Page 38 of Legacy

“Callum,” I drew out. “Do you have something in mind with what you need, or do you want to make an appointment? Are you looking for somebody to do the actual bookkeeping and payroll? Or just your taxes.”

“Everything. Teagan literally fired me.”

I held back the twitch of my lips. Barely. “Well, she handles so many others, and I know she was just doing it because she’s your sister. She manages a business, a very good business in town. I don’t know how she has time to deal with the rest of you.”

“She said pretty much the same thing. Plus, she’s spending a lot of time helping Kellan and Thatcher with childcare.”

I winced as I gestured toward my desk. “Come take a seat. I’ve been working with Teagan on that too. I really hope that they find someone soon. I know that they were deciding to go in together on that.”

“Honestly, with the teens being old enough, it makes sense. They just need someone to help organize their lives in a spreadsheet sense. The guys don’t have easy work hours.”

“Pretty much. They’re meeting a new woman named Tess today. She’s new to town and needs a job.”

“Well, that’s helpful. Though I hope she doesn’t take any nice apartment that I need,” I added, the words slipping out before I meant them to.

“House hunting, little flower?”

“I am. And you shouldn’t call me that when you’re in my place of business. I’m the one that’s about to know all your secrets.”

His face closed, and I could have kicked myself. “You don’t want to know all of my secrets, Felicity.”

“I just meant the work ones. Promise. Anyway, I hope this Tess works out. And she finds a lovely apartment on her own.”

“I’m pretty sure she already has a place to stay. And is looking for employment. I also know that Thatcher and the rest will get a background check, and they’ll be off to the races. I just hope that this person stays long enough.”

“Considering how many people that they’ve gone through because people that they hire are so unreliable? I agree.”

“Anyway, let me know when you find a place. I’ll help you move your shit.”

“I have more than just shit,” I teased. “But thank you. I’m sure if you hadn’t offered, Rune would force you anyway.”

“That is true. And your mom will have a complete spreadsheet of exactly where things should go, and your dad will order us around according to how your mom orders him. I know the rules.”

“My parents are pretty amazing that way.”

“I was so jealous as a kid, but I’m glad that you guys had them.”

It occurred to me once again that Callum was sitting in the office that his mother had worked in. But it had been over two decades since that moment. Would Callum even think about that? Would it matter?

He was right. I didn’t know his secrets, though part of me craved to.

And that part of me needed to shut the hell up.

“Anyway, let’s get started on your paperwork.”

“Yippee.”

“Excuse me, but my mother taught me spreadsheets for a reason.”

His lips quirked. “Whatever you say, little flower.”

And this time, I didn’t correct him. Even though I should have.

* * *

Later that afternoon, I swiped the correct way and was headed to the Flicked Bean, the local coffee shop that made headlines when our town council had approved the name without knowing what it meant.

They made fantastic coffee, and I always held back a giggle whenever I came through the doors.