Don't Let Me Go (Book 1)

Chapter 7

"I am very sorry Mr James. Something came up and I lost track of time?'' I apologized sincerely to my boss. Standing in front of his table in the office. There were worries written in his eyes. He sized me up

"Are you sure you are alright? You are not the type to lose track of time"

"I am" smiling "I am very fine" I assured him. In fact, it was worth my time in the end. "What about the other guy, was he upset?"

"haaa. Forget about him... Oh," He pauses. I watched him take out an envelope from his inner pocket and he handed it over to me "Yeah, your week pay"

"Oh my..." I quickly collected it "Thank you sir" This will be my last salary from him. I held the envelope tight and then put it in my bag pack "Mr James?"

"Yes?" he responded

"I won't be coming back after today" he quickly leaned forward in his chair

"what do you mean you won't be coming back?" shocked "You are quitting? Why? Is the work too difficult? Where do you expect me to get another part-timer with your short notice?" throwing several questions at me

"the thing is..... I am back to school"

"Oh yes... Lara told me... How is it? It was your first day right?"

"Good... I like the new school" He nods at my response

"but you do not have to quit. You can take the night shifts..."

"Lara got the night shift" I reminded

"I will sort it out with Lara... you are the one I want. You keep things organised in here and I get more customers during your shift"

"Please don't do that, Mr James... Lara needs this job as much as I do." I lower my head, eyes to the ground. I hated the idea of quitting this job. It's difficult to find a good and honest boss like him. I wonder if I will be this lucky to get a boss like him again.

"I do not want you to go Maria." He admitted sadly

"I do not want to go either but I find myself with little to no options right now"

"What about this... You come only the end. And I will still pay the same" his words surprised me.

"What?" not sure that I heard him well. He would pay the same for working only two days, weekends only?

"Yeah. But you have to work throughout the day... can you work with that?" I was just about to say yes when it hit me that I got school on Saturday so it wouldn't be possible

"It is a wonderful offer Mr James, but one that I most turn down"

"Why?" disappointment in his gaze

"I got schools on Saturdays as well. My only free day is on a Sunday. That will be cheating on the other employees Sir...I am sorry but you should get a much reliable person"

"hh" He sighs. Resting back with his eyes closed. He thought for a while fine leaning forward once again "I totally understand you... wish you good luck, Maria"

"Thank you, sir" About to turn around and leave

"Maria?" I stopped at my track

"Sir?" turn to face him again

"the door is always open.... don't hesitate to come back if you change your mind"

"Thank you for your care and concern sir" With a smile I walked out of the office, heading straight for my work.