Page 131 of Resting Beach Face
“Uh-oh. More problems?”
“I’ve decided to transition to an in-house housekeeping staff, which means I’m looking for a head of department. I’ve been taking applications for someone to manage scheduling, supervise staff, and ensure it all runs more smoothly so it’s not my problem.”
I wasn’t sure why he was telling me all this, but I nodded along. “Sure, makes sense.”
He hesitated. “Your mother has applied.”
My stomach flipped. “Oh.”
“But I know your relationship is strained right now, and I don’t want to make things uncomfortable for you if I decide to hire her.”
A wave of relief hit me. “No, that would be great. I’ve wanted her to leave that agency for a long time. The hours are terrible, and the pay—” I stopped short. “She’d get better hours and pay here, right?”
“She’d manage the department, yes. I’m offering 50k a year to start, along with health insurance, vacation and sick benefits, and the opportunity to earn bonuses during our busiest booking weeks.”
“That’s amazing.”
With that kind of pay, Mom could manage the house payment. If she insisted on staying with Dad, at least I wouldn’t have to worry about them becoming homeless.
“She’d primarily work Monday through Friday, the daytime shift, though she might have to make up staffing shortages at times. She’d be compensated, though. I don’t believe that salary equals unlimited hours of servitude. I’ve seen how corporations operate, and I’m trying to build something different here.”
“I know, Sky. My mom couldn’t ask for a better job. I hope you offer it to her.” I paused. “But please only do it if she really is the best candidate. I don’t want those kinds of favors.”
“I figured you’d say that, but she’s more than qualified. She’s my top candidate, but I didn’t want to move ahead without talking to you first.”
“Well, if that’s the case…it’d be great to see her get the job. Thanks for the heads-up.”
“No problem.”
With the increased salary, Mom might be less likely to leave my father out of desperation. But I didn’t want her to leave for that reason. I wanted her to make a change because she wanted a better life.
With this job, maybe she’d finally see that shecouldhave more than the bare minimum.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Declan
When Cashand I arrived at The Rusty Hook, only two other boats bobbed at the dock and one lone group sat around a table on the deck, a cloud of smoke drifting from their cigarettes.
I laced our fingers together, holding Cash’s hand as we went up the steps. He shot me a smile. “This is pretty different from the last time we were here, huh?”
The last time…
Oh. The night Sawyer kissed Cash, and I’d stormed out like a jealous fool.
I winced. “I tried to pretend I wasn’t upset over that kiss.”
Cash’s lips quirked. “I remember. Good thing you have a bad poker face, huh? I knew you cared more than you wanted me to know.”
“Yeah,” I agreed. “Real good thing.”
Cash paused to kiss me before we went through the door. “Just for the record, I prefer kissing you to anyone else.”
“Good, because I’m the last man you’re ever going to kiss.”
Shit. That sounded bad.
Cash just laughed. “I’m going to take that in a fairytale-ending way instead of the creeper serial killer vibes you just gave off.”
