One Paycheck

Chap 2 "Hideout"

Esme's POV

I was sitting at a table at Fifty One, looking over my notes, when Gabby brought me a cup of coffee. "Thanks," I sighed.

"So, why aren't you at that fancy new office we built you?" Gabby asked.

"My dad's looking for me," I replied. "And I's rather not make a decision on my new hire with the rest of the team looking over my shoulder." I looked through my last file. "It's over ever me and two other girls. I'm trying to bring someone else on so that my manager doesn't have to open the building on weekends."

"I thought you ran it yourself."

"It's open to the public, and we change admission," I replied. "Also, some creators spend the night there. That's why I have that down room in the back." I sighed. "Most importantly, I can't just hire someone. I have to make sure it's not a crazed fan who will take unauthorized photos of celebrities."

"You really want me to believe celebrities live there?" Gabby asked. "Or stay the night?" I handed her my phone. "Oh my God. You met Beyonce?"

"Who met Beyonce?" Joe asked.

"I did. That's why I just can't hire anyone," I replied. I saw my dad walk in. I stood up. "Dad."

"Are you really spending all your time in the firehouse?" Dad asked. "What about the place you got up and running again?"

"You're always there looking over my shoulder," I replied. "I know I've only had the place for four years, but I know how to run my own business."

"How'd you get the place done so quickly?" Dad asked.

"Everyone here at Fifty One helped out," I looked at him. He was getting angry. "You can be mad all you want, but it's hard to find a decent contractor in Chicago."

"I was the one who agreed to help her fix the building," Matt replied. "I'm the one you should be mad at."

"No," I nodded. I got in front of Matt and looked at my dad. "If you do anything to this house, we're going to have some serious issues."

"How dare you talk to me like that," Dad looked at me. "You will stand down, Esme."

"The hell I will," I nodded. "I've been to enough houses to know that you'll fire anyone who looks at me." I looked at everyone around us. "Not anymore." I grabbed my items. "If he tries to fire any of you, give me a call. I'll have my best lawyers on it."

"What do you know about lawyers?" Dad asked.

"I know enough to be confident that they'll win any case in court," I stated. "If you'll excuse me, I have a business to run." I left the firehouse and went to my building. "Hey, Bree. Anything for me?"

"No, but a cute guy came by asking for you," Bree smiled as she handed me a card. "Asked for you to give him a call when you get a chance."

"Detective Jay Halstead," I looked at the card. "Did he say what it was about?"

"No," Bree replied.

"Okay, thanks," I sighed. I went to my office and sat down. I turned his card over and his personal cell was on the back. "Maybe." I called his number. "What am I —"

"Halstead," he picked up.

"Yes, this is Esme Tiberg," I responded. "You left your card with one of my employees."

"Yes, uhm, I can't talk right now, but will you be available to talk tonight?" Jay asked.

"Yeah, just text me," I smiled. "You have my cell now." I hung up. "I wonder what that was about." Jay and I became really great friends after our conversation that night. Six months has passed and I've been dating Kelly the past two months. I had locked the buildings front door as Kelly pulled up. He got out and open the door for me. "Hey."

"Let's go," Kelly smiled. I got in. He started driving. "I have an odd request."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Can we spend the night at your place?" Kelly asked.

"What's wrong with your apartment?" I asked.

"Kidd's crashing there," Kelly stated. "It'll be weird since no one really knows we're dating."

"I'm fine with telling everyone if you are," I looked at him.

"Does your dad know?"

"No," I replied. We got to my house and walked inside. I put my keys on the hook and went to the kitchen. "My dad doesn't need to know. Besides, he doesn't control who I date or don't date."

"But he can end my," Kelly replied.

"He doesn't have the right to," I smiled. "They're going to believe the girl who donates rather than the chief. If not, then I stop donating." I got out a bottle of water from the fridge. "Are you hungry?"

"No we had dinner at the firehouse."

"Okay, well, I'm needing to do a livestream, so,  I'm headed to the garage."

"Want some company?"

"Sure."

"What do you do for livestreams?

"Any upcoming business," I smiled. We went to my garage. "This is where I spend most of my time when I'm home."

"I need to get you out more," Kelly stated.

"No," I nodded. I set up my phone and turned on my ring light. I started a livestream on tiktok. "Alright, guys. I've only been streaming for a couple month on here, but I love it! I've gained some new followers and I see some familiar faces." I smiled as I looked at the comments. "Oh, my bed isn't moving by itself. Kelly is laying on it."

"Hi," Kelly sat up.

"Why don't you go take a shower?" I asked. "I have a bathroom through that door over there."

"Yes, ma'am," Kelly got off the bed.

"And don't call me ma'am," I stated. Kelly went into the bathroom. "Okay, so Influencer's Corner is hosting an audition for Disney's upcoming film." I held up the flyer. "All ages welcomed and those who make it to the second round will be featured in Taylor Swift's newest music video. Details will be announced later." Kelly walked out in just a towel, and I just smiled. "Unfortunately, since I was notified last minute, you guys are also getting this last minute. The audition is in two days."

"That's our anniversary date," Kelly stated. "I had our whole weekend planned."

"And surprised to everyone. Your favorite influencer is taken by no other than Kelly Severide," I smiled. I looked at the comments. "Yes, he's been in a couple of my videos. If it has to do with the firehouse, he's most likely in." Kelly put on a shirt and sat next to me. "Make sure you sign up for the audition. The link is in my bio. If you're under the age of eighteen, make sure you have your parents permission before signing up." I looked at the flyer. "I'll see you guys soon. I love you!" I ended the lifestream. "I'm sorry, Kelly."

"No, it's okay," Kelly replied. "It's your job."

"Yeah, but it's not fair to you. You make all these plans and my job had to come in and ruin it."

"Esme," Kelly stated.

"They did pay me a lot to use the space," I sighed. "We'll reschedule our date."