Page 2 of Room One Hundred and Eleven

“By being my friends. And continuing to be honest when you’re concerned.” I rise and cross to them, wrapping my arms around them both. I can’t conk out if I’m standing, right? “It means a lot that you care, thank you.”

“Well, in that case… I vote you should be doing more than existing. Grinding yourself down forsomeday. There’s more to life than school and work, you know?” Riley must have a magic wand—or a fairy godmother—that I don’t.

“Some of us have to pay our own bills.” The pair of them have a six-pack of billionaires between them.

Must be nice.

Before either of them can rightfully slap me down for being catty, I raise my hands. Palms out, I melt. “I’m sorry. Truly. I’m happy for you both that you’ve found happily ever afters. It’s just that you might not have the clearest perspective on regular life anymore.”

“Eh. It’s not like that’s untrue.” Riley hugs me tight. “No offense taken. And I’m sorry too. For pushing. I just wish there was something we could do to lighten your load. I’m not sure how since you’re too stubborn to let us pay for some of your tuition or living expenses.”

“I’ve told you a thousand times—I’m not here for handouts.” I retreat a few steps as if they’re going to shove cash down my throat. That’s not why I like hanging out with them.

“I have an idea,” Gunner says from over my shoulder. When had he joined us? How much had he heard? Kane and Fitch are wandering in right behind him as usual. “A proposal, if you prefer.”

Crap.How much did they hear?

I really don’t need my bosses thinking I can’t handle my shifts. Or my obligations.

I can’t lose this job. It’s cushy. Pays great considering it’s part-time.

Even has health insurance and a 401K with employer match.

They take good care of me, even if they don’t realize it since they’re used to having so much more than the average.

Riley fans herself as her men surround her. Kane wraps her tight in his arms while Fitch leans over him to plant a kiss on her cheek. I’m sure they’d do a lot more than that if Melody and I weren’t in the room.

Sure, a few fat stacks might make some things in my life easier. But truth be told, I’m way more jealous of my friends’ relationships than all the brokerage accounts they have combined.

“So…” Gunner settles onto the wingback chair behind his desk. “I have this thing that came up. Some guys asked me to recruit someone for them. You’d be perfect for this opportunity.”

“Not that I’m not grateful. Of course I am, thank you. But I don’t have time for another job.” Even though I could use the cash, how could I fit it into my schedule? There’s nothing left to cut.

“It’s a one-time thing. A weekend gig.” Gunner’s eyes twinkle dangerously. “Hell, I’ll even give you paid leave from our club if you want to do it. Double dip on me.”

“Tripledip,” Fitch mumbles, and Kane snorts.

“Uh-oh.” Riley looks from her man to me and back. “I know that look. What are you up to?”

I’m glad she’s calling him on his not-so-subtle manipulation. I would like to do it myself, but he’s still my superior even if he is pretty cool most of the time.

This position is a building block for my future.

I won’t risk that for anything.

Flushing all my hard work down the drain isn’t an option.

“Like I said, helping out some friends…including Doc Poppy.” He twirls a gold pen around his fingers and over his knuckles.

A blush heats my cheeks. “How many times have I told you guys? I’m only a paramedic.”

“You’reourdoc.” Fitch ruffles my hair. When there aren’t club guests around, he treats me like his kid sister. It’s lovely for the most part. Right now, not so much.

Kane chuckles.

Ugh. I hate when they know me a little too well. I’m curious by nature.

And now I have to know what’s on offer.

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