CHAPTER 5 My Ex, My Boss

Reya POV

What just happened? Did he really just walk away from me? We haven't seen each other in over three years and he just walks away?

Then, he had the nerve to seem upset! What the hell does he have to be upset about? He is the one who should be apologetic, and yet, I feel like I have done something to offend him.

I shake the whole encounter off for the moment, and I check over Angel. "Are you okay princess?" Angel nods her head. "You can't run off from mommy like that, okay? You really scared mommy!" I tell her in a stern, but loving voice.

Realizing that I am upset, Angel's head falls down. "I sorry mommy." She says in her adorable voice. "Mommy is happy that you are safe, but you scared me, that's all," I tell her, while kissing her cheek.

I take her hand, and I go back to where I left Stephanie. I know that I still have some paperwork to complete.

After nearly an hour of paperwork, I have finished signing all the necessary documents, taking a tour of the building , and learning my duties, I can check into the hotel with my tired munchkin.

Thankfully, the hotel is just a ten minute drive from the office. Angel fell asleep on the ride over, so I got her stroller out of the truck and placed her in it. She stirs a bit but remains asleep.

I head to the lobby to check in and an attractive older woman smiles at me, as I approach.

"Good evening, welcome to The Canton. Are you checking in?" She asks. "Yes, the reservation is under Jenalyn Thomas." After a few short moments, she grabs key cards to activate.

"Okay, Ms. Thomas, the room has been booked for the next two months and paid in full. We have complimentary breakfast every morning, the hours are posted in the brochure in your room, along with a listing of our other amenities." The receptionist says.

I go back out to the car and start grabbing as much as I can, placing items in the bottom of the stroller, hooking items onto the clip attached to the stroller, and placing as many shoulder bags on my body as possible.

I have managed to get most of the stuff that I packed. There are a couple of small bags left that can wait until the morning.

Stephanie said there is a daycare upstairs for employees with children. So thank the goddess I don't have to worry about finding childcare.

I have Angel nestled in the crib the hotel has provided, and I begin unpacking the items that I could grab in such a short time. When I am done, I grab my cell phone and head to the bathroom to check in with Jena.

The room is spacious enough, but I don't want to take the chance and wake up Angel. We have had a long day.

I know that is past 10 p.m., but I promised Jena I would call her as soon as I am settled in. I decide on a video call so that she can see we are okay. She picks up on the second ring.

"Hey Ray, you good? I have been worried sick!" Jena says, as soon as she answers.

"I'm good, J. I promise. Well, I'm good physically. Mentally, I am beat!." I answer her. "I bet you are! Why didn't you tell me everything that was going on with Daniel? You shouldn't have been dealing with that on your own." Jena berates me.

"I know, I know. I just didn't want to put anyone else in danger. Daniel has been threatening to expose us to the human world. I thought I was protecting everyone." I tell her honestly.

"Well, from here on out, no secrets. We deal with everything together. You hear me?" Jena leaves no room for argument.

"Well, it's funny you should mention that. Remember that guy I told you about from the academy?" I ask her.

Jena wastes no time in her answer. "Yeah, the hottie who was supposed to take over the most powerful pack in the country, that you just suddenly stopped feeling?" Jena says.

"Well, that is not the entire truth," I explain to her. I spent the next 20 minutes explaining the real reason I left Ryan behind.

"Holy shit Ray! So, he has no idea that you know?" Jena asks me. "No, I don't think so," I answer her. "But wait there's more," I tell her. "Fuck, what else could there be?" Jena asks me.

I tell her about today's encounter, and her eyes are as big as saucers. "So, what do I do?" I ask Jena, once I am done telling her everything.

"Honestly, I would just do my job. He obviously doesn't want to discuss the past with you. So, don't. You are already upset just talking it out with me, if you think it will further upset you, then forget him. It's his own stupid fault that he fumbled you. Just talk about work with him and nothing else." Jena says.

I think about her words, and I honestly feel like it is the best idea. I am not there for Ryan Sullivan. I am here to build a better life for my Angel.

"Oh, by the way, you didn't have to pay for the room, J. I could have covered it." I tell her.

"No, you could not have. You are still paying all those medical bills from Angel. It is going to be a while before you get paid for the new job, and you are my best friend. If I have it, you guys have it. After all, that's my god-daughter over there." Jena responds.

I choke back tears. It feels so good to have support. I almost forgot what it feels like. "Thanks, J," I respond tearfully.

"It's no worries. Now go get some sleep. You have had a long day, and you need to be ready for tomorrow. I am staying with my mom. I didn't want to go back to the cottage with Daniel potentially sniffing around. I will come to visit soon, k? Love you!"

"Love you back!" I throw back at her.

I feel better now that I have talked things out with Jena. She is right. If I focus on work, Ryan Sullivan shouldn't be a problem.

I close my eyes and focus on a good night's rest, and it doesn't take long before sleep finds me.

All too soon, my alarm goes off. I rush through some semblance of a routine for Angel and me, and then we are out the door.

I arrive at work and get Angel settled in at the daycare. I am on my way to the shared desk clump, where all the other administrative assistants are already seated, and Stephanie calls my name.

"Good morning! I am glad I caught you. I need to show you to your office." Stephanie says.

I stare at her confusedly; "I'm sorry, my office? I thought I was an administrative assistant?" I ask her.

"You were, but you have been reassigned. You are now the direct personal assistant to the boss. You will take the small office next door to his, designated for the position."

"Why would the boss ask for me as his personal assistant?" I ask Stephanie, confused by the sudden change.

"I don't know hun. I just know Mr. Sullivan asked for you personally." She smiles at me.

I try my hardest to return the smile, but did she, Sullivan? As in, Ryan Sullivan?!?!?