High-Powered, Hot-Blooded / Westmoreland's Way: High-Powered, Hot-Blooded / Westmoreland's Way. Brenda Jackson
me?”
“Before, at the party, when I brought in the karaoke machine and humiliated myself by singing and saved the day, there were warm fuzzies. But now, all because I make a simple little suggestion, you’re upset.”
“A simple suggestion? Is that what you call it? You have no right. This isn’t your business. Our bargain in no way gives you any kind of authority over me or my decisions. You don’t know what you’re talking about and because of that, I have to deal with your mess.”
She nodded slowly. “Feel better?”
“I’m not a child to be placated.”
“I’ll take that as a no.”
She wasn’t afraid of him. In the back of his mind, he appreciated that she was sitting calmly while he ranted. Most people couldn’t do that. They were too aware of his size, his background, his ability to physically rip them in two if the mood struck.
She shifted toward him. “It’s not a bad idea.”
“You’re not the one who has to pay for it.”
“You’re paying for it already,” she said reasonably. “Parents have to miss work because their day care isn’t available. Or they can’t stay late because of the hours. It’s out of their control and that makes people worry. Worried people don’t do as good a job.”
“I’m not offering in-office day care. It’s ridiculous.”
“Why?”
“It’s expensive and unnecessary.”
“Do you know that for sure?” she asked.
“Do you know that it really helps?”
“No, but I’m willing to find out if it does. Are you?”
“I don’t come into your classroom and tell you how to teach. I would appreciate it if you didn’t come into my business and tell me how to run it.” The anger bubbled again.
“I’m not doing that. I was talking to a group of your employees and they spoke pretty passionately about it. I said it was an interesting idea and something you’d look into.”
“You do not speak for me.”
“What was I supposed to do?” she asked, a slight edge to her voice. “As far as they’re all concerned, I’m your girlfriend. The entire point of this exercise is to make the world think you’re a nice guy. Nice guys listen to good ideas.”
He couldn’t take much more of this. “It’s not a good idea. I listen when the person talking has something worthwhile to say.”
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