Page 58 of Playboy Boss

“Not even at your new job?” Tara had peeled a banana. “No cuties there?”

Scottie sighed. “Not a one.” The conversation was over. Awkwardly, she changed the subject for her own sanity. “Hey, do you need help with any catering gigs? I’m trying to earn some extra cash.”

“What do you need extra cash for?” Tara, thankfully, didn’t press the boyfriend topic anymore.

Scottie opened the refrigerator, peering at all the leftover boxes and half-drunk bottles of juice and water inside. “I’m trying to get back something I pawned.”

“What did you pawn?”

Scottie shrugged, closing the door and facing Tara again, taking in her concern. “Just something I want to get back.”

“Did you pawn something to pay rent?” Scottie’s refusal to answer made Tara glower. “You didn’t.”

“It’s okay. I can get it back.” Scottie waved her hand, although she wasn’t totally positive she could get the brooch back.

“Did you pawn what I think you did?” Tara’s eyes were intense on hers again.

“Don’t worry about it.” Scottie walked to the couch, falling into the cushions.

“It was your grandmother’s brooch, wasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“Damn, Scottie.” She walked to the couch, and her hand fell on Scottie’s shoulder. “Were you really that desperate?”

The bit of frustration she felt toward Tara stopped at her clenched jaw. “It’s okay. I can get it back.”

Tara shook her head. “I’m sorry. I had no idea it was that bad. I know how much that brooch means to you.”

Tara was the first person Scottie had called when she’d received it. They were silent again. If Scottie said another word, she’d cry.

Nodding, Tara said, “I do need help with another catering job I have tomorrow morning. It’s an all-day thing on a yacht.”

“A yacht?” Scottie gasped.

“I’m going to get a fat check for the job. If you can help me, I’ll give you twenty-five percent.”

“No way, Tara!” Scottie’s heart raced.

“It’s fine. Trust me, I’ll have plenty left over. And I think this client likes me. I have another job next Friday through her, so I know there will be more jobs in the future.”

Scottie hugged Tara. “Looks like Decadent Chick Catering is finally taking off!”

“I think it is! Finally. Thanks to Antonia and Fabian.”

Scottie’s heart stalled. “What?”

“You know, the couple we catered on Monday.”

“Oh.” Scottie brought her fingers to her lips. Konrad would be there.

“Is something wrong?” Tara moved around the couch stood near the edge of the coffee table.

Yes. Very wrong. “No. Not at all.”

“So, let’s celebrate tonight,” Tara said, setting on the couch next to Scottie and taking her hand in hers. “We can’t stay out too late though. Have to get up early in the morning.”

Scottie could only smile. What was she supposed to do? She needed to stay away from Konrad, especially outside of the office. But would she be able to keep her secret about Konrad under wraps when their private lives kept overlapping?

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