Page 5 of His Secret Gift

“I mean, that pasty body thrusting on top of someone.”

“Molly!” I throw a napkin at her. “That’s disgusting.”

Her blue eyes widen behind her big, black-rimmed glasses. I assume she already took out her contacts for the night before I texted her to meet me out. “I know that’s what I’m saying!” She then pouts her small but plump lips.

“WhatI’msaying is that you’re going to make me sick. I get it. Collin is not your ideal man.”

“Not physically, no.”

“Mhm.” I raise an eyebrow and cross my arms.Tell that to the ten-year-old Molly who was obsessed with him and followed him around our house like a lost little puppy.

“Anyway…” I’m grateful for the change of subject. “What’s new with you?”

I tip my wine glass up and let the delicious liquid coat my mouth. “Well,” I say after swallowing, “I’m going to look for a job.”

She leans closer. “You are? What are you going to do? Work in some fancy finance office?”

Ugh, no.I tried that before, and I ended up working for a bunch of old men who told me I dressed too slutty—and that was the first time anyone has ever said that to me, by the way. I’m actually surprised Molly didn’t criticize my outfit tonight. She had no problem showing off her skin, as evidenced by her lowcut top, but I am more reserved.

“No, I’m thinking about applying to work on a yacht.”

Her jaw drops. “You’re kidding.”

“I’m not.”

“Kayla, it’s not going to be like the show.”

I resist rolling my eyes. “I know that.”

Her brow furrows, and she looks at me out of the corner of her eye. “Do you?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Because this is real life. There won’t be camera crew around to capture your hijinks.”

“I know.” Again, I’m lying through my teeth. I haven’t really thought any of this through.

“Oh, and there won’t be producers who are working behind the scenes to orchestrate drama.”

“I know,” I repeat.

“Okay,” Molly says with skepticism.

“What?” I’m getting a little tired of people doubting me, although I also know it’s warranted. After quitting at Shuster & O’Malley, a lead finance company in the state, I’ve kind of just been existing in life with no purpose or ambition. And I’ve said many times that I was going to do something to change that, but I never stuck with anything.

But this time is different. It has to be. I don’t have my brother’s money to fall back on anymore.

“I just hope you follow through with this little plan of yours,” she says.

“I will.”

Her finger traces the rim of the bottle. “Okay. Then, I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you.” I hope she believes me—and I hope I can believe in myself enough to finally change things up.

Now I want to change the subject. “Any new men in your life?” I know her well enough to know that was something she couldn’t resist talking about.

She looks up at me and grins. “A couple, actually.”

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