Page 98 of Blue Line

“What’s up?”

“I wanted to check in and make sure you’re alright. I know you’re with Holt and Becca, but I was still worried.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m sorry if my offering to hire you when Wes came to talk to me caused all of this. I was planning to call you about the job anyway, but he showed up at the right time asking questions.”

Something about that makes me feel even worse. Even though I know that wasn’t her intention.

“It’s okay. I was just getting ready to call you about it actually.”

“Okay, well, I’m all ears.”

“I don’t think I can accept.”

“Awww, bum—”

“I can’t accept the permanent role, but I’d be happy to come on temporarily until you find someone.”

“Yeah?”

“If you’ll have me.”

“Of course.” She clears her throat. “Technically, you do still have to apply and interview with me and the head of marketing, but it would just be a formality.”

“I understand.”

We chat for a few minutes, setting up a time for me to come in next week for the interview, and she tells me she’ll email me the link for the application. After she apologizes again, even though I tell her it’s fine, we hang up.

I contemplate staying holed up in my room, but I know I should go socialize, see my family. Voices and laughter ring out from the living room, so I head that way.

“Hey, guys.” I peek into the room to see my brother and Becca on the floor with Hazel, who is having the time of her life as she crawls around, giggling and smiling.

“Hey, sis,” Holt says, getting to his feet and walking over to me. “Hug?” He holds out his arms, and I step into them. “You alright?” he asks against my hair.

“I think I will be. If I can figure out how to make it up to Wes.”

He lets go of me, and I take a step back. “I don’t think there’s anything to make up. You two just need to talk to each other.”

I toy with the hem of my shirt. “I should do something to show him that I’m all in when it comes to us.”

“Just don’t get a tattoo.”

“Why would I do that?” I ask, tilting my head and studying my brother.

“Apparently they’re a big romantic gesture.”

“Right.”

He squeezes my shoulder. “If you need help with whatever you’re planning, let me know.”

“Thanks.”

He settles back down on the floor with Hazel and Becca, and I take a seat next to him. Hazel’s giggles are infectious, and within a few minutes, I find myself smiling. She reaches for me, her stuffed dog in her hand.

An idea forms in my mind. An idea that, if things don’t work out with me and Wes, could one hundred percent backfire on me.

But I suppose that’s what grand gestures are all about—taking a risk.