ONE NIGHT WITH THE CEO

Chapter 4: Step by Step

Hailey’s POV:

It had been a week since I met with Rebecca, the lawyer. I spoke with Raymond’s mother too.

I thought it was best to see her physically so one of the days during the week after I school drop off, I drove to her house. Grace was always happy to see me.

“Hailey, I didn’t know you were coming.” She said as she pulled me into a tight hug, like she knew how much I needed that it but from the way she welcomed me, I knew Raymond hadn’t informed her.

“How are the kids?”

“They’re well, I just dropped them off at school and wanted to come see you.”

I always got things to restock for her anytime I was coming and this time wasn't an exception.

“I’ll just put this in the kitchen”

“Thank you Hailey, you know you didn’t have to.”

"Yes, but I wanted to.

I placed the bags on the counter and went back to the living room.

“I actually came to see you about Raymond.” I said as we got comfortable.

I could see the mix of disappointment and care on her face as I spoke about Raymond.

Grace had always treated me like her own, right from when she was aware about my relationship with Raymond. She assured me she’d be with me through this.

I left her house after a few hours and went to the same Café from the other day. I just liked being there, no exact reason why.

It helped me take my mind off everything and there was this spot I sat in. I spent the rest of the afternoon from sites to sites applying for more job opportunities I could find.

The recruiter in one of the companies I applied to replied and stated I had been out of the workforce for long so they couldn’t take me. That hurt me because all of the decisions I took years ago were haunting me and I wasn’t having it.

Still at the café, I got a call from Rebecca.

“Hi Miss Hailey.” She sounded really calm, that was a good sign.

“Rebecca.”

“How are you today?”

“I’m alright.”

“Is there any update." There was no need to waste time, I needed to know where we stood.

“Yes.”

“I reached out to Raymond’s lawyer. He provided his information yesterday.”

“The divorce process has officially started and you will be called anytime soon.”

“Raymond’s team also wants to discuss custody arrangements soon.” She added.

My mind went to my kids again, I had to fight for them, they needed me as much as I needed them.

“Okay, I’ll be ready. I hope you will too.” I replied.

“We will.” She said and hung up.

I picked the kids from school and just as we got in the house, I received a call.

It was from one of the companies I had applied to.

“Good afternoon. Am I on to Mrs. Hailey? Hailey Sinclair.”

“Yes, you are.”

“I’m calling to inform you that we reviewed your application and would love to invite you for an interview. Monday, next week, 11:00am. Would you be available?"

“Thank you so much for the opportunity. I’ll be available.”

I felt hopeful. I had to nail this interview, it was necessary. Belly came over for dinner today and she could tell I was lighter.

“You seem happy. It’s good to know.” Her gaze still fixed on the dishes she was sorting.

“Yes, I got a job interview for Monday.”

“Oh that’s amazing.” Her face lightened.

“I’m sure you’ll get the job.”

Belly had always believed in me, it kept me going during hard times. Just then, Raymond’s call came in through my phone.

“Raymond’s calling.”

“I wonder what for.” Belly sounded irritated.

I picked up the call but I didn’t speak.

“Hey, Hailey.”

“How have you been?”

“I understand why you wouldn’t want to speak to me and I’m sorry.” I still didn’t respond.

“Can I speak to Jack?” It was at this point I spoke.

“He has a phone remember?”

“Please Hailey.”

“Jack!” I called out.

He came running downstairs.

“Your Dad wants to speak with you.”

I handed him the phone and he left where I was so I didn’t know what they talked about.

“I spoke to him.” Belly said.

“You spoke to who?”

“Raymond, who else?”

“What did you say?”

“Oh I simply gave him a piece of my mind. Details aren’t necessary.”

Knowing Belly, she probably insulted the hell out of him so I didn’t ask further questions.

Jack returned with my phone but he had ended the call.

“What did he say?”

“Nothing much, he just asked about you and said he’d be coming for my game.”

He seemed excited about that. Raymond always showed up for his children. He was a good father, maybe not the best husband, but a good father. That was one of the things I loved about him.

“We should go out sometime.” Belly said, picking her bag to leave.

“Go out?” I gave a confused look.

“Yes, you heard me clearly.”

“I’m not sure I’m in the right state to be out Belly.”

“Yes, and that’s exactly why you should.”

“Even if I decide to, where would we go?”

“We could go to a club, there’s somewhere I’ve been meaning to try, it’s just downtown.”

“I don’t think a club is the best place for a divorcee to be plus I haven’t been to the club in years.”

“Oh please, who cares.” She rolled her eyes.

“Who knows, you could meet someone new.” She couldn't say it to my face so she looked the other way.

“I’d pick you up tomorrow night. Deal.”

“I haven’t consented.” I said helplessly.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to.”

“But the kids?” I remembered again.

“That’s the least of your worries honey, they can be with Grace, she’d be happy to have them around.”

When she said that I was almost convinced.

“But--”

“But nothing Hailey, sleep well.” She pulled me into a hug.