whatever functions are on my schedule.”
“What if I get another job?”
“You won’t,” Russ says coolly than takes another sip of his champagne.
“Yes. Yes I am. I will,” I say. The bookstore thing might actually work out in my favor, and as curious as I am about whatever this is, I’m not going to let it get in the way of gainful employment. “So what happens after thirty days is up? I’m jobless and facing destitution again. I need to have a job waiting for me, Russ.”
He looks down, seemingly to think about what I’ve said. I grab my champagne and down the rest in two gulps. Without missing a beat, Russ tops off my glass.
“Fine. You can continue your search for a job and or work as long as it doesn’t interfere with our agreement.”
“Okay. What about Trey? I’m a mom first, you know. I can’t just go and do as I please.”
“I understand and I admire you for that. You’re an amazing mother. That’s why I wanted to know what you think about us meeting. I still owe him that advice.”
“Russ… I don’t know… I… I don’t want to confuse him or upset him. I’d have to think about that.”
“Fair enough. But if you do agree, I’d like to introduce him to a professional caregiver that comes highly recommended.”
“You found a babysitter?” The incredulity in my voice is hard to miss. Another small smile tilts up one side of Russ’s delectable mouth.
“Caregiver,” he corrects me. “While you and I are spending time together, Trey would also be having a great time doing whatever he wants. Within reason, of course.” Russ quickly adds the last bit when I show my squinty Mom eyes. “Speaking of Trey, I assume he’s with Maggie?”
“Yes. And unfortunately, Maggie doesn’t comply with the ‘within reason’ part of anything. I’m sure he’ll have a fresh cavity by the time he comes home tomorrow.” I smile ruefully, thinking of him and Maggie having a junk food fest and a trip to the dentist that I can’t afford.
“If you agree to this, I promise it will be worth your time and effort. In return for your time, I’ll take care of any outstanding debt. You’re welcome to stay in your apartment. All outstanding debts due the property will be forgiven. You’ll have everything you need and hopefully,” he takes another sip of his champagne, “some things you want too.”
My mouth goes a little dry. The champagne seems to be kicking in. Warmth spreads through my arms and legs. My cheeks begin to heat, but it’s difficult to say who or what is to blame, Russ or the alcohol.
“What about… um… y-you know.” I stumble through the words, trying to figure out how to ask what I want to know.
Russ leans forward across the table and takes my hand in his. His thumb makes slow passes back and forth over the back of my hand. “Linds, I will never hurt you. I’ll never do anything or expect anything from you that you don’t want to give.”
I nod and swallow hard. I trust him and I need this. The only person I don’t trust is myself. I can’t fall in love with Russ. At least not any more than I already am and have been for years.
“Now you’re the one with thirty days,” I say coyly.
Russ gives me an utterly wounding, boyish grin and takes my hand in his. “Fair enough.”
The air in my lungs seems to be stuck in place. I’m like an enamored schoolgirl, frozen, staring and admiring his features. His hand holds mine gently but firmly for the longest handshake of my life. This is going to be an issue.
I watch as Russ presses a button on his phone and less than sixty seconds later the server appears with a cart. This feels so formal. I’ve never really been to a meal this fancy. The array of flatware before me is daunting and it’s all I can do to not slouch down in defeat. The server sets steaming plates of food in front of us and while this meal will probably be the best meal I’ve ever eaten, food isn’t exactly what I have on my mind.
Russ
“What if I get another job?”
“You won’t,” Russ says coolly than takes another sip of his champagne.
“Yes. Yes I am. I will,” I say. The bookstore thing might actually work out in my favor, and as curious as I am about whatever this is, I’m not going to let it get in the way of gainful employment. “So what happens after thirty days is up? I’m jobless and facing destitution again. I need to have a job waiting for me, Russ.”
He looks down, seemingly to think about what I’ve said. I grab my champagne and down the rest in two gulps. Without missing a beat, Russ tops off my glass.
“Fine. You can continue your search for a job and or work as long as it doesn’t interfere with our agreement.”
“Okay. What about Trey? I’m a mom first, you know. I can’t just go and do as I please.”
“I understand and I admire you for that. You’re an amazing mother. That’s why I wanted to know what you think about us meeting. I still owe him that advice.”
“Russ… I don’t know… I… I don’t want to confuse him or upset him. I’d have to think about that.”
“Fair enough. But if you do agree, I’d like to introduce him to a professional caregiver that comes highly recommended.”
“You found a babysitter?” The incredulity in my voice is hard to miss. Another small smile tilts up one side of Russ’s delectable mouth.
“Caregiver,” he corrects me. “While you and I are spending time together, Trey would also be having a great time doing whatever he wants. Within reason, of course.” Russ quickly adds the last bit when I show my squinty Mom eyes. “Speaking of Trey, I assume he’s with Maggie?”
“Yes. And unfortunately, Maggie doesn’t comply with the ‘within reason’ part of anything. I’m sure he’ll have a fresh cavity by the time he comes home tomorrow.” I smile ruefully, thinking of him and Maggie having a junk food fest and a trip to the dentist that I can’t afford.
“If you agree to this, I promise it will be worth your time and effort. In return for your time, I’ll take care of any outstanding debt. You’re welcome to stay in your apartment. All outstanding debts due the property will be forgiven. You’ll have everything you need and hopefully,” he takes another sip of his champagne, “some things you want too.”
My mouth goes a little dry. The champagne seems to be kicking in. Warmth spreads through my arms and legs. My cheeks begin to heat, but it’s difficult to say who or what is to blame, Russ or the alcohol.
“What about… um… y-you know.” I stumble through the words, trying to figure out how to ask what I want to know.
Russ leans forward across the table and takes my hand in his. His thumb makes slow passes back and forth over the back of my hand. “Linds, I will never hurt you. I’ll never do anything or expect anything from you that you don’t want to give.”
I nod and swallow hard. I trust him and I need this. The only person I don’t trust is myself. I can’t fall in love with Russ. At least not any more than I already am and have been for years.
“Now you’re the one with thirty days,” I say coyly.
Russ gives me an utterly wounding, boyish grin and takes my hand in his. “Fair enough.”
The air in my lungs seems to be stuck in place. I’m like an enamored schoolgirl, frozen, staring and admiring his features. His hand holds mine gently but firmly for the longest handshake of my life. This is going to be an issue.
I watch as Russ presses a button on his phone and less than sixty seconds later the server appears with a cart. This feels so formal. I’ve never really been to a meal this fancy. The array of flatware before me is daunting and it’s all I can do to not slouch down in defeat. The server sets steaming plates of food in front of us and while this meal will probably be the best meal I’ve ever eaten, food isn’t exactly what I have on my mind.
Russ
Similar Books
