Page 56 of Enchanting the CEO

While eating, I looked at job ads. It was my favorite pastime nowadays, but damn it, nothing appealed to me at all. After spending so much time outdoors with my tourist groups, I couldn't imagine being inside a hotel all day. If only I could find a second job with another touring agency that could pay me more money.

Then a dangerous thought infiltrated my mind. Maybe it was because I already had some experience with tutoring, but... what if I started my own tour company? It would be a one-woman show, of course, but I’d love that. The downsides were affording health insurance and such.

And yet, the more I thought about it, the more excited I became. I could set my own hours and even do the tours the way I wanted them versus how my boss, George, insisted I do them. I’d call the shots. Oh, I had so many ideas. I grabbed a pen and paper and immediately wrote them down, afraid I might forget them once I started my next tutoring lesson.

I did the afternoon sessions in the living room. They passed quicker, and I was certain it was because I couldn't wait to chat with Gabe.

I intended to wait for him to make the first move, but I lost the battle during my last session.

Diane: Hey, want to catch up before dinner?

I chastised myself after I sent it—I didn't want to seem desperate—but he answered immediately. That meant he was looking forward to it, right?

Gabe: I'm gonna have dinner first. Haven’t eaten all day. I'll have a burger at the hotel restaurant.

Diane: Damn, now I'm in the mood for burgers. Okay, then let's catch up after dinner. My tutoring session finishes in forty minutes.

After that, I focused on my pupil, not wanting to be unprofessional.

I couldn't believe my luck—I had ten students now every week. I assumed it was because I charged less than other tutors, but my price seemed fair since I wasn't actually a teacher—something I specifically mentioned in the bio. I didn't want to mislead anyone because I didn’t have a teacher’s certificate.

"Okay, Diane. I'll see you next time," my student said.

"Next week, same time, right?" I asked.

"Yes. This is great. I'm so glad I found you."

I smiled at that. My clients were so genuine.

After closing my laptop, I got off the couch, stretching a bit. This living room was so gorgeous. I’d have a hard time staying cooped up in my attic again once Gabe was back.

I walked into the kitchen, intending to cook a quick dinner, but then the doorbell rang. I closed the fridge and dashed toward the front door. I'd ordered a number of things from Amazon and was happy they'd arrived already, although I was pretty sure the delivery date was tomorrow.

When I opened the door, I was surprised to find a vaguely familiar young man.

"Hey, Diane," he said. Oh, he knows my name. He was carrying a bag of food. "You don't remember me, huh? I work at Gabe's bar. In the kitchen, actually."

"Sorry. You look a bit different in broad daylight." I felt like a moron.

"I've brought you a burger. Gabe said you wanted one."

I stilled. "Oh wow. Thank you."

"You're welcome.”

"How are things at the bar?" I asked.

"It’s probably going to be crazy tonight. I heard someone say we were featured in a TikTok that went viral, so we expect a lot of customers. And with Gabe gone... Anyway, have a great evening. I’ve got to hurry before rush hour starts."

It was super early, only six o clock.

"Thanks again. Have a great evening."

I practically ran to the kitchen, grinning from ear to ear. Hell yes. I opened the bag and put the burger on a plate, immediately taking a bite. It was just as delicious as I remembered. After two more bites, I stopped and grabbed my phone, calling Gabe.

He'd already sent me a message.

Gabe: How's your burger?

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