Max
I rub my neck. I'm tired, and I feel like all we’re doing is going in circles. We've been sitting in the conference room for two hours going over the applicants when I know Kiara would fit into this role perfectly. Not that I’m biased or anything. Even if you put our friendship aside, I’d be leaning toward her.
I would have been able to talk Rob and Thomas into it quite easily if it weren’t for Kelly, who for whatever reason apparently has some vendetta against Kiara. She'd even brought her parenting skills into question, for God’s sake, citing Tilly’s physical altercation from earlier this month.
“We need to make a decision.” I sigh. “And I think it's down to these two.” I push forward applications from a young lady named Anica, and Kiara.
“I vote for Anica,” Kelly says immediately.
I bet you do. Is she that against Kiara, or is it more her wanting to rebel against me?
“She's obviously more qualified, and I think someone a little older might show some more maturity.”
“She's only two years older than Kiara,” I say with a laugh. “And she has no experience teaching art. The way I see it, it's Kiara, just based on her experience and love of art. I mean, doesn’t it make sense to choose someone who is going to love what they’re teaching? Isn’t that the kind of thing we want to carry through to the kids we teach?”
“I agree, Max.” Rob nods. He looks as tired as I feel, and I’m sure he just wants to get out of here. “So, unless Thomas has an issue with Kiara, I think we can call the job hers?”
Thomas shakes his head, relief filling his eyes. “I'm fine with that.”
“Great,” I say, relieved that we’ve finally sorted this out. “I'll let her know and get her in to fill out the necessary forms. She’s just within the timeframe for not needing to refresh her registration, too, which is good. Thank you, everyone, for your time.” I close my folder and smile.
Kelly glances my way, her eyes shooting daggers at me.
“Is there a problem, Kelly?” I ask, not bothering to keep the annoyance out of my voice.
She shrugs. “Nope. Everything's fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She turns and stalks out of the room, Rob and Thomas close behind her. Walking over to the door, I close it then lean against it. I still feel as if I’m fighting an uphill battle when it comes to Kelly. God knows how long this attitude is going to last, but for the sake of my sanity, I hope she gets over it soon.
Fishing my phone out of my pocket, I dial Kiara, excited to tell her the news about her new job. She answers right away, and I immediately pick up that she sounds distant. No, it’s more than that. She’s upset about something.
“Hey,” she mumbles.
“Hey yourself. Are you okay?” I ask, concerned.
“I'm fine—just tired,” she says, her voice wavering. “Now is not really a good time to talk. Can I call you back later?”
“Sure, but I have some news that might cheer you up,” I say with a grin.
“Oh?” she replies.
“You got the job” I lean back in my chair and wait for her to answer.
“I did? That's great,” she says, but her tone doesn’t reflect her words. She’s deflated and upset—you’d think I’d just told her that
I’d killed her dog.
“No offense, but you don't sound okay. What's going on?” I press. I know that it's none of my business, but I'm concerned and I want to make sure she's all right.
“It's complicated.” She sighs. “I just got some bad news. Well, disturbing news really.”
“Is Aiden okay?” That something must’ve happened to him is my first thought, and for a brief second I entertain the idea of how much easier things would be if he were no longer here. Guilt stabs my chest. How can I even think that?
“It's . . .” Her voice trails off and she sighs. “It’s a long story. Heather, Aiden’s mother, just served me with papers informing me that she is suing for shared custody of Tilly.”
“What?” I laugh. Is that even possible?
“Exactly,” she says, her tone flat. “I’m stressed and worried, and I have no idea where to begin.” Her voice shakes, and I feel so bad for her. I can only imagine how overwhelming this whole thing must be.