Claire could tell from his tone that “growing fast” meant asking employees to stretch until they forgot what normal felt like.
“I keep thinking things will settle down after the next deadline.”
“They never do,” Claire said.
Ethan gave her a tired look.
“You too?”
“I’m the person creating some of those deadlines.”
“At least you admit it.”
Claire winced.
“Not proudly.”
Maggie swung her legs.
“Daddy burns pancakes when he has meetings.”
“One time,” Ethan said.
“Three times.”
“Those were different pancakes.”
Claire laughed.
Ethan looked at her, and for one strange second the whole situation felt less impossible.
Then his caution returned.
“Claire, I appreciate what you’re saying. But this is my daughter.”
“It should make you cautious.”
“I would need to know exactly who you are.”
“You should.”
“I would need references.”
“I’ll give them.”
“I’d want to meet you again before anything.”
“Absolutely.”
“And the first time, I’d probably stay nearby.”
“Good.”
Maggie looked between them.
“So yes?”
Ethan sighed.
“So maybe.”
Maggie threw both arms around him.
Claire looked away to give him privacy, but she couldn’t stop smiling.
Before they left, Claire handed Ethan a business card with her personal number written on the back.
“No pressure,” she said.
Ethan tucked it carefully into his wallet.
“I mean that. If you go home and decide this is the strangest conversation you’ve had all year, I’ll understand.”
“It is definitely in the top three.”
Maggie waved Mr. Buttons.
“Bye, Claire!”
“Bye, Maggie.”
“Happy birthday!”
Claire watched them leave together.
Maggie skipped.
Ethan walked beside her, phone finally in his pocket.
