Innocent Tears

By Iris Blobel

Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn McCormack, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it pulls the feet right out from underneath him. He's become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight. He didn't know about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody.

With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents' ideas, and Emma is voicing her opinion, too, leaving Nadine right in the middle of it all, still grieving the loss of her mother. There's no doubt she's afraid about where and with whom she will settle.

Will a letter Flynn receives help him decide what to do?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Iris Blobel
• Release date: Dec 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201658977

Iris Blobel

Iris Blobel writes warm, sexy, and sometimes witty Australian Contemporary Romance books for readers who, like herself, still strongly believe in love and Happily Ever Afters. And she knows HEAs. Her couples are hungry for life, done with the past, passionate about family, and emotionally hopeful for a future. The stories are mainly set in Australia but also in New Zealand and even the US, depending on where her travels take her. She loves nothing more than for her readers to join her on her journeys. For more information, join her on FB https://bit.ly/3CGtIk8

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INNOCENT TEARS

Copyright © 2018 IRIS BLOBEL

Second Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in a review and certain non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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One

MY mum is dead.

Startled, Emma peeked over the reception desk and right into a pair of beautiful green eyes belonging to a little girl with brown curly hair and a freckled button nose, and despite of the girl’s words, a faint smile tugged at Emma’s lips. The girl’s eyes that held a hint of mischief and curiosity, as well as sadness, and Emma was drawn to her instantly.

Nadine!

An elderly woman approached the reception and her stern voice caused Emma to flinch. She saw the girl stiffen, her eyes wide open now.

My apologies for that, the woman said to Emma, although the expression on her face didn’t reveal any signs of regrets.

Emma studied the face across the counter, which reflected a life of bitterness, the lines around her eyes and mouth deep and weathered. An elderly man joined them, and after a brief nod of acknowledgment Emma asked, May I help you?

Yes. We would like to check in. Gibbs. Teresa Gibbs, the woman answered.

Emma typed the name on the keyboard, and while she waited for the details, she smiled at the girl, and asked, Holidays?

Nadine’s face spread into a small smile that was just enough to show she had her two top teeth missing.

And I see the tooth fairy has been to see you recently.

Excuse me— Mrs. Gibbs glanced at Emma’s name badge. —Emma. Can we proceed with the check-in please?

My apologies, ma’am. Emma read the details on the screen, made a few notes, and turned to activate the automated door card in the back office. All the while, she was conscious of Mrs. Gibbs’ glare on her, and she instinctively pulled on her navy uniform skirt. She hated how the woman made her uncomfortable. Retrieving a paper pouch for the card, Emma sighed inwardly. She was in her early twenties and still lacked confidence, not to mention she worried about other people’s opinions of her. Tucking an escaping strand of her tawny hair behind her ear, she tried to keep a positive attitude because, after all, she loved working at the All Stars Hotel in Melbourne. It was something she had always wanted to do—to welcome people to this beautiful city and make their stay as comfortable as possible. And she was often told how popular she was with staff and guests alike for her positive attitude, her generous heart, and her kind spirit.

Ma’am, that’d be room five-O-two. If you go to the right over there, take the lift to the fifth floor, and follow the hall to the near end, you will find room five-O-two on your right.

Teresa Gibbs took the card from Emma and turned it in her hands.

Ma’am, you slide it into the door instead of a key. I’m happy to ask someone to come with you and show—

I’ll be fine. Thank you. And without any more words, Mrs. Gibbs turned to go.

Biting back a comment, Emma leaned across the counter instead and smiled at Nadine. Enjoy your holidays, she said with a wink. And come see me sometime to tell me about the tooth fairy.

We’re not on a holiday, the girl replied in almost a whisper. We’re here to meet my dad.

She watched the girl hop off after Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, who Emma assumed were the girl’s grandparents. The girl’s words about her father played on Emma’s mind, and she tried to figure out the meaning of it when she remembered what the girl had said about her mother. Sadness settled within her as she watched Mrs. Gibbs rushing her husband and Nadine into the lift before the door slid shut.

A familiar voice brought her back from her wandering thoughts. Emma! Come on, stop dreaming.

Emma shot around and saw Jack, standing next to her. He wasn’t only her colleague, but also her flatmate, as they shared living in a small house. The corners of her mouth curved. Jack! Where’ve you been?

He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. Morning tea.

Are you serious? You were gone for an hour, leaving me with all the check-ins and no time for the mail and bookings.

Grinning, he ruffled her hair, leaving her ponytail in a mess. Another bad hair day?

She gently pushed him away and rolled her eyes. You’re avoiding the subject.

With raised eyebrows he asked, Which subject?

She exhaled a long breath and headed towards the small office to collect the mail when she heard the sound of the familiar voice behind her.

Miss Gallagher.

Emma winced and with heat creeping up her cheeks she slowly turned to her boss. Good morning, Mr. Morgan, she said with her shoulders slouched, cursing Jack inside as she saw him out of the corner of her eye attending to a guest. Typical of him to leave her when she needed a bit of help. Leo Morgan’s square jaw tensed. A man in his mid-forties, he was still handsome with a slender build, olive skin tone, and startlingly clear blue eyes. His black hair with just a hint of grey at the temples lent him an air of authority.

He took a deep breath and stepped closer. Listen Emma, he said just above a whisper. I only hear good things about you. People like you. You have a good— He paused for a beat, scratching the back of his neck. —let’s call it repute. But there’s a certain standard here when it comes to work efficiency, and I need you to uphold that. Are we understood?

She nodded. Yes, sir.

Good. Now, go and do your job, and whatever it is between you two, keep it outside the hotel.

She stood straight. But there is nothing—

Miss Gallagher!

Yes, sir. Understood.

Emma swore under her breath as she turned to check-in the next few guests. Angry, she took some breaths to calm herself. Why did she always get into trouble with the manager? It annoyed her that despite her good work ethics she often found herself in a middle of a situation and getting the blame. Working on her confidence was high on her list, but obviously a lot of work still needed to be done.

It was barely after she had finished her shift later in the day that she was able to talk to Jack.

Thanks for getting me into trouble again.

Jack placed his arm around her, and gave her a kiss on her forehead. Sorry for that. But you seem to attract this guy.

Yes and his focus lands on me every time I screw up.

You’ll be all right. How about dinner at my place?

Emma gave him a gentle slap on his chest. Jerk!

He grinned, and held his arms up in defence. What?

✰ ✰ ✰

You’ve got to be joking, Flynn McCormack said into the phone. What do you mean you need to see me?

Pacing up and down his office, he finally settled by the window. He looked out, his gaze wandering along the Yarra River, watching people strolling along the Southbank Promenade. He liked the view—seeing the people walking at different paces as they took in the sights, or looking for restaurants, or as they were simply in a rush to get to their next destination. His eyes wandered further up and took in the sight of the Eureka Tower. A small shiver went up his spine as he remembered what he had given up for being here, for making his life in Melbourne and for getting this job — something he often pushed to the back of his mind, because being a lawyer in Melbourne was all he’d ever wanted. The conversation he was having wasn’t going well, and he let out a long breath. Yes, I’ll be there. And this better be worth it.

He walked over to the door and swung it open with such force his assistant, Joyce, almost jumped out of her chair.

Sorry, Joyce. I didn’t mean to startle you, but could you please reschedule the appointment tomorrow afternoon with Harry? I have some private business I have to attend to.

No problem, Flynn. But you have your haircut with Richard tomorrow at—

Damn it, he mumbled and then let out some more curses.

Joyce raised her perfectly arched brows, and he knew she ignored his small outburst, patiently waiting for an answer.

He raked his hand through his hair, and while heading back into the office he said, No worries, I’ll go by tonight and see whether Richard can squeeze me in. And slammed the door shut.

Two

THE following Monday, Emma accepted a lift from Jack, who worked an extra hour Mondays and Fridays to cover for a longer lunch, when he was allowed to use the gym in the basement.

Now she was enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel’s café before starting her shift in an hour. She peered up from her corn flakes and saw her own blue eyes looking back at her in the reflection of the glass divider between the booths. A strand of hair had escaped her ponytail, and she secured it with a bobby pin. Thinking of the little girl from the other day, she hoped the child wasn’t teased for her freckles the way Emma had been. Her mother had always told her it gave her a mischievous look, yet in her twenties, she’d prefer to be attractive.

Excuse me?

Recalling the soft voice, Emma turned and met Nadine’s beautiful eyes. Good morning, Nadine. It was Nadine, wasn’t it?

The girl’s face lit up. Yes, but Mum always called me Naddie.

May I call you Naddie?

The girl gave a slow nod as Emma filled her glass with more orange juice, while studying the little girl out of the corner of her eye. Nadine held on to an oversized doll, which was dressed in the same way as Nadine—pink T-shirt imprinted with ‘My beautiful Princess’, a denim skirt with a princess on it surrounded by lots of pink hearts in all sizes, and pink shiny sandals. Her brown hair had been done up in a ponytail.

Where are your grandparents, Naddie?

Still in the room. Talking on the phone. Grandmother is always on the phone, Nadine added.

Do you think you’re allowed to have a bit of breakfast with me?

With excitement spreading across Nadine’s face, she nodded her head eagerly and sat opposite Emma.

Do they know where you are?

The little head bobbed up and down again and with her eyes wide open she replied, Told Grandpa.

I like your outfit, Emma said while she took another glass and filled it with juice.

Nadine took one of the rolls. Mum’s friend gave it to me for my birthday.

I take it you like princesses.

Yes!

And that was the keyword to get Nadine started. She was bubbling with information about her doll collection and which dolls she had at home, which one she would like to have, and not to forget all the princess movies. A kind of dizziness spread through Emma’s head, overwhelmed by all the details, but she enjoyed listening to her new friend.

Until a sudden firm voice interrupted them. Nadine!

The girl’s face instantly lost its spark.

My apologies. Mrs. Gibbs stopped in front of Emma. She hesitated. Emma, I suppose the name was?

Yes, ma’am.

I do apologise for my granddaughter. I have no idea where she gets her manners from.

Ma’am, there’s no need to apologise. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her company.

But Mrs. Gibbs had already grabbed Nadine by the wrist and pulled her off the seat. Then she turned to Emma again. I will need someone to look after Nadine this afternoon. Who would be the best person to contact here in the hotel to organise this for me?

Stunned by the question, Emma stared. Mrs. Gibbs glared back like Emma’s old English teacher from seventh grade, which was rather intimidating. The older woman had the same kind of ‘teacher’ hair, which probably used to be black and had now faded into grey tied up in a bun. Her face read like a map of her past, maybe a hard life or simply exhaustion. Her grey eyes had dulled with age, lifeless and hollow, and her mouth was drawn tight as if a polite word had never crossed those lips. Not to mention her clothes, which Emma guessed were older than Emma herself.

Well, I suppose the receptionist, which will be me in about fifteen minutes.

Can I leave this in your capable hands to organise?

Well... I suppose... I mean... that’s a new one for me, but I suppose, yes.

Mrs. Gibbs grew impatient. Emma, is that a yes or no?

It’s a yes, ma’am, Emma replied, slightly embarrassed, yet with more confidence this time, even though she had no idea how to handle this request.

Thanks, Emma. I would need someone between one and two-thirty.

And without any more words or thanks, she left with her granddaughter in tow. Emma gave a little wave to Nadine before she was out of her sight.

Rubbing her temples, she finished her breakfast, returned her dishes to the kitchen, and made her way to the reception area. She caught up with her friend, Jacqueline, before taking over her shift at the reception. Jacqui had worked with Emma for a few months now, and they’d got along from the very first day they shared reception duty. Until a few days back, anyway. Recent remarks by Jacqui regarding some of Jack’s attributes didn’t sit well with Emma and it was still hurtful and upsetting her. Jacqui was in her early twenties as well and had moved to Melbourne from a little town northwest of the state. She was tall and slender, with slim hips and curves in just the right places. Emma had envied her thick dark hair from the very beginning.

Today was an unusually quiet morning as Emma glanced across the hotel lobby. The spacious entrance lit up with crystal chandeliers in contrast to the contemporary colours of the sand-coloured marble floor and the walnut panelling on the walls. Again, Emma gazed enviously at the chocolate-brown coloured furnishings, which were, according to management, strategically selected and arranged to allow a visual play of light and space. She loved that slogan. It had so many words but didn’t say anything at all.

Nightshifts at the reception were usually done by Jacqueline, who studied Business Management during the day.

Hey, Jacqui?

Hmm?

How do I get a babysitter for this afternoon?

Jacqui stared at Emma and slowly lifted her eyebrows. A babysitter?

Yes, for room five-O-two. They need a babysitter for their granddaughter.

Wow, Em, you’ve just given me a fright.

Emma rolled her eyes, ignoring the comment.

Jacqui went over to the office and reached for a drawer, from which she removed a small folder. You should find all the details in here. But good luck. I’m not sure whether they can provide anybody on such short notice.

Great! Emma said wryly.

Jacqui patted her arm. You’ll be all right. Jack should be here any minute, and I’m sure he’ll happily give you a hand.

Unsure what to read into the last remark, Emma ignored it as well. She took the folder and quickly flicked through it. Thanks, Jacqui, she mumbled, but when she lifted her head she saw Jack in front of her and almost dropped the folder. Honestly, Jack. You scared the crap out of me.

A hand with what?

I need a babysitter.

Jack raised his eyebrows and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. No worries. I’ll look after you.

She choked out a soft laugh and shook her head. How could this man come without a license to charm? He stood there, so devilishly handsome with his spiky short blond hair, which not only showed a certain boldness, but also gave him a boyish charm. It was also a contrast to his tanned face. Jack was in his late twenties and had worked at the hotel for a few years already. With his dark brown eyes, framed by a gorgeous square face, he was the one who dealt with the guest complaints — and most of the time his self-confidence and charm captured their attention to the point that they had forgotten about the initial issue. He was a master at the reception desk.

As Emma placed the folder next to her desktop and logged onto the computer, she quickly recounted the events from earlier that morning and then attended to the guests who had arrived. She tried not to put too much attention to how abruptly Mrs. Gibbs had taken Nadine off the chair, but it stirred something inside her. Something she wasn’t able to define. Possibly hurt for the girl or the urge to give her a hug.

She shook her thoughts out of her head and focussed on work. It wasn’t a busy morning, and fortunately, Jack took over most of the check-ins. Which meant during her daily