AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It isn’t optimism to want to see the best in someone,” she counters.
“Actually,” Suki says, her eyes on her food as she grabs another bite, “that’s exactly what optimism is.”
We all giggle. I finish my wine and rise to refill everyone’s glasses.
“I think Oakley broke something in Sam when she crushed his heart,” Mads declares.
She holds her glass closer to me, and I fill it again.
“Actually,” Oakley starts, “he broke my heart. But that’s past history. Sam and I were never right for each other. I just didn’t see it until I started dating Chase.”
“Chase patched that broken heart up until it was good as new,” Mads says with a smirk.
“How are things going with him?” I ask.
“Fabulously,” she answers with a wide smile and a flush to her cheeks.
We talk about Chase and St. Louis. And Mads fills us in on her relationship with Ollie. They are still going strong too. Suki’s dating, and she describes her latest escapades. They ask about Eliott. There isn’t much new to tell, but I confirm that we are still together and things are fine. I leave out the part where he mentioned marriage.
“Well, I have news too,” I declare when there’s a beat of silence, emboldened by the alcohol. Everyone’s eyes focus on me. “I lost my job today.”
Sympathy fills the open air. Suki watches quietly. She already knows all the details of my bad day.
“Haven’t you been working at that place since you moved here?” Oakley inquires. “What happened?”
“It’s a family-owned business, a small coffee shop and bakery. And, yes, I’ve been there since I moved here. They’ve struggled a bit lately. Business isn’t as good as it used to be. Their kids took over a few months back, and things have gone downhill since. Because money is tight, they are cutting back. And since I’m not family, I’m the first to go.”
“I’m sure you’ll find another job fast,” Oakley replies kindly. Her optimism doesn’t end with ex-boyfriends.
“I have to,” I admit. “I need money coming in to pay the bills. My savings account is balancing on nothing.”
Madison’s head whips up, her eyes wide and flashing as she stares at me. “I have a solution!”
I smile cautiously. “I’m almost scare to ask …”
“Come work for the firm,” she continues excitedly.
I narrow my eyes in confusion. “I don’t have any PR experience.”
She shakes her head, and her wine sloshes precariously close to the rim with the movement. She sets it down. “Not to work in PR. I need someone to keep Sam in line.”
“What do you mean?” I ask with a furrowed brow.
“You know how they have sober companions for alcoholics? My boss wants someone like that to keep Sam on the straight and narrow for the rest of the year. You’re responsible. Level-headed. You’d be perfect.”
“You mean, like an adult babysitter?” Suki asks.
Oakley snorts.
Madison points at Suki. “That’s exactly what I mean.” She turns toward me and leans in, taking my hands. “It’s a win-win. You need a job and money; I need someone to deal with Sam. It pays well, and it’s temporary …”
She tells me specifics about the offer, accentuating the compensation, and it’s much more than I’ve ever made, working at the coffee shop. I’ve spent so many years worrying about money. This could set me up for a while. She dangles the cash in front of my face like a carrot.
I drain my glass, set it aside, and lean against the backrest. “What exactly would I have to do?” I sigh. I’m still unbalanced by her suggestion.
Mads smiles like she has me right where she wants me. She’s always been determined. “It’s a piece of cake. You make sure he doesn’t get sloppy drunk when he’s out for a night on the town. You keep him from getting photographed with women in … compromising situations. Basically, make sure he’s living clean—or at least portraying that image. And he can’t touch you. There’s a no fraternization clause.”
“For how long?” Suki asks while I’m mulling it over.
