The Billionaire's Second Chance

Chapter 7

Hannah

“Dylan! Come on, let’s go! We’re gonna be late!” I yelled from the kitchen, packing up his lunch and getting something quick for breakfast. I was dressed in my white and yellow summer dress and black heels. My hair was perfectly done in a half up, half down hair style and my make-up was subtle. I was never big on wearing too much makeup anyway. I poured my coffee into my togo cup as I grabbed the work I was doing at home and put it in my work bag. I had to go over some new hire paperwork for a new set of interns that would be starting soon and I just didn’t have enough time to get through it in the office.

“Good morning girly girl.” Bella said as she came rushing into the kitchen pouring the remainder of the coffee into her own travel mug. “Are you ready for today?” Bella was all too excited. Once news came out about the company being bought out by an anonymous buyer and how they were going to implement new changes to the company, everything and everyone was in a tailspin. I, on the other hand, couldn’t really care, as long as my position was secured, I would be okay.

“Mommy! Aunt Bella!” Came running in my little 5-year-old boy. He had the darkest brown hair and green eyes just like his father, but his nose and smile were all mine. Dylan was dressed in his superman shirt and cape, ready to take on the day. “Am I going to work with you again mommy?”

“Of course! That’s where the other kids are. Now, get your shoes on so we can head out, otherwise we might be late.” Dylan ran to the front and slid on his shoes while we made our way to the front door. Gripping both our hands in his and swinging him on the way to the car, we made our way to work.

Bella and I have been with Offbeat incorporated since they opened 5 years ago. The company works with other companies in the area to create marketing campaigns when it comes to all different forms of entertainment, anything from music, movies, sports, fashion and everything in between. We have helped build the company to where it is today, both taking on roles in the human resources department. I’m head of the department while Bella is right under me, both working as partners to maintain the balance in the industry. What is wonderful about Offbeat and a reason why so many want to work with the company and why almost no one ever quits is because of their accommodations.

Not only is there a full-service cafeteria in the building along with a floor of mini one-bedroom apartments for those that are either transitioning into a role and need a place to stay, but also used by those that work there and pulled late nights and early mornings where it would be unsafe for them to drive due to exhaustion. They also have an all-year round daycare center and afterschool program, so when school is in session, the bus picks the children up from the building and when school is out, the day care helps with the care of the children, something that a lot of businesses don’t do. The company and the executives understand that people have a life outside of work and try their best to accommodate everyone’s needs, creating a happy and well-balanced atmosphere.

We rounded the corner and parked in front of the business we have called home for the past 5 years. Dylan grabbed his backpack from the back seat and proceeded to run inside, getting a head start before us. Dylan was heard yelling good morning to everyone that passed him. He was such a friendly child, always the most positive, and I couldn’t be prouder of the little young man he grew up to be.

“Go on ahead upstairs, I’ll meet you in our office.” I said to Bella, who nodded and proceeded to go to the elevators, probably to head to the cafeteria first to get some coffee and a muffin, since she always ends up forgetting her togo cup at home, today being no different.

I went to the daycare room and signed Dylan in. “Good morning Miss. Boyce.” Said Eliza, the daycare associate. She has been with the company for the past 3 years and has grown to be one of the more trusted employees in the building. Who else would you trust to take care of the children?

“Good morning Eliza. I’m sorry, he is already so hyper.” I chuckled to myself. “It seems someone took a happy pill this morning.”

“I see that but his energy will be good for us because we're spending the day outside in the playground to burn off some of this energy.” I looked out through the window to the fenced-in playyard the company invested in. It had a jungle gym, swings, slides, anything a child would want to play with, even most adults for that matter. “Dylan, be good please! I’ll try to stop by for lunch!” I yelled towards my son who was already too busy playing with some of the other kids that were there.

“Don’t worry mom! I love you!” he yelled. He got up off his feet and ran to me and gave me a big hug and kiss, “To the moon and stars.”

“And throughout the entire galaxy,” I said right back. Once he was released from my arms, he went back, leaving me to leave the room with a sigh, so I headed up to her office, leaving him to go play with his friends. On my way, I was stopped by Tony right outside his office. Tony was head of the marketing team that was developing a new image for a newly signed country singer. This is one of the things the company worked with in regards to agents and artists. When agents approached us with a new client, they used Offbeat to help portray the image. It was highly popular with new singers who were trying to make a name for themselves.

“Hey you.” Tony came up to me and kissed me on my cheek. I made a half smile, still extremely uneasy about the information that we discovered not long ago. Tony and I have been seeing each other for the past couple of months, since he came to Offbeat. The company does not have a no-fraternizing policy. However, it is frowned upon to display any relationships at work. I have been working on a new policy that outlines relationships at work. This was one of the polices I didn't exactly agree with, but whatever. “How are you doing this morning? Get Dylan downstairs alright?” I have been having some second thoughts regarding Tony. He just wasn’t doing it for me, he wasn’t what I wanted and needed in my life right now and I needed to find a way to tell him, plus when your five-year-old says he doesn’t like someone, you tend to keep them away, and with Tony, it was no different.

“Yeah, you know how he can be, he was there before we were able to turn the car off.” I chuckled, trying to ease the discomfort that was building inside me. “How’s the new campaign coming?”

“I’m meeting with her later tonight, so I won’t be able to come by for dinner or anything. I don’t know how long this is going to take.” I gave him this look that said ‘I don’t believe you’, but what was I supposed to do? There have been some things that have been bothering me and I needed to talk to Bella to get some clarity. Bella always knew what to do.

“Okay sounds good.” I said nonchalantly, acting like it didn’t bother me. “I’m gonna go to the office and check my emails and do work stuff...” my thoughts were so incoherent. Tony gave her a confused look as I walked away from his office. I just needed to get away from him. He was oblivious to the fact that I was uncomfortable. I internally rolled my eyes. Whatever.

I made my way to the top floor of the building where all the executive offices were held, along with mine and Bella’s office. I slipped in while Bella was on the phone. She held up a finger and mouthed ‘one second’ to me. I nodded in return, pulled out my laptop and turned it on so I could start checking my emails.

It was one useless email after another, nothing really important was sent. A couple of complaints that I will have to take care of but nothing outside of normal. I did come across an email that needed an immediate response.

Dear Offbeat Staff,

As you may know, our business has recently been bought out by a private company looking to remain anonymous while they are expanding. We are proud to announce that the new CEO and CFO will be joining us today for a mandatory meeting for all associates. The meeting will be held at 11 am in conference room B. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of your leaders. Please respond to the email stating you received it and will be in attendance.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time of transition.

“I guess there goes my lunch plans with Dylan.” I huffed, sitting back in my chair. I was frustrated. I knew they were going to sell but I was hoping they would at least know who they were selling to. I don't get the secrecy. . Okay, so maybe they did know, but they could at least tell us who they sold us to. This was a marketing industry and they made strides to grow their business, but when it came down to it, the owners were just tired and wanted to retire. Without the owners having children of their own to run the company, selling it off to someone they trusted would be the next logical thing. No one but the owners knew who they were selling it to.

Bella got off the phone and twirled her chair a few times until it landed right in front of me. “So, how did that conversation go with Tony?” She asked, smirking. “Did you break it off with him yet?”

I rolled my eyes and leaned back in my chair. “No, not yet. I want to do it the right way and defiantly not at work. I don't need the extra drama first thing. It would make things even more awkward. But I think he thinks I’m stupid.” I shook my head. “This is why when I date I don’t let them around Dylan. He honestly thinks that I’m dumb when it comes to these new contracts he’s working on.”

“When are you going to tell him that you know? Why not just put yourself out of this misery.” Bella was right. When someone sent me and Bella pictures of Tony making out with one of the girls he’s supposed to be making a contract with, I saw red. Not only were we dating, but it was well known you were not supposed to have any type of personal relationship with your clients.

“You know, you’re right! I’m going down there and talk to him now. Screw the work drama, it's going to happen anyways. Better now or never, right?” I had a sudden urge of confidence. “Screw making things more awkward, it’s going to be awkward no matter what.”

“I’m going to go with you,” Bella stated. We both regained our composure and started to make our way back to Tony’s office. We were silent on the way there, not really sure what to say at the moment. We were winging it. A few moments later, we came face to face with Tony’s door. As soon as I knocked on his door, my phone rang.

“Hello?” I answered the phone a bit harsher than I expected. I heard some shuffling behind the door and c****d an eyebrow and side eyed Bella.

“Miss. Boyce. Its Eliza.”

The door opened and we were face to face with Tony, who was covered in red lipstick, the top few buttons of his shirt unbuttoned and his hair a mess. His eyes went wide as he stood in the doorway looking at me, who was staring back with a c****d eyebrow, a smirk and, shook my head, laughing to myself. I was right the entire time and I couldn’t believe how stupid he was for actually doing s**t in the office.

His eyes went wide and he went to open his mouth. I held up a finger at him, telling him to hold on. “Yes Eliza. How can I help you?” I said, not taking my eyes off Tony. He stood there, trying to straighten himself out. Yeah, like that would help any.

“It’s Dylan. He spiked a 103 fever. He's been throwing up and really dizzy.” My eyes shot open and I turned to Bella, panic stricken on my face.

“I’ll be right there.” I hung the phone up, unable to move or say anything. I was confused and at a loss of words. I walked into him in the middle of doing god knows what in his office right before I was going to break up with him and, come to find out, I needed to take my child to the hospital because he was running a high fever.

“What happened?” They both asked me at the same time. I glared at Tony, wishing he would be six feet under at the moment, and turned to Bella.

“I need to get Dylan and take him to the hospital. He spiked a high fever.” I whispered to Bella so Tony wouldn’t hear “And you.” I turned and pointed to Tony “We’re through. I knew this was happening. You can thank whoever sent us pictures of your last conquest.”

“It’s not what you think, Hannah. Come one babe, let me explain.” He grabbed my hand and tried to pull me into him. I wasn’t having it. I ripped my hand away and slapped him across the face.

“Don’t you dare touch me. You are a pig. You are nothing but a sad, pathetic excuse of a man. There is nothing to explain. Go back to your new girlfriend. I have things I need to take care of.”

I turned and walked away with Bella right on my tail. At the moment, my only thoughts were Dylan and getting him to the hospital. I knew that a fever around 102 would normally be okay with some Tylenol, but once a fever reaches 104 it can be really bad. As I was in the elevator, I called my boss, Angela, and told her I was taking Dylan to the hospital, but she didn’t answer, making me roll my eyes. The one time I needed her to pick up the phone, the one time it was important, she didn’t answer.

We rounded the corner and ran into the daycare center where they had Dylan lying on one of the beds with a cold cloth on his head. “Mommy...” he groaned. He looked pale, eyes sunken in.

“I’m here baby. Let’s get you to the doctors, okay?” I tossed my keys to Bella and I carried Dylan out the building. Bella ran to the driver’s side while I went into the back cuddling with Dylan, trying to make him as comfortable as possible. My phone was being blown up on our way to the emergency room, but I ignored it, my only thought was making sure my son was okay.

We rounded the entrance to the emergency room and got Dylan admitted. While we were waiting for the doctor, I put on some cartoons on the TV that was in the room while Bella was playing a game with him on her phone. I pulled out my phone to check the messages. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Of course it was Tony. He couldn’t take a hint and apparently didn’t do rejection well.

Tony: Babe please, let’s talk about this, alright? It’s not what you think it is.

Tony: Come on, answer me. Stop ignoring me. I know you're able to talk, especially if Bella is driving.

Tony: Hannah, please. I have a logical explanation for everything.

Tony: You’re being ridiculous. You’re acting like a child. Just answer your damn phone.

Tony: This is no way to behave, Hannah. You thought I was being immature? Look in the mirror.

I was being immature? How could he say that? I wasn’t the one cheating on him. I have never felt so much anger built up inside me. I took a deep breath and looked around the hospital room. The room was plain, nothing really stood out. There were machines everywhere but something about the room made me shudder. It reminded me of when I was here a little over 5 years ago. The memories came flooding back but I shook them away, not wanting to think about the day of the delivery and all the complications that happened and how alone I felt without Austin there. I felt Bella’s hand grip mine in comfort. I looked over at my best friend and smiled and handed her the phone so she could see the messages for herself. A sly smirk crept onto her face and she started to type out a response to him.

Me: You are a sleazeball. You thought I didn’t know what was going on the entire time we were together? You’re a pathetic excuse of a man who thought he could use his power to use and abuse women who come into his office who wanted help with their image. It’s no wonder you have been alone for so long. I wish you the best of luck in your future and maybe you will find someone with the same mental capacity as yourself. Don’t speak to me unless it is strictly about work and you damn well know, I will be letting Angela know what Bella and I discovered.

Tony: You cannot threaten me with empty threats, Hannah. I might be a sleazeball, as you say, but at least I’m not a poor, helpless single parent who doesn’t even know how to take care of their own son.

She gasped at the last message, so I ripped the phone back from Bella and read the message that was sent. Anger filled my eyes as I read his response. I couldn’t believe that he would say anything like that. But I needed to be the stronger person, so I decided not to respond to him to give him that satisfaction. He didn’t deserve it. My mind went back to the sleeping boy on the hospital bed, hoping that he would be okay.