Page 39 of Lose You Twice

Of course.

Of course the universe looked at my current emotional, financial, and academic stability and decided the next logical step was working near Kai.

I read the email twice.

Then a third time.

I can’t say no because of Kai. I can’t let a boy I used to love outrank tuition. I can’t let awkwardness matter more than gas money, groceries, or Mom’s red-letter bills.

Even if the boy is not just a boy.

My phone buzzes with another reminder.

7:42 — DON’T FORGET THE POSTER BOARD.

Swiping the reminder away, I type a reply to the work-study office before I can talk myself out of it.

Thank you for the opportunity. I’m available this week and would be happy to interview.

My thumb hovers over send. Then I hit it.

Done.

I get into my car, shut the door, and let my head rest against the steering wheel.

Working near a very toned, chiseled, handsome-as-ever Kai Mercer is officially a little less hypothetical.

Fanfuckingtastic.

6

WREN

My interview outfit has been rejected by a six-year-old.

Twice.

“No,” Daisy says from my bed, sitting cross-legged in pajamas with a waffle in one hand and the tiny plastic cat in the other. “That shirt is too black.”

I look down at my cream sweater. “It’s an interview.”

“To get paid to do stinky boy laundry.”

“It’s an equipment assistant position.”

Lily, who invited herself into my room five minutes ago and has been silently judging me from the doorway ever since, tilts her head. “You need a jacket.”

“I don’t think I need a jacket today.”

“Adults wear jackets.”

“I am an adult.”

Daisy squints at me. “Sometimes.”

“Wow.” I point at the hallway. “Both of you out. I am no longer accepting notes.”

Lily doesn’t move. “Your hair is doing the weird thing.”