Page 24 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess

"Well, I don’t mind that," she says with a confident laugh.

"You might not, but I still need a little to buy the oat milk." I get up, offering her my hand. "You coming?"

"Okay!"

Well, that was close. How did she even slip out of the building without someone noticing? Surely, someone would notice the boss’s little niece wandering off.

"Your name’s Kim, right?" she asks, looking up at me with curiosity.

"That’s right. You remembered my name. Cool." Probably not easy with all the women Gabriel meets.

"Of all my uncle's girlfriends, I like you the best."

"Really?" Well, I’m happy to hear that.

"You're the first one who gave me money for the swear jar."

Oh, I see. Well, I don’t even know what to say to that.

"Mom always says money is the most important thing in life."

Ouch. Gabriel’s sister must be loaded too. Why does she have to teach her kid stuff like that?

"Self-love. Health. Family. Friends. Personally, I think those are the most important things. Self-love, because you should like and love yourself. Health, because we always take it for granted. Family, because they’re always there for us and we can give back. Friends, because they make life better, and we make theirs better too." The little girl falls silent. "But having a little money to afford a place to live and buy food is good too."

"Hot chocolate, for example," she says.

"Exactly. And I’m sharing it with you because we’re friends."

"Really?" Her eyes widen.

"Yes. You share what you love with friends. And I really love hot chocolate." Maybe I can teach her a little with this small gesture.

"Hmm." She ponders as we reach the glass doors, which automatically slide open for us.

"Hello. I’d like to see Mr. Kensington. He’s missing someone." I look down at Rosie, who glances at the two receptionists, who can’t believe who just walked in. They stare at each other in disbelief.

"Wait. Was the little girl outside?" one of them stammers.

"Yes. But Rosie and I are friends. So, we thought we’d come back together to see Gabriel. Right?" I glance at Rosie, who nods. "Is he in his office?"

"Uh, I… I’ll call upstairs right away. Just a moment, please!" the receptionist stammers, grabbing the phone, while the other leans nervously over the counter, swallowing. These two really messed up. If they weren’t so busy with their phones, they would’ve noticed Rosie sneaking out and stopped her.

"Hey, Bree here from reception. Uh, Rosie is down here. I’ll send her up, okay? With, uh…"

"Kim." I nod politely.

"With Kim," the receptionist repeats, looking nervous, then nods. "Yes, all good. Okay. Mm-hmm. Okay, bye." She points toward the elevator and starts to explain, "Just go—"

"I know the way. Thanks." I look at Rosie and guide her to the elevators.

"How did you manage to get outside without anyone noticing?" I ask.

"Oh, that was super easy. I waited up front until a woman came, then just walked behind her. They probably thought I was her daughter." Clever kid, you have to give her that. A true little escape artist.

"You're one smart girl," I compliment her.

"Gabriel says that too sometimes. But it annoys him," she reveals. Well, that's interesting. She’s probably run away a few times before.