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“But I’m doing all right,” I say. “Really. I’m taking a break and figuring things out.” I gesture at the bathroom door. “We’re figuring things out.”
“That’s good to hear. I’m not surprised that Oliver stood by you. He’s always had a good heart.”
“Yeah.” I bite my cheek. “He really does.”
“And your mother? She’s doing well?”
“She’s doing great,” I say. “Really great, actually.”
“I’m happy to hear that.” Fiona shifts on her elegant heels. “If you don’t mind me prying a bit, how much have you figured out so far?” she asks. “Where will you go from here?”
I awkwardly scratch behind my ear. “I’m not sure. I’ll probably find another assistant gig somewhere. Not really trained for much else...” I feign a chuckle. “Though, I’m not sure how long it’ll take for me to shake off my new reputation as the whore of Botsford Plaza.”
“From my experience, it takes a few years,” Fiona jokes.
“Ah. That’s great.”
“Luckily, people nowadays have shorter memories and even shorter attention spans, so I think you’ll find yourself back on your feet in no time.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“In fact,” she smiles, “how would you like to come work for me?”
I blink twice. “For you?”
“I’ve announced my candidacy for senate, as you know. Turns out, it’s a lot of work.”
“I can imagine,” I say, my throat going dry.
“I need someone to help me manage it.”
“You mean, like… a campaign manager?” I ask.
“That’s exactly what I mean. I hope you don’t mind, but I asked Graham for a copy of your recommendation letter. He’s rather confident in your abilities, and he reiterated just that last night when I spoke to him.”
“But...” I exhale hard. “With all due respect, Fiona, I know nothing about politics.”
“But you are quite adept at herding cats,” she quips. “Believe me when I say the difference is negligible.”
I laugh at the joke, but it doesn’t help the tightness in my chest.
“What do you say, Paige?” she asks, eager and kind. “I’d be honored if you joined my team.”
“I honestly don’t know what to say,” I answer.
“Just don’t say no. At least, not until you’ve looked over this.” She opens her handbag and withdraws a blue folder. “This should answer most of your questions. Benefits. Travel requirements. Salary, which is negotiable.”
I take the folder, desperately hoping the shaking in my fingers isn’t too noticeable. “Travel requirements?” I ask.
“We’re going to hit Nevada from top-to-bottom before November,” she says. “If we win, you might find yourself in Washington a lot. Especially if you accept a position on my staff, which I sincerely hope you do, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
“Wow.” I blink, too stunned to do anything else. “Okay.”
She steps forward and places her hand on my shoulder. “You have my number. Please, let me know what you decide. I won’t start looking for anyone else until you do.”
I nod, my tongue heavy with nervous excitement. “I will,” I say. “Thank you, Fiona. For thinking of me.”
She slides her handbag up her arm. “I’ve always liked you, Paige. I see a bit of myself in you, truth be told.”
