Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Seven

ARIS' POV

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I've had a smile on my face all morning. I hate to admit it but last night went well. Elodie didn't want me to leave and even though Nick is a hard man to read, I saw his lip curling in approval a time or two. It wasn't quite a smile but I'll accept it.

Elodie is sassy... sure. But isn't every little five year old girl? No doubt she gives her father a hard time but that's what children do. I enjoyed my evening with her and playing with her dolls and listening to stories about her friends at school that barely made any sense because she talks a thousand beats a second.

This morning I practically exploded at Luca to tell him how well it went and I enjoyed seeing his smile grow and grow. "See..." he trails off and points a finger at me. "I told you. All you had to do was be yourself and it definitely paid off!"

My hands raise in defence. "Pump the breaks. He didn't offer me the job, he said he'd be in touch."

"Well he could have easily said no at the time but he didn't." Luca's bright blue eyes widen with excitement and I'm glad to have someone supporting me. I've been doing this shit alone for far too long that sharing it with someone else is making me feel overwhelmed with emotion. "This sounds so promising. The fact you got along with her so well is a bonus. I think she's great, definitely keep you entertained because that girl can talk for England."

A laugh rumbles from my chest. "I don't want to get my hopes up but I'm keeping optimistic. It went so much better than the interview. I was so embarrassed to see him again."

Luca rolls his eyes. "Oh please. Nick has so much going on in his life he probably forgot about the interview and whatever you thought was embarrassing. He's probably so relieved that he's found someone who can bond with Elodie so quickly."

"I hope so," I release a sigh and get to cleaning behind the counter.

Around one o'clock my phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out after serving the last customer. My eyes glance over the screen as my lips fall open. I spot Nick's name and then race to open the message.

Nick: When can you start?

"Oh my God," I breathe out loud, a hand covering my mouth.

Luca steps to my side. "What?"

He glances over my shoulder to find the message from Nick, then he pinches my shoulders and exhales a loud squeal. "I told you!" He yells which draws attention from the customers of Chessman's but Luca isn't phased.

I try to bite back my smile but it's impossible, I can't believe this paid off. I was convinced Nick never wanted to see me again after that car crash of an interview and now he's asking when I can start. Holy shit, someone pinch me.

A sharp pain shoots through my arm when I find Luca pinching my skin tightly. "Ow."

"You said pinch me."

Did I?

"Reply!"

I nod and run my thumbs across the screen, making sure everything makes sense and spelt correctly. He might have accepted me for the job but I don't doubt he'll find reasons to fire my ass before I get a chance to show my true skills.

Aris: As soon as possible.

Nick: How about tomorrow, you can come over at 2PM? We'll go to pick Elodie up from school together and then I can inform her teachers that they should expect you in the future.

My cheeks hurt so much from beaming like a lottery ticket winner.

Aris: Sure, see you then.

I lock my phone and slide it into my back pocket. Luca leans onto the counter looking smug. "I never doubted you for a second."