Snow Angel’s and Second Chances

A Job

{Elodie’s POV}

My mother scoffed. “Hattie, you need to grow up and get over this fear you have of strangers! Eventually you’re going to have to meet new people!” She said, rolling her eyes.

I shot her a glare before turning back to Hattie. “It’s okay sweetie, I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere. How about we have some hot chocolate, and you can meet everyone at your own pace?” I asked.

She nodded, her little eyes scanning around the room. I led her into the kitchen and made a big batch of hot coco for everyone. Once she had her cup she began to calm down slightly. Then of course my mother just had to interject, as she barged into the kitchen. “Honestly, you baby her too much!” She sighed. “She wouldn’t act that way if you didn’t!”

I couldn’t take it anymore, I slammed my hands down on the counter and shot her a glare. “Stop! I don’t want to hear another word out of you unless it’s kind, or supportive, do you understand?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“Always so touchy!” She sighed, rolling her eyes and walking away.

I bit my tongue, trying hard to stop myself from shouting at her to leave. That’s when I saw him, Xander made his way to the kitchen island and smiled softly at me. “Hey El.. how are you?” He asked, in such a careful tone. I knew that he knew at least some of what had happened between Caleb and I, otherwise he wouldn’t be so cautious about his words and actions.

I nodded, taking a sip of my hot coco. “I’m good.. I’m good..” I said awkwardly, setting down my mug and trying my best to look happy. “How about you Xander?” I asked.

He nodded, smiling an awkward looking smile. “I’m alright.. you know I own my own company.. and that’s kind of why I’m here.”

I sighed, shaking my head and glancing over to my mother who was watching us intently, before I looked back up to him. “Xander, you don’t have to do this.. I know she’s talked to you, probably asked you to give me a job, please, don’t worry about that, I’ll find something!” I said.

He smiled softly, setting down his mug. “I want to El, but I’m not just going to give you a job, I’m going to saddle you with a job, as my personal assistant.” He said, his eyes staying locked with mine. “No one cooks like you, cleans like you, or organizes like you, and I’m not going to lie, my office could use all of that.” He chuckled. “You’ll be expected to make breakfast for us, and my son, and of course your daughter, and lunch for the two of us, help me get my office back into a decent state, and after school, the driver will bring my son and your daughter to the office. They will be under your care until the shift ends. It’s a great paying position, and if I’m honest, I haven’t found anyone up to my standards.” He sighed. “Please, I’m begging you, come work for me!”

“Are you sure about this Xander?” I asked, looking over his face. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, but are you sure it’s such a good idea? I mean, it doesn’t sound exceedingly hard or anything, but you know how I can be with my cleaning, and organization. Don’t you remember sharing a locker in high school?” I chuckled.

“Of course I do! That’s how I know you’ll be great at it! You used to bring me breakfast, and share your lunch with me, you always kept our locker cleaned and organized. You were always the best at keeping me on task too, which I do get overwhelmed and frustrated a lot.. it’d be great to have someone there to help keep me on task as well.” He smiled, taking my hand in his. “Please El! Come work for me, as soon as your mom told my mom you were moving home I’ve been putting together this job offer! I’m begging you!”

I looked down, noticing Hattie, staring up at Xander with wide eyes, curious, she’s usually terrified of men. Instead, she was looking at him with some fond of fascination. I looked back up to him, and smiled. “Alright.. okay, I’ll do it! What time do I need to be there in the morning?” I asked.

“6:30.” He said, pulling out a contract that was folded in his pocket. “Sign here, and we’ll make this legal.” He chuckled. “Also..” he said digging in his pocket. “I got you a little something.” He smiled. “A welcome home present.” He pulled out a small box, handing it to me.

When I opened it, I could see the E key off of Xander’s grandfather’s old typewriter. When I was a kid his grandfather used to let me type stories on it. I’d always wanted to be a writer when I grew up.. I even moved away to a big city, and tried hard to achieve my goal. Then I met Caleb.. the only good thing I got from my relationship with him was Hattie. I smiled, tears sliding down my face. “Thank you.. thank you so much Xander..” I whispered.

“Well, that’s only part of your gift, the rest of it is in the office, you’ll see it tomorrow.” He smiled. “I’ve got to get going though.. gotta get home to Matt.” He smiled, pulling me into a hug, and setting down a second stack of papers, taking the ones I signed. “These are your copies.. the address, and a set of keys are bundled up in there.” He smiled, pointing down at the papers. “See you in the morning El!” He said, his voice deep, cool, and calm as he turned and strode out of the house.

“See you..” I said, watching him leave as I looked down to Hattie who was gripping my leg tightly.

“Good job mommy, you have a job now!” He smiled.

I nodded. “Yeah.. I do..” I said. “Let’s go get you to bed, we have an early morning tomorrow.”

My mother stood there, watching as I led Hattie to bed, closing the door behind me. Leaving her to enjoy her planned party.