Chasing Second Chances: Finn & Sawyer

Chapter Eight

Finn

“You got to be fuckin’ kidding me!” I yelled in our office. I was pissed, livid and it was downright disrespectful what I received in the mail. This had to be some kind of sick joke.

“What happened? Did something at the stadium break?” Jordan asked looking up from his computer, pretending to do some work. I know for a fact he was trying to take a nap but I wasn’t going to call him out on that. Today was the first day of camp and we were already running late. The kids started showing up at the stadium this morning around eight and we were supposed to be there at nine to meet with the parents and what not, but there was an issue with the budget and books so Jordan, Dylan and I are spending our time figuring that out while dad, Austin and Tristin handled day one.

“No. But that would be easier to handle than this.” I walked over to the desk and tossed down the invitation I received in the mail. His eyes scanned line by line and he just started laughing his ass off, “This isn’t funny.”

“Please tell me you’re bringing a date to this thing.” He grinned, “Because I know a person who would drive them absolutely crazy.”

“I’m not even going.” I groaned, rolling me eyes, “It’s not even worth it. Just the fact they would do something like that is unbelievable.”

“What is it?” Dylan came over and plucked it out of his hands and read it and he too, laughed his ass off, “You are cordially invited to the union of Carly Monnet and Samuel Berg…that is great. You need to bring one of the new assistants as your date.”

“Are you out of your mind?” I yelled out.

“Here me out. Dad just hired someone new I think you will like. She’s a cutie.” He winked over to Jordan.

“Oh yeah, I mean she’s right up there with Summer and Ray.” He grinned.

“That’s gross. They are my sisters.” I scrunched my nose.

“Well, think about it because I’m filling this out and sending it in as attending plus one. You have a month to find a date.” Jordan grinned and he shoved the invite in his desk and hit the code to lock it before I could get to it. Why did we get new fancy desks? Stupid.

“I hate you. Both of you.” I glared and went back to my seat and started to work some more, “And what new assistant? I thought we hired everyone we needed.”

“Yeah, for us. Dad wanted one more to help with the financials of the summer program.” He shrugged, “She has a degree in business management and finance and she has been working two jobs to take care of her daughter and nephew and well, she applied here. She wanted consistency and stability and with her degree background, the entry level job for her was a no brainer. Our dads love her. I think Tristian might even ask her out.” He winked.

“But I am supposed to be hiring for the program not them? What the hell…what makes them think we need someone? And why did you wink about Tristian. If he likes her then have at it.”

“You are so going to eat those words.” Jordan laughed, “And considering the fact that we are here right now fixing this because we all messed up tells us we needed some extra help because our lack of sleep is actually becoming harmful at this point.” He said shrugging, “Plus, she’s nice. She’s a sweetheart but a go getter and she doesn’t take s**t from people so when you two finally work together, she will put you in your place and I so cannot wait to see that happen.”

“You know I am her boss right? I can just fire her.”

“Yeah…I don’t think so. Eli, Austin and Tristian are not going to let you do such a thing. If anything, they will side with her. She has that much of an influence.”

“Who the hell is this girl?”

“Well, you would know if…” and there was knock at the door and Sara was standing there with Miles and Ivy, both looking pretty upset. Miles’ eyes were red and puffy and you can tell he was crying and it made my heart tug towards him. I had this urge to pull them both into my arms and hold them and tell them that no matter what the problem is, everything will be okay.

Why was I feeling like this? I barley even knew these kids. I blame it on my nieces and nephews for me having such a soft heart.

“What’s wrong guys?” I asked, wheeling my chair over to them. As soon as I got in front of them, Ivy rushed into my arms, hugged me, and started to cry. I hugged her back and rubbed her back, whispering sweet things in her ears to try to calm her down to just a few sniffles. After about five minutes, she finally pulled her face away from my soaked shirt and I wiped her cheeks so she was free of tears. They have been coming down here almost every day with Sara because her mom is never home, busy working her ass off. They both missed her and I wish I could help, but I don’t even know who she is. All I know is she’s a hard worker, independent, hates handouts and from what the girls tell me, she is strong as f**k in more ways than one. I hve gotten used to see these two almost every day now. They always come in the morning and say hi and then come up before they leave and sometimes, we even eat lumch together. They told me all about their mom/aunt and how amazing she is and how Ivy's Uncle/Miles dad is a hero. Call me crazy, but I couldn't imagine going a day without at least seeing them. I just need to remember not to get too attached...even if it's already too late. “Now, tell me what’s wrong and I’ll try my hardest to fix it.”

“Miles is sad and I don’t like it when he’s sad.” She sniffled. I looked between the two and just wanted to fix whatever was going on. I already hate it when my nieces and nephews are sad and these two are no exception.

“What’s up lil man?” I asked, crouching down on his level.

“My aunt…she told me yesterday…that…that she tried to make it to the st..st..stadium to hand in the application f…for camp on the last day it’s s…supposed to be in but wh…when she went to get it out of her bag, it wasn’t th…there. She said she…why does everything in my life turn to crap!” he yelled.

“Hey hey now.” Sara rubbed his back trying to calm him down, “There is no reason to act like this Miles.”

“I just want my dad! He would know what to do!” He yelled.

“I got this sweetie. I’ll finish telling him what happened.” Sara smiled at him, holding his hand, “She asked Sadie if there were spare copies she could fill out because he couldn’t find it but Sadie said no, smiled, and walked away after telling her she had to get the applications to you guys.”

“Why would she say that? We keep extra apps right behind the counter in the folder. It happens all the time!” I was getting angry. Sadie has started to be a bit of a problem. Every time a mother would come into the building asking anything about the program, she would misguide them or whatever. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of this, but this is the first time we’ve heard it from a child. Unacceptable. I tried to convince dad to let her go but he said it wasn’t grounds for dismissal. We’ve had to clean up her messes time and time again and now, this was the final straw. The guys think that she likes me and likes me a lot since I’m one of the few single men in this company and she gives issues to any woman that comes in and that seems single. “Where is your aunt? I can get another app to her to fill out so we can have all her information and you can start camp today.” I grabbed his shoulders so he was square to me, looking him right in the eyes.

“Wait...what?”

“You heard me right. I got your back and whenever you miss your dad, you can always come to me. I can have Sara give your aunt my number so if you need a guy to talk to, I’m one call away.” I smiled and he just looked at me like I was his hero.

And that felt pretty damn good.

“Oh, Finn, you don’t have to do that. I’ve tried talking to her about letting me help her but she just wants to do things on her own and I try to respect that. I’m sure we can find another program for him somewhere else.” Sara said calmly, holding on Mile’s hand.

“Grandma is right. It’s okay. Thank you Mr. Finn.” He said softly, “Thank you for everything. It was fun going down there with you and skating. Maybe when mom gets done with work, we can go down there after camp is over.”

“Miles, it’s not nice to ask something like that.”

“It’s okay. Where does your aunt work and when does she get done?” I asked him with Ivy still in my arms as I stood up, trying not to fall over.

“Mommy works here.” She grinned and I couldn’t help but give her a confused look. I heard Dylan and Jordan snicker in the background, making me turn the chair around to face them.

“What’s so funny?” I asked as I raised an eyebrow at them.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” Jordan smirked.

“No. Tell me.”

“Her mom is one of the new assistants that were hired.” Dylan said, “She was actually the assistant we told you to go to the wedding with.”

“There’s something else you’re not telling me.”

“Nope. Nothing. Just that you have had plenty of opportunities to meet her but something always happens where you couldn’t or she couldn’t. I mean, you know her kids, but you don’t know her.”

“I don’t know a lot of people and I know a lot of kids. We have a damn daycare in the building.”

“You said a bad word.” Ivy pulled back a bit and glared. “The d word is bad so you get no cookies when mommy makes some.”

“Damn?” I questioned. Well, that was a stupid question. Of course it was the word damn.

“Daycare.” And we all laughed at the sweetest little girl who was slowly stealing my heart.

“So, tell me Ivy.” I chuckled, “Want to go for a ride and watch your brother skate for a bit with some coaches?” she grinned and nodded as Miles yelled ‘yes.’ Sara just laughed and brought her hands to her face and smiled.

“You don’t have to Finn. It’s alright.”

“No, I insist. If Miles was supposed to be part of the camp then he should be. I’m sure that we can squeeze one more into the program. Plus, if it will make your mom and aunt happy, then let’s do it.” I smiled as I got a hug from both children and for the first time in a while, my heart actually felt happy, like truly happy and it was then that I realized, I wanted this. I wanted a family of my own but what was I supposed to do without someone to be there with me? Maybe in time.

“Okay, so I am going to give you to Johnathan. He is one of the program directors and he is going to get you set up with some equipment and get you on the ice, sound good?” I smiled down at Miles as we walked into the building.

“Where are you going? I thought you were going to skate with me like last time.” Miles pouted a bit and it tugged at my heart. “I really want you to skate with me.”

“I have some work to do buddy.” I tried explaining until Sara stepped in.

“Miles, sweetie. Finn has to go upstairs and work and he actually needs to meet with Eli and your aunt to go over some stuff for the stadium.”

“You’re going to meet mommy?” Ivy pipped up, smiling the biggest grin she could, “You’re going to love mommy! She’s the best! She makes the best pancakes and grilled cheese. Even better than Uncle Aiden!”

“Well, then I am even more excited to meet her because those are my two favorite food groups.” I smiled, tickling her side, “Now, I need to go meet Eli’s new assistant.”

“Oh, she’s not Eli’s assistant, she’s yours.” Sara winked and walked away with the two kids and Johnathon in tow.

I didn’t need an assistant. I have Lyle, well, had. Lyle actually ended up leaving the company to concentrate on his family. His wife got a job offer in New Jersey that she couldn’t pass up, so they packed everything and moved. I was so happy for him but damn, it sucked going through so many assistants. And because every single one I had didn’t work out, I opted to not have one but of course, dad doesn’t listen. He never does.

Every single person that was hired by dad or Austin didn’t work out. I cannot tell you how many of the girls, as beautiful as they were, either tried really hard to get in our pants and when I say our, I mean all of ours. Dylan, Jordan, me, dad, Austin, Tristian. It was extremely distasteful. Now, even though the temptation was there, I never would sleep with someone I work with. I find it distasteful and when things happen, it causes more dram. The less drama the better. But even with all that said, they were absolutely terrible at their jobs, a couple of them faking different aspects on their resumes.

So, whoever this new assistant is better be the best damn person for the job. It doesn’t matter if she has kids of her own who I kind of look forward to seeing and spending time with.

I went up the stairs making my way to the office when I paused at the door, listening to dad and the new assistant talk. I shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but I couldn’t help myself, because once I heard her voice, I felt like all the air was knocked out of me.

“So, tell us a little bit about yourself? We’ve seen you once in a while but never really got to actually have a full conversation.” Dad asked.

“Well, you know me as a mom.” She laughed.

“That we do and Ivy is absolutely adorable. Ellie loves playing with her.”

“I’m glad. It’s really good that most of you all accepted us with open arms.” Most? Who is denying the mother to one of the cutest little girls?

“So, tell us what you did up in Buffalo?”

“Well, my brother helped put me through school where I got my finance degree. I tried my hardest to make sure I got it but it was hard after Ivy was born.”

“I heard about that. Is all that settled?”

“For the most part I hope. I just want to start over.”

“Does he know?” and listening to that question just made me more curious. Who was he and what did he know or not know?

“No and I don’t plan on him finding out. I’m here to start new. I’m here to give my daughter and my nephew a life they deserve and I thank you for the opportunity to be your assistant with this amazing program.”

“Well, Sawyer, you’re not my assistant.”

Sawyer…Sawyer? Ava’s friend who had all that bullshit drama? They hired her! I couldn’t believe it! I expressed my opinion on her even being in my group of friends. We just got done with a bunch of dramatic bullshit in our lives, we didn’t need someone else bringing their crap to us.

“Whose assistant am I?”

“Finn’s.” Hell fuckin’ no.

“Can I not be Finn’s?” she asked and that made me snap my head even more and stop me in my tracks before I stormed in to tell her to go home. The hell? You can’t just ask that! I’m a fuckin’ amazing boss. What does she have against me?

“How come if you don’t mind me asking?”

“The girls told me the things he said about me before I moved up here.” Damn it Summer. When is she going to learn to keep her mouth shut, “And frankly, I don’t want to work with, well, an asshole, pardon my language, who judges people before getting to know the whole situation.”

“Well then,” He laughed, “He is an asshole.” Thanks dad. I appreciate the kind words, “But we hired you to be his assistant and to help with the stadium. It’s his baby and he spent a lot of time making this place such a success. His last assistant botched the whole budget, thinking that the quarterly budget was monthly and that was a huge mess to clean.”

“It couldn’t have been that bad.” She laughed and as upset as I was listening to them, her laugh and her voice put knots in my stomach and I couldn’t tell if it were the kind of knots that turn into those goddamn butterflies or the ones that make me want to rage quit and destroy things in my path.

“Oh, it was. You should have seen Finn’s face when she spent all that money. I thought he was going to explode! So, he needs someone that can read an invoice, work on a spreadsheet, balance a budget and knows the programs we work with and that person is you.”

“It may be, but your son is a major jackass and honestly, if I knew when I applied for this job on Friday I would be working directly with him, I would have stuck to the two job thing I had going on, so, I think I will just take my leave.”

“Sawyer, I do apologize for my son but when he said all those things, our lives, it was rough. We just got through all the hecticness with Summer and Dean and before that it was Bronson and Ray and we all went through a lot, and Finn too. He did things that he never had to do before and when he heard about your situation, it scared him.”

“We all go through tough times Eli; I fully understand that. I’ve talked to the girls about what happened and they know what happened with me. What I don’t get, is how their husbands can accept me with open arms without prejudice when the terrible situations that happened revolved around them but one person is so closed minded. I’ve been around a lot of people like that are like that and they all end up being the same. They look down on people like me. I refuse to put myself in a situation where I’m uncomfortable. I know what I’m worth and I appreciate all that you’re doing but right now, it’s not worth it.”

“Just, please, try it out and see how it goes.”

“I’m going to pass. Thank you for the opportunity.” And I heard her start to walk out of the room and I honestly, don’t know what came over me. As much as I didn’t want to have her crap in my life I didn’t want her to leave. I walked into the room, pretending I didn’t hear a damn thing and ran right into her.

She started to stumble backwards and I reached down and grabbed her waist to catch her before she fell and the familiar sparks and tingles filled my fingertips and her long, beautiful brown hair flew back and she let out the cutest yelp. Her hands flew up and grabbed my biceps, steadying herself and it was when she slowly tilted her head towards me when her eyes went wide.

To say I wasn’t shocked would be a lie because shocked doesn’t begin to describe everything I was feeling right now.

Surprised.

Elated.

Excited.

Pissed off.

Angry.

Unsure.

Because the mother of the little girl that I enjoy spending time with, the aunt of the little boy I see myself in, the woman I talked so much s**t about not wanting in our lives, my new assistant…she’s my fuckin mystery girl that refuses to leave my mind.