𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 | 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐢

Ride Along

The morning after the argument I overheard between Cheryl and Veronica.

I tried to keep a low profile as I slinked through the house, hoping to prepare breakfast for the twins and get out before Cheryl spotted me.

I'd been avoiding her since yesterday. They can't fire me if they can't find me, right?

But to my luck, I walked in to find her quietly sipping coffee at the kitchen counter. "Heyy.. I didn't expect you to be up so early."

She gave me an amused smile. "I've been meaning to talk to you. You can be a difficult woman to find when you want to be."

I hummed. "Beautiful morning we're having, isn't it? It's a great day to be gainfully employed."

Cheryl furrowed her brows. "I suppose it is. Are you feeling alright?"

I squinted my eyes at her, testing to see if she'd take the bait. "I'm just so relieved I have a mature boss who doesn't fire people on a whim."

Cheryl reached out to touch my arm. "I'm not going to fire you, Toni."

"But Veroni--"

"Veronica doesn't get a say in this." She said with finality. "Yes, she was upset about what happened at the club but I wouldn't fire someone just to soothe her ego. Especially when everything you said to Hiram was spot on."

I sighed, relieved. "Good, 'cause I wasn't just gonna sit there and let him say the things that he did."

"I wouldn't want you to. Besides, if I fired everyone who voiced their opinion I'd be an army of one. The world needs more outspoken people like you."

Cheryl tilted her head to the side in thought.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about this morning. I thought maybe you could come to the office with me today? Marcus can watch the twins and I know you have ambitions outside of being a nanny. This can be your chance to see a Fortune 500 company up close and personal."

"Blossom Enterprises is a little out of my league, don't you think?"

She dismissed me with a wave of her hand. "Nonsense. I've seen your credentials. I almost handed your resume over to HR instead of hiring you personally."

My eyes widened. "Really?"

"You're a brilliant woman, Toni. Don't sell yourself short."

I smiled. "Thanks, Cheryl. Or should I call you 'Ms. Blossom' again today?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "C'mon, go get ready. Chop chop."

We laughed together as she rushed me out of the room.

. . .

Not long after, I arrived at Blossom Enterprises with Cheryl. Heads turned as I passed by with her.

A gentleman approached us. "Good morning, Ms. Blossom. I made a submission to the patent folder whenever you have a moment to review."

"Excellent. Grant, have you met Antoinette Topaz?" She asked.

He looked me over. "Haven't had the pleasure. Are you new here?"

I shook my head. "Oh no, I--"

"Maybe someday, if we're lucky. She just got her master's in chemistry and shows a lot of promises." Cheryl said with a sincere smile.

"Ms. Blossom, call for you on line one." A receptionist called.

"Be right there." Cheryl nodded at me before leaving Grant and I to talk.