“Boss!”
“Boss!”
“Boss!”
Lord have mercy, Early was going to change his name.
He went to grab another cup of coffee, frowning when he found the pot empty. “Oh, dammit.”
“Already on it.” Connor crossed the kitchen with the coffee in his hand. “We were out, I had to get some from the big pantry.” A week until school started, and Connor was looking like he’d spent the whole summer on the ranch. He was in boots and jeans and had a decent sunburn that was turning to tan. “Your phone’s been ringing all morning, huh?”
“Since five friggin’ thirty. How are the hooligans?” They were probably in the pool again or still. Whichever.
“I pulled them out of the pool a half an hour ago, and I’m making them read. Good call finding that summer reading list for the new school. They have to sit still for an hour or so. How many for lunch do you think?”
“I’d say none, but the way my phone’s been going? At least a couple extra. Demming’s worried I won’t find a replacement—” But it was hard, knowing this would be someone who was going to be running things, be around his children.
“So…be honest with me. How much work is Demming actually doing now that you’re here?”
“Not much anymore. I’ve been trying to make sure we can handle it if I can’t find someone.”
Connor nodded. “I figured. So we can manage until you find the right person. I’m not freelancing much yet, so you can put me to work if you need to once the kids are in school. I’m game.” The coffee maker seemed to be taking forever.
“I—” He shook his head and stepped closer, like they weren’t alone. “I’ve never hired folks before, and Demming’s been here forever, you know?”
“You’re not throwing him out, honey. He wants to retire. He’s ready. Have you asked him to help interview? Have you taken ads out anywhere? You want me to ask around someplace?”
“I have ads out in some of the trade magazines, and he sits in if someone gets through the first interview.” There’d been two of them—one decided he didn’t like the money, and the second interviewee had been great, but she’d never called back.
“I’m sorry this is frustrating.” Connor kissed his cheek just as the coffee began to gurgle. “Oh. Coffee. Yay.”
“Me too. I have another interview today. Want to sit in?” He’d feel better if Connor did, he thought.
“Yeah, sure. I can do that. When is it?” Connor took his mug and filled it up. “I just need to make sure the boys are occupied.”
“Right after lunch. We can make them sit and search the puppies in the shelters.” That would occupy them for an hour. At least.
They’d print out a ream of puppy pictures, but it would keep them busy.
“I like how you think.” Connor touched their mugs together, toasting.
“I wish that one applicant would have taken me up on the job. She and her wife were good people.”
“Do you know why she didn’t?”
“No. She just sort of…stopped returning my calls.” It had been weird as hell, really.
“You want me to reach out? I could follow up, see if I can figure out what’s up.” Connor sipped his coffee and leaned on the counter. “Turn on my lawyer charm.”
“Honestly? I would love that. She was a great fit, married to a kindergarten teacher. They liked the house. You know, that whole thing.”
“Weird. Maybe she got a better offer. Anyway, text me her number, I’ll give her a call and she if she’ll have coffee with me.” Connor chuckled. “Send me your max salary figure too.”
“I just took ten thousand off what Demming is making. That seemed fair.”
“So, if it’s about the money I can offer her ten more?” Connor grinned at him.
“Do you think that’s the right thing to do?” He wasn’t sure how that worked, honestly. They’d have to be worth what Demming was…