Mrs. Robin's Sons by Kori Roberts (free children's online books .TXT) 📗

She’d worked the speed dial on her phone nonstop, calling both of their cell numbers and their home number, leaving message after message, filling up the voicemails for all three phones before finally giving up and acknowledging that they didn’t want to talk to her.

It hurt Rylee more than she would ever have imagined, knowing that they wouldn’t speak to her, wouldn’t give her a chance to explain. But, in spite of the hurt, she understood how they felt, knew how it must have looked to see her with Ethan of all people — especially after his confrontation with Nick several months ago. Looking back, Rylee knew that she had no one to blame but herself. She’d handled things completely wrong. If she’d only been honest and up front with them about the property and the job from the beginning, so much of the pain and anger she saw in their eyes could have been avoided. Instead, she’d lied and kept secrets, and destroyed any trust they probably had in her.

In so many ways, Rylee felt no better than their mother. She’d treated Nick and Noah like they were her children, instead of her men, lovers, and partners. They had a right to know what was going on, and deserved to have input on a decision that was going to affect all of them.

Now, Nick and Noah both probably hated her, and she waited to be reprimanded — or worse — by her boss for the little floor show she’d been a part of the previous Friday.

“Rylee, Mr. Spencer will see you now.” Rylee was pulled from her musings by the voice of her boss’s assistant, and she forced a smile, in spite of the trepidation that coursed through her.

“Thank, you, Elaine.” She stood up and walked toward the closed door. She knocked briefly before she opened it and went inside.

Jeff Spencer had been the General Manager since Rylee first started working for the hotel ten years ago. He’d always treated her with fairness and respect. Rylee just hoped he’d be as kind today.

“Good morning, Rylee.” Jeff was seated behind a huge mahogany desk, and he smiled warmly at her when she walked in.

“Good morning, Jeff.” Rylee stood in front of his desk. “Before we start, I’d like to say something.”

“Of course” — he removed his glasses and sat back in his chair — “go ahead.” Rylee took a deep breath before she rushed on. “I’m sure that you’re already aware of the incident on Friday, and I wanted to apologize for my role in that situation. I can assure you that it was an isolated event, and I guarantee that it will not happen again.”

Jeff was quiet for a moment. “Are you finished?” he finally asked calmly, and Rylee could see a slight smile on his face.

“Uh, yes, sir. I am.” Her own voice was filled with uncertainty.

“Good.” Jeff nodded. “And, you’re right. I had been informed about the incident on Friday, and I accept your apology. I appreciate your honesty about what happened, and your willingness to take responsibility for your actions. However” — he paused and put his glasses on again — “that is not the reason that I wanted to see you this morning.”

“It’s not?” Rylee was suddenly overcome with a sense of dread.

“No” — he smiled at her — “it’s not.” He gestured toward the chair next to his desk.

“Please, have a seat.”

“If it’s all the same to you, sir, I think I’ll just stand.” Rylee was practically holding her breath as she waited for him to speak.

Jeff looked at her for a moment, a ghost of a smile still on his face. “Very well,” he finally said.

“I made a recommendation — which was readily accepted — that you be promoted to General Manager of the Western Region. As you know, that’s one of our largest regions, and includes six states and more than fifty hotel chains.”

“On second thought, I think I’ll take that seat now.” Rylee practically collapsed into the chair. She sat there with her mouth hanging open, staring at Jeff, but not actually seeing him.

Her mind swirled as his words sank in.

“I-I-” Rylee stuttered. She was completely unable to form a coherent thought. General Manager. God, that was just so incredible, so unbelievable, so…far away.

“Aren’t the Western Region headquarters located in Seattle?” Rylee asked. “Yes, that is the one downside to this whole thing.” Jeff sighed. “Listen, Rylee. I know that Seattle is a long way from Chicago, but I think this is a great opportunity for you. I’ve known you since you started working for this hotel — hell, I hired you.” They both chuckled.

“I’ve watched you grow from a hardworking employee to an even harder-working

manager,” Jeff continued. “And — Friday’s incident aside — you’ve always led the staff of this hotel by your exemplary example. There’s no doubt in my mind that you have earned this promotion.” The smile Jeff gave her was filled with embarrassment. “It probably should have happened years ago. You were just doing such a great job here, and I was too selfish to let you go. But I know that you are more than ready to step into this position.”

Rylee still couldn’t believe it. This moment was the reason she’d worked so hard the last ten years. And now that it had finally arrived, she didn’t know if she was happy or sad.

Six months ago, she would have jumped at the opportunity. But that was before she met Nick and Noah, and she realized that all the professional success in the world didn’t make up for the lack of happiness in her personal life.

This accomplishment should have made her feel wonderful and excited. Instead, she felt hollow inside, because she didn’t have the two men she loved sharing it with her. In spite of what happened between them, she wasn’t ready to give up on them just yet.

“Thank you, Jeff. I really appreciate this opportunity.