Page 39 of Doughn't Let Me Go

“Because you need to process this or because you’re going to offer Doris the job?”

“Dory. Call her Dory. Doris makes it sound like I banged my grandmother.”

He presses his lips together, trying to hold his laughter in for my sake. “Are you going to offer the job to Dory?”

“I’m not sure. I want to,” I admit. “I really fucking want to, but don’t you think it’s wildly inappropriate given what…transpired between us?”

“You mean you picking her up at Slice?”

“Foster.”

Another held-in laugh.

Asshole.

“Is she a good fit for the job?”

“Yes.” I say it immediately. “She’s funny and spunky and I know Kyrie would love her. She also sent in this incredibly heartfelt cover letter with her resume that really made me feel like she was made for helping children.”

“Are you saying this as the guy who was balls deep inside her or as her future employer?”

Both.“Employer.”

“Then I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.”

“Really?”

“No, you idiot. There’s a whole hell of a lot wrong with it. It’s going to be really fucking awkward.But, you can both rise above it. This is a small town, and unless you plan to pay for someone to move here, Doris”—I glare and he holds his hand up—“sorry, Dory is probably your best candidate.”

I nod.

“Plus…” He shrugs as he begins to clean up the mess from lunch. “I’m sure she could use some new digs.”

“What?”

“That’s youngin’ talk for a place to live.”

“I’m notthatmuch older than you,” I grouse. “I know what digs means. I just want you to elaborate.”

“She lives in the same apartment building Drew used to live in. That information doesn’t mean anything to you, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes and can assure you it’s not the best place to live.”

That makes the weight in my gut feel heavier.

“I also know she busts her ass for extra cash whenever she can. It’s weird becauseshe’sthe one who offers to watch Drew’s son. It’s not Drew asking her. I think babysitting might be how she buys her groceries.”

Fuck heavy—this shit is crushing.

“I’m not telling you this to make you feel bad about what happened, because I know you and I know you wouldn’t have compromised that opportunity for anyone, but I just think you should know.” He looks at me meaningfully. “In case you’re thinking you can’t be an adult and work with her.”

I receive his unspoken message.

She needs you.

And he’s right.

Dory does need me. Well, notmespecifically, especially if we’re going to keep things professional, but a break—she could definitely use one of those. It was obvious in how tired she looked last night, and that wasbeforeI took her home and kept her up all night.

It just so happens I’m in the position to offer her one.

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