Chapter 8 8 Terms & Conditions

"So help me build that bond with them," Hollis said with determination in his voice as he looked directly into my eyes. "Help me, please." I sighed, feeling the weight of his request. I don't know what I can do for this guy when I have so many problems of my own to deal with. Ben is after me; I don't have any money; I missed my flight and the job that was about to change my life; but here I am with billionaire Hollis, asking for my help. Great! What a drama is unfolding in my life. "Are you listening to me?" Hollis asked, his eyes searching mine for a response. "Ask me anything; I can give it to you, but help me connect with my children before it's too late," he pleaded. "Anything," I whispered, feeling the weight of his words. Connecting a billionaire with his estranged children seemed like an impossible task, but I knew I had to try. This could be my chance to make a real difference in someone's life and change my life in the process. "Just ask for cash, a house, cars, private jets, whatever you need," Hollis offered, desperation evident in his voice. "I don't need any of that," I replied firmly. "Then what do you need?" he asked, confusion evident in his expression. "I need your time and effort to rebuild the relationship with your children," I said, determined to help him mend what was broken before it was too late. "Can we talk somewhere comfortable?" I said this with my back aching from all the stress and tension in the situation. Hollis nodded. "Come with me to my office; we can talk there in private." I followed him, hoping that this conversation would be the start of a new chapter in our relationship. He opened the door to his office and gestured for me to take a seat. "Wow, this is a nice space you have here," I commented, trying to break the ice before diving into the difficult conversation ahead. Hollis smiled, appreciating the effort to lighten the mood before discussing such heavy topics. I stare at the space filled with books and family photos, wondering what secrets and stories they hold within them. A large table in the middle of the room caught my eye, covered in papers and files that hinted at the work Hollis did behind closed doors. Hollis cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Let's get down to business." I nodded my head, sitting on a chair and pulling out my own notebook to begin the meeting. "Notebook..." Hollis raised his eyebrow. "What are you planning on taking notes?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. I simply smiled and replied, "I like to be prepared for any surprises that may come up during our discussion." Hollis chuckled and nodded, signaling the start of our serious conversation. "And I always find it helpful to have a record of what was discussed." Hollis stood before me, his heart towering over me as he leaned close to me, his face mere inches away from mine. "I like your style," he said with a grin before taking his seat across from me. "But we are discussing my children, not some mysterious business deal," he added, his tone softening slightly. I nodded, staring at him intently, ready to delve into the topic at hand. "Of course, and children are far more important than any business deal. Let's make sure we cover everything thoroughly." Hollis laughed softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Agreed," he said, reaching for a pen and notebook. "Let's get started." "I am not an expert, nor do I have children of my own, but I am here to help in any way I can," I replied, eager to assist him in his parenting journey. "Don't blame me if I may offer some unconventional advice," I added with a smile, ready to brainstorm ideas together. Hollis chuckled, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, signaling the beginning of our productive discussion. I asked, "Do you know how old Summer and Max are?" I asked. It was irrelevant, but I was curious. "I am there, Father; of course I know," Hollis replied with a laugh. "Summer is 7, and Max is 10 months." "Great, so do you know what they like to do for fun?" I inquired, hoping to tailor my suggestions to their interests. "Their favorite food or something they enjoy doing?" Hollis nodded, eager to share. "Summer loves arts and crafts, while Max can't get enough of playing with his toy cars." I bite the pen in thought, jotting down notes to remember for future reference. "You know so much, then why is it hard to connect with them?" I asked, genuinely curious. Hollis sighed. "After the death of their mother, they've been going through a tough time adjusting. It's been a struggle for all of us." Hollis said there was a hint of sadness in their voice. "Honestly, I was never a good dad; it was my wife who always knew how to connect with them. Now that she's gone, I'm just trying my best to fill her shoes." I stare at him, realizing the weight of his words and the burden he must be carrying. It's clear that he's doing his best in a difficult situation, and I feel a sense of empathy towards him. "You miss her too, don't you?" I ask gently, hoping to offer some comfort in his time of need. Hollis looked at me, his face stern yet vulnerable. " I do," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "She was the glue that held us all together. It's been hard without her." "She is lucky to have someone like you to love her," I say softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. Hollis nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thank you," he murmurs, his eyes reflecting gratitude and sadness. Not everyone is lucky enough to find love like that in their lifetime. I thought in my mind, reminiscing about my time with Ben, the man who had once made me feel the same way. But his love is more of an obsession than a blessing, consuming me in ways I never thought possible. I shook my head, pushing those memories aside as I focused on being there for Hollis in his time of need. "You know what your wife will always be with you—in your heart and your memories," I say softly, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You are going to be a wonderful father, and I will help you every step of the way," I said, offering him a reassuring smile. "So you agree to be my nanny?" He asked with a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Not yours, but your child's," I replied with a chuckle. "I'll be there for both of you." "Thank you... for everything," Hollis said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Don't thank me, because I need you to do one thing for me in return," I said, my tone serious. "What do you need from me?" Hollis asked, his expression now serious as well. "I can't tell you yet, but when the time comes, I hope you'll be willing to help me," I said cryptically, a hint of mystery in my voice. "I will do anything for you," Hollis responded, determination in his eyes. "Just say the word." I stare at his unwavering gaze, feeling a sense of reassurance in his words. I just hope he can protect me from Ben if things go south. I don't know if I could count on Hollis, but the thought of Ben's potential reaction still lingered in the back of my mind. I had to trust that Hollis would come through for me when the time came. "I will when the time is right."