Page 216 of Love in Riverbend
A laugh comes from my throat. “That’s what I expected.”
“But if we’re both being honest, it gets lonely out here. You know how at home, when you walk down Main Street or go into the Main Street Diner…?”
I do know. “Yes, five to six mornings a week, like clockwork, there was a standing breakfast at the diner. The table would be filled with three or twelve men. We shot the shit and chowed down like there was no tomorrow.”
“Do you have that here?”
“No. I have other things.”
“Your degree,” she says.
“And a feeling of self-worth that I lacked before.”
Marilyn’s smile grows. “I see that. It looks good on you.”
“I was preparing all day for you to give me shit.”
“Maybe I’ve matured too. Parker and Stevens is a good place to work. The position you’re applying for used to be staffed by interns.” She lowers her voice. “In other words, I did the work for free.”
“I can’t really afford free.”
“Over the last few years, things have changed. If you get hired, there’s a good chance that they’ll offer you a stipend to continue your education.”
“I have already applied for my master’s. I’m scheduled to take the GMAT in a few weeks.”
“Really?” she asks. “Oh my God, that test was worse than a million internships.”
“Thanks.”
She reaches out and covers my hand with hers. The warmth flows from where we touch throughout my body. As I look down, Marilyn lifts her hand.
“Sorry.”
I don’t know if she’s apologizing for the touch or for scaring the shit out of me about the Graduate Management Admissions Test. “Don’t be.”
“I could help you with what questions to expect.”
“You’d be willing to do that?”
She smirks. “A continuation of that Riverbend camaraderie.”
“Well, we have been dating…” I leave the statement open, wondering where she’ll take it.
“Off and on.”
“That could work.” I broaden my grin. “Tell me, what do I need to know about my off-and-on, not-on-relationship. Tell me something only your boyfriend would know.”
Chapter 8
Marilyn
Something only my boyfriend would know.
My mind is blank.
Ricky nudges me with his shoulder. “I can go first.”
“Good, because I’m currently floundering.”
