Page 109 of All Tied Down

“I don’t know. She took the last of the rent two months ago and split. The state granted me guardianship, but I have nothing that’ll hold up in court if she comes back. I have Memphis in therapy and talked to all his teachers, but I need to be home when he gets out of school.”

“I wish you came to me sooner,” I tell him as I pick up the desk phone and watch his whole body tense as my father picks up.

“Emerson, is everything all right?”

“How close is that apartment to being ready on the sixth floor?” Des shifts in his seat as I tap my nail against the polished wood.

“Mostly done, I think. Why?”

“Can we get it done within the week? I need it.”

“For?”

“My friend and his nephew.” Belatedly, I add, “They’re family.”

“Sure—I’ll get it scheduled.”

“Put a rush on it, whatever it costs.”

“You got it.”

“Thanks, Daddy.”

Des’s eyes are wide as I drop the receiver back down and lean my elbows on the desk.

“Miss Andrews…Emerson—what…”

“Honestly, Des, your boss sounds terrible.” I grin as his eyebrows start creeping up his forehead. “You are officially on paid leave. We’ll start with a month so you and Memphis can get settled. I will hire you an assistant so you can offload the tasks that are not essential for you to handle. You will work around Memphis’s schedule, and if he doesn’t have any after-school commitments, you can bring him to the office or down to the guys in security.”

“Emerson, I⁠—”

“You’ve more than proven your loyalty, Des. Again, this is purely selfish on my part. And besides, who am I going to get to put up with me the way you do?”

His lips quirk, relief evident in his gaze. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You say thank you for throwing out my resignation and giving me a raise.”

“Emerson.”

“I’m the boss. I make the rules; now go. I’ll text you the code for the apartment so you can bring Memphis by and pick out paint colors.” When he doesn’t move, I make a shooing motion with my hand and feign exasperation. “Go.”

He stands slowly, his body unfurling as he moves toward the door.

“Emerson?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“If it’s not too out of line, I’d say that if you’re willing to move mountains to help an employee—you should be able to do the same to save your marriage with Garrett.” Swallowing, he adds, “You’re happy with him, and honestly, if anyone deserves to be happy, it’s you. Good night, Miss Andrews.”

And just like that, another man got in the final word and shut the door behind him.

43

EMERSON