Chapter 12

“Bless you, Charles, and Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year to you, too, Jenna.”

When Mack walked in for his shift a little bit later, my first words to him were, “How would you like to work days with me starting January 2nd?”

He froze where he stood, a plate of chicken, rice, and greens covered in plastic wobbling in his hand before he set it on my corner desk. Mack was flustered. “You…what?”

“Sit down before you fall over.” After he practically dropped into a chair, I said, “Jenna’s pregnant, so she’s quitting as of the first of the year, but I let her go as of now. I’m going to need help. I know you only arrived here some weeks ago, but the job’s yours for as long as you want it.”

“But why, Charlie? I don’t deserve this. I walked away from you, and yet…”

“I told you, it doesn’t matter anymore. We’re starting over, you and I, and I’m offering you a fresh start.”

“I can’t promise…”

“I know.”

“Thank you. I’ll take the job.”