Back to Me

The Problem Solver

After getting it safely inside the elevator, I pushed the button for the lobby, leaned back against the wall, crossed my arms, and closed my eyes. I must have fallen asleep because I woke up being gently shaken on the shoulder by a distraught Bao. Who's face flashed from worry to relief and then straight to anger.

Before I could not get a word in, she pulled me out of the elevator, lecturing me in Vietnamese. "Grandma told me to come to check on you before I started my deliveries. You had not been by to see us in weeks. She called Uncle last night, and he told her what had happened. Why didn't you call me? "

I felt my heart sink a little. Why didn't I call her? Bao has been my friend since we were in diapers. Our family has never been and will never have a typical construct. Nonna built her own family after a time of self-discovery, as she calls it. I'm still determining what that means.

I was brought back from my thoughts by a quick thump to the head from Bao. She was fuming, and the fact that I spaced out while she was giving me a lecture made that worse. I opened my mouth to respond to her when I noticed Jerry was still at the little security desk I put in the lobby when I bought the building. I jogged over to a very tired-looking Jerry, who was drinking his 4th cup of coffee. There were three empty disposable cups on his desk. The tiny T.V. was gone. He was sitting back in his chair with his eyes closed, holding the fourth cup to his chest.

His eyes snapped open when he felt his eyes on him. When he realized it was me, he gave me a weak smile before closing his eyes and taking another drink from his coffee and leaning his head back on the wall behind him. I looked at my phone to check the time. It was almost 11, and his shift was supposed to end at six this morning. " What are you still doing here ?" I questioned, not trying to hide the worry in my voice. "Lance didn't show it for the 5th time in 3 weeks," he answered flatly, not bothering to open his eyes " Why didn't you call Alister? I'm sure he would have sent someone. " "A woman answered and told me he was preparing for a meeting, and she would not disturb him before she hung up. "

" You called his office, not the main number ?" I asked, confused. " Yes." He answered flatly, his signature smile and carefree attitude gone. "His personal assistant is a man he has had the same one since he got married." Bao knitted her brows. Don't you dare. I snapped, pointing at her. She threw her hands up. I didn't say anything," she snapped defensively. Your mouth didn't, but your face did. That means you thought about it, and that is how roomers start. This family can't have any rumors, especially those types of rumors right now. There is enough going on trying to figure out if Parker and I are still together or not, so stop thinking whatever it is that you started thinking. " " This family ?" Bao asked, looking amused. Yes, family no matter what relationship I have or do not have with Parker. Amanda and Alister will always be family.

I called Alister's office, putting my phone on speaker. "Mr. Beaumont's office. How may I help you? A middle-aged woman answered. I checked the number. It was the right number. " Hello?" " Hi, this is Kristen Colfer. I need to speak to Alister, please. I stated when the shock from hearing her voice wore off. " I'm sorry Miss Colfer, Mr . Alister is very busy and I will not be interrupting him, even for you. Her previously warm voice was cold and the phone disconnected. Isn't she a ball of sunshine?" Jerry asked with a yawn.

"That's disappointing," Bao said, tapping her foot." I was expecting the problem solver to solve this problem," she teased, crossing her arms. " You have little faith in me, I see." a laugh left my lips, making all three of us jump. " I never thought I would hear that sound I said honestly, putting my hand to my lips. "You have little faith in yourself," Jerry stated with a smile that reached his eyes for the first time this morning.

I called Alister's cell phone and put the phone on speaker. He picked up on the second ring. "What is wrong, Darling? " He sounded distracted. "Maybe the crabby lady was telling the truth, " Bao mumbled. I shushed her by putting my finger on her lips ." I called the office. A woman answered and told me you were busy, and she was not going to disturb you before she hung up on me, " I huffed, rolling my eyes.

" I'm sorry Darling, that is Martha. You have met her before. She usually works at the receiving desk in the lobby. Charles could not come in today, so I asked her to come up and give me a hand. I told her I had a lot to do to prepare for this meeting and didn't have time to speak with anyone today. I should have been more specific. I'm used to Charles. He knows who to send through and who to get a message from. I will get that sorted when I can." he replied. I could hear him moving papers around on his desk.

Bao shook her head in disbelief, moving my finger off of her lips. I gave her a sly smile. " The reason I am calling is that I need your help. Jerry is still here. It seems Lance is not keen on coming to work. Can you spare someone to man the lobby until I can get time to find someone to replace Lance permanently? I asked, making sure I let my pout come through in my voice. " That vice may work on my son, but it has no effect on me, Kristen," Alister responded with hardness in his voice. " What voice ?" I asked, reaching to play with my ring. It felt like my heart flipped and skipped a beat when I realized it was no longer there.

" You know what voice I'm referring to. Do you have someone that can man the post until I can get someone over there? I pouted at Bao, who looked at Jerry before rolling her eyes and nodding at me. "Bao is here. She is more than capable of watching over everything until someone arrives. " " If Bao is with you, why call me ?" the confusion evident in his voice. Because she has to start her deliveries soon, she came to check on me and needs to be head back soon." It was the first time we had spoken since that night. I kept my voice upbeat and carefree the entire call, but my voice broke when I mentioned why Bao was there.

The phone went silent. Alister cleared his throat. He always does that when he is searching for something to say. " I will send someone over to relieve her as soon as possible. I will speak with you soon, Dear," he hung up, not giving me time to respond. I sent Willow a quick text to change my bedding and to come down and retrieve Jerry if he was not up there in 10 minutes.

" Go get in my bed, I spoke softly, nudging Jerry awake. He had fallen asleep while I was on the phone with Alister.

"I'm fine cupcake, just resting my eyes Jerry said, rubbing his eyes and stretching. " Willow will be down here in 10 minutes to retrieve you. If you don't go to my apartment on your own. No one will bother you there. You need to get some rest," I said, not giving him room to argue. I thanked Bao, giving her a tight hug and taking a few deep breaths for strength before letting go. It was a hospital day. Putting a smile on my face, I reluctantly let Bao go.