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I wrung my hands. “Because it means I can’t take care of myself, which is crazy.”
She flinched, and I wasn’t sure why, but then she said, “I understand that. I don’t make as much as the rest of you. I became a teacher because I liked the job but also because it’s steady and secure, and school was the only place I ever truly fit in. Branching out to be a Realtor is a big step out of my comfort zone, but I’m trying because the principal hates me.”
Well, that explained that. “You can do anything you want.”
We neared the subway station and the edge of the park. She said, “I never wanted to go out there and take over the world. I always admired your ambition, but if you let that blind you, then you’ll end up alone.”
I froze. Ambition wasn’t what held me back. That was too lofty. I had no idea what I would do in a life in which I wasn’t focused on a task, and work was the only thing that gave me little missions to accomplish every day.
She said, “I’ve got to go, and you need to talk to the man you love.”
My ears buzzed. I waved her off and then walked through the park. I needed to clear my head. I wished life was like the movies, but I wasn’t stupid. This was the end. It was obvious that our fake dates were over because in time, Kir would see I was no good for him.
I was addicted to having a job In which I followed directions, and while it was great that Hope was partnering with Charlie, they were equals. If I took a pity job from Kir, it would only be temporary, and eventually, our relationship would burn out. But Kelly would lend me her couch till I figured out what to do, so I wasn’t dependent on Kir or anyone.
The doormen had the door and called the elevator for me the second I walked in. My arms grew cold. I wished this was my home where I lived with Kir.
My heart twisted as I let myself in and heard drums and maybe shells and ukuleles playing. The air smelled clean with a definite hint of coconut. As I took off my shoes, I heard men’s voices.
I called out, “Kir, what’s going on?”
He stepped out of the living room and smiled at me. “You’re early.”
My stomach twisted. Then another man came in and stood beside him. I asked, “Michael, Charlie’s butler?”
“I can leave you two alone.” Michael headed to the door.
Kir called out with a wave, “That’s a good idea. See you later.” Then he came closer to me. “Why are you home?”
I marched past him to the living room and turned off the music from his phone that was playing on the blue tooth. I plopped down on the couch in front of a coconut display. “I was fired because of that blog, and it says more is coming soon.”
He grabbed his phone from the table and read as he sat next to me. “Was there… we’ll sue.”
I hugged my waist. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I was fired.”
He folded his hands in front of him. “You can work with me, Charlie, and Hope.”
There it was. “I don’t want a pity job.”
His eyes widened. “I need an analyst, and you qualify. It’s not charity.”
This was it for me, and I had no right to say no to any job. Money made the world go around. My skin tingled. “I wish I could just stand on my own feet, but I’ll think it over. Work was how I paid for my sister’s healthcare. And now everything is ruined.”
“I can speak to my brothers about your job. They’re still buying, as far as I know.”
Tears welled in my eyes. I hated this. I gazed into his warm brown eyes. “I don’t want charity. I’m just lost and confused.”
“What can I do?”
Nothing. He was wonderful. “Just let me breathe.”
“I can do that.” His phone buzzed in his hands.
Hope clung to me as I asked, “Who’s calling?”
He showed me the screen. “Jeff. It’s probably about this blogger.”
I gestured for him to answer. “I hope he finds ‘Regina’ fast.”
