Page 140 of Samson

“I want to say yes, but I’m moving to New York.”

He nodded. “I wouldn’t want to take that away from you. After everything that’s happened, all I really want is for you to be happy. If this job will make you happy, then know I’ll be praying for you.”

“It’s a terrible job, actually. I don’t want it, but they’re the first ones who offered me a position, and I can’t waitress for the rest of my life.”

He bit down on a smile. “So, are you saying that, if you got a better job offer, you’d be happy to take something else?”

“I’d be happy to take just about anything else.”

“I don’t know if you know this, but I have a lot of contacts and a lot of clout.”

She laughed, unsure what to make of the relief that flooded her. “Of course you do.”

“And I feel like Luca would be ecstatic if you hung around town more permanently. He’s looking pretty forlorn down there.”

“He’s devastated I’m leaving, actually.”

“He’s your cousin. You should look after him better. He needs you.”

“He does, does he?”

“Absolutely.”

“You could really help me find a job?”

“Just tell me what sector you want to work in.”

“I only want the introduction. If they want to hire me, I want it to be on my own merits, not who I know.”

“Don’t you understand business at all? It’s always about who you know.”

“Still. I want them to want me there.”

“I’m sure we’ll find something.” He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. “You want to go get a bite to eat? I’m starving, and I hear the pork fritters here are to die for.”

“After everything that’s happened, you couldn’t find a better word than ‘die’?”

“You don’t think they’re good?”

“The fritters are great. Your word choice is lacking.”

“You’re killing me.”

She tsked. “Seriously?”

“All right, all right.” He pulled her up from the couch. “We’ll go tell Luca the good news that you’re staying and grab a bite. Kill two birds with one stone.”

She bumped him with her shoulder, and he pretended to trip, catching himself with his cane.

“Oh my gosh.” She grabbed him. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry.”

“I’m fine. You’re the one who’s a killjoy.”

She groaned. “You’ll be the death of me.”

“I’m already a dead man walking.”

“I think this is a fate worse than death.” She laughed. “I shouldn’t be having this much fun.”

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