3| City

Chapter 3: City (Amy's POV)

I awoke to Blake screaming in his crib, groaning. I get up and make my way over to him, tripping over toys as I go. I smile, picking him up. "Hey, it's okay." I said, bouncing him a little. Looking at the clock, I suppressed a sigh. It was currently 5:30 in the morning, and Blake was up, which meant no more sleep. I walk into the kitchen, grab a bottle, and settle down at the island. This marked the first week since I arrived in New York, and I hadn't slept a wink.

 Blake was constantly crying, and Makayla had a meltdown every time I left her alone. She followed me everywhere and wanted to do everything I was doing. It was cute, but I struggled to balance two kids, work, and finding time for myself. I was currently staying in the apartment Jessica had bought for me. A prickle of sadness ran through me, and I took a deep breath. The funeral was set to take place on March 1st, and after that, I had a lot to think about.

 I couldn't just leave New York; Makayla and Blake needed me, and I needed them, but at the same time, I couldn't stay here forever. The rent wasn't cheap, and I couldn't pay the $2,000 by the end of the month, even if I wanted to. Granted, my job paid well, but it didn't pay that much. I only got paid once a week, and that was $200 to $300, which wasn't considered to be a lot, but New York was way more expensive than Toronto. Jessica had always paid my rent because she had a high-end job, and she just wouldn't let me pay it.

I was working from home on my laptop most of the time, but I'm starting to go a little bit stir crazy, so I decided today we would have some fun and go out and see the city. That was, of course, when Blake finished his bottle, Makayla also woke up, and I got myself ready for the day. 

 After Blake finished his bottle, I put him in his playpen and started on a nice cup of raspberry leaf tea. I made a quick fruit parfait for myself and started making bacon and eggs for Makayla. By the time I was done making breakfast, she was pattering down the hallway in her little Hello Kitty pajamas, asking what was for breakfast.

"I made you bacon and eggs just how you like it." She clapped. I picked her up and placed her at the table before going back to the island and sitting down, opening up my laptop. I saw a FaceTime request from Liam. It was a little weird, considering how early it was. It was now 6:00 in the morning, and he was currently up and probably at the office, but it was so weird not being there and seeing him and Autumn every morning. 

I accepted the invitation and waited for him to come on the screen. In about three rings, I saw his face, and it brought a smile to mine. 

"Good morning, Amy! Sorry for calling so early." He apologized; he must have seen how tired I was. I had dark circles under my eyes, and I hadn't rushed my hair all week or changed out of my pajamas. 

"Good morning." I said, taking a bite of my breakfast. "How's everything going?"

"Good. I wanted to talk about when you would be back or if you would stay in New York." Liam cleared his throat, and I could see visibly that he was nervous about something.

"Sure. You know I plan on coming back, right? It's just that I have to situate everything here with my family first."

"Yes, I know that, but you did say that you would have to stay in New York until they processed your adoption application. I was just wondering if maybe instead of coming back to Toronto, staying in New York would be better." I nearly choked. stay in New York? What was wrong with him? I couldn't stay in New York because it was too expensive. Second, what would I do here? 

"What?" 

Liam sighed. "Look, Amy I know you don't like the idea of staying in New York, but out of experience, I think it's best if you do. There are so many great opportunities there and way better jobs. It could help boost your business career, and your niece and nephew wouldn't have to worry about moving to a whole new place right after the loss of their parents." He explained. 

"But I've been working for you for over 5 years since I started at the company." I blurted out, "How am I supposed to let those years go to waste and my friendship with you and Autumn?"

"Well, I have a great contact over there that I've known since high school. His name is Chris Goodman. I heard yesterday that his partner is looking for a new personal assistant." 

"Personal assistant? Me? No, I would be the worst personal assistant ever, and plus, I didn't spend my years at university just to be someone's personal assistant." 

"Come on, Amy. It's a good job, and Chris filled me in already. If you get it, you get paid a thousand to $2,000 at the end of every month." Liam looked at me, pleading, "It would get you more experience in the business field, and it would allow you to get more hands-on experience." 

I raced an eyebrow at that, his eyes immediately going wide. "No, I didn't mean it like that!" He defended. "I'm just saying it's a good job, and from what I hear, you're perfect for the position."

"How so?"

 "Well, for starters, you have never taken a sick day or taken a day off. You don't mind long hours and a lot of work; you're never late, and you always said you wanted to work at a big company; now this is your chance."

 "Who would I even be working for?" I asked, generally curious. 

 "You would be working for Isaiah Ford, the CEO of Ford Enterprises."

 I spit my tea all over myself in shock. "The CEO of Ford Enterprises, as in the richest and most powerful CEO in New York!"

 "That's the one." Liam smiled. "You always talked about working at a big company and working for something powerful. If you take the job, then you get what you want—a good job that pays a lot of money, and you get to keep your family in New York." 

 "Wait! Do you know who Isaiah Ford even is?" I shout, causing Michaela to look at me. I offer her a small smile before turning back to the screen.

 "Of course I know who he is." Liam scoffs, slightly offended. "I also know that he doesn't have job interviews very often."

 "How would I even be an applicant for that? I haven't even done paperwork or anything of that sort." Nervousness filled my belly, and I fiddled with my hands underneath the table, suddenly not hungry anymore.

 "Well, lucky for you, you have an awesome boss who made a call and got you an interview if you decide to take it tomorrow." 

 I screamed, jumping out of my seat. "Tomorrow?!" 

 "Yep, that's if you decide to take it. I already sent them your resume and everything that you need in order to get the job. All you need to do is go in there yourself, answer a few questions, and hopefully come out with a new job." 

 I smiled silently, screaming in my head. If I got a job for Isaiah Ford, that would be the best in the world. Suddenly, I stopped a thought making its way into my head. "What about you and Autumn? I can't just leave you two there." 

Liam sat back in his seat. "Well, lucky for you. I have a few business meetings taking place in New York next month, and now that you're gone, I plan on promoting Autumn to your place if that's what you want, and she'll come with me so we can visit you." 

 "I haven't said yes." I said, crossing my arms and giving him a pointed look. "Are you trying to get rid of me?" 

 "I know you, and I also know that this opportunity would change your life." Liam looked up from the screen, and I instantly knew that someone was talking to him. He turned back to me with a guilty look on his face. "I have to go. I have a meeting, but just think of your options today. I'll still send Chris your details and profile."

 "Okay, thank you." I shut my laptop, grabbing my bowl and putting it in the sink before turning back to face a very confused-looking Makayla. "We're going out today." I say it with a sing-song voice, offering her a bright smile.

 She looks at me with wide eyes before screaming loudly and running in circles, chanting hot chocolate over and over again. I laughed before going to pick up Blake and helping them both change. Makayla. wore a simple white and pink dress with a bow in her hair. Blake just wore a blue onesie and hat, along with mittens, to make sure that he stayed warm. It was still technically winter, even though it was toward the end of February. I opted for a simple black dress with matching leggings underneath and a brown blazer. 

Loading them in the car I quickly grabbed Blake's stroller and a sweater for Michaela in case she got cold. We drove around for a long time until I stopped at a tiny little cafe. I explained to Makayla that Jessica and I used to visit this place when we were kids. We absolutely loved it, and every time we had to leave, we would throw a fit. 

 I placed Makayla down as I strapped Blake into the baby carrier. Walking in, Makayla's grip was tight on my hand. I offered the waitress a smile, and she directed us towards a booth. 

 "Hi, welcome. What can I get started for you today?" She offered a small smile, her eyes going wide with cuteness, noticing Blake. "What a cute baby!" 

"Thank you." I scanned the menu before looking up and meeting Makayla's eyes. I laughed at the excitement in them as she gazed at the hot chocolate on the menu. "We'll have two hot chocolates, large, with extra chocolate sauce and whipped cream." 

 "All right I will get right on that. Do you want any food?" 

 I shook my head. "Nope, we're good for now."

While we waited for our order, the waitress, whose name I learned was also Mikayla, came back with coloring books and coloring pages. We stayed at the tiny cafe for at least an hour, having fun laughing, eating cake pops, and coloring together. As we were heading out, I exchanged numbers with Mikayla, who informed me that her grandmother was actually the owner of the cafe and was being trained to take over once she retired.

"Well, I wish you luck." I said, putting a $5 tip on the counter. "I'll bring them back after my interview tomorrow." Pointing to Blake and Makayla.

"Oh, you have an interview tomorrow?"

 "Yeah, at Ford Enterprises," I said and watched as she became a deer in headlights, freezing. "Are you all right?"

 She shook her head and ran a hand through her hair before offering me a small smile. "Yeah, I'm just hoping Isaiah doesn't pull out your hair; he can be quite a character."

 I was taken aback. "You know Isaiah Ford."

 "Unfortunately." She said, giving me the receipt, "My sister, Maddie, works at his company for his business partner, Chris Goodman." 

 "Well, I'll keep that in mind." I said, with a smile. Putting McKayla and Blake back in the car, I started the journey back to the apartment. They were both pretty tired, and, to be honest, I could use a nap myself. By the time I turned off the ignition and looked back at them, both of them were peacefully sleeping in the back. Blake was clutching on to his soft bunny-stuffed animal, and Makayla had chocolate all over her mouth still. 

 Carrying them both to the elevator was hard, but not as difficult as I thought it would be, thanks to the baby carrier. Putting them both down for a nap, I quickly changed and lay down on the couch, flipping on the TV, and watching the show Say Yes to the Dress. I laughed watching Monty and Lori. They were my favorite characters, partly because they were the funniest duo I had ever seen and also because they were just funny to watch in general.

 Around 5:00, I started cooking dinner of some fried chicken and rice and prepared Blake's baby bottle. After eating, we settled down in the living room to watch Inside Out. I was currently scrolling through my emails when I stumbled upon one from Ford Enterprises.

Dear Miss Hale, 

We are looking forward to meeting you tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. for an interview. Please reply to this email if you plan on attending or want to change the time. 

Sincerely, Chris Goodman.

 I groaned. I knew I should at least go to the interview and look at my options. Liam had already said he was expecting me to take the job, and he was correct. It would help me in my future career, wanting to own or operate my own business, but I was also extremely nervous. Isaiah Ford had the most unbelievable expectations, and if you didn't exceed his expectations, he would fire you within 5 minutes. 

 On top of that, I didn't have a sitter for Blake. Makayla didn't go back to school until after the funeral, so I also needed to find out if she could go back into the daycare program or if I could somehow find someone who was willing to babysit them both for 2 hours. I was still a nervous wreck by the time I put them both to bed. I had called Autumn an hour ago to explain my predicament, and despite my best wishes, she ordered me to go to the interview. 

 I laid out my clothes for tomorrow and got into bed. It was only about 8:30, but I knew I had to be up early in the morning anyway, and I knew that Blake would probably wake up multiple times screaming for either a diaper change or a feeding. I grabbed my book and read for at least 30 minutes before turning my lamp off. Plugging in my phone and turning it on do not disturb. Before I arrange myself under the covers and close my eyes. Tomorrow would be a very long day, and I needed all the rest I could get. 

My only thought as I drifted into unconsciousness was that of the interview and me hopefully getting the job.