her and her boyfriend's girlfriend. You can imagine the surprise. Maggie and Kevin had been together for five years and suddenly here they are telling us that they have a girlfriend. The both of them. I had always vowed to accept my daughter no matter what, but this? This was a lot to take in.

In the end all I want is for her to be happy. I even tried to convince her that life would go more smoothly for her if she kept that extra little detail about her life private. She didn't of course. She even has one of those YouTube channels where the three of them talk about their relationship and she has assured me that it hasn't affected her job in any way."

Mr. Hoying trailed off and I just sat silent. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know why he was telling me any of this. He finally turned to look at me after staring off into space.

"Do you like working here?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Good. That's all I need to know." He stood and buttoned his jacket. "I hope to see you at the party." He moved to the door and stepped out of my office and left me speechless.