Page 114 of How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother
“We do have to go somewhere,” I say. “I have to go help my boss with a flat tire.”
“I thought your boss lived in the computer.”
I smile. “He lives one town over in Silver Creek. We stay connected on the computer. Come on. Go grab your shoes.”
I walk to the garage and double check that my SUV’s jack is where it’s supposed to be in the back. When I see it tucked securely into the side compartment, I slam the hatch closed and call Marley. Partly because she’s my mentor when it comes to this whole virtual assistant job, and partly because right now, she’s the closest thing I have to a friend.
Which . . . issad.I grew up in this town. I know tons of people, many who have been friends for years. But I still feel weird hanging out with people.
Most of my friends from high school are married now, or at least in serious, happy relationships. I’ve tried to hang out with them a few times, but nobody really knows how to talk to me about being a widow. It’s bad enough being the single friend. Being the single, widowed,parentfriend is a can of worms most people don’t want to open at all.
“What’s up?” Marley asks when she answers. “Everything okay?”
“Um, yes, I think? Perry just called me. He’s stranded with a flat tire and needs me to come help.”
“Okay,” she says, her tone even. “Is that something you’re comfortable doing?”
“I mean, you vouched for him, right? He’s a decent guy?”
“I’ve never met him personally, but after meeting Olivia and talking to her about him specifically, I feel pretty good about saying yes. But Lila, this isn’t in your job description. You don’t have to do this if you don’t feel comfortable.”
“No, no, it’s not that. I mean, it’s weird and all. That I’m meeting him in person. But not because I feel uncomfortable. At least, not for the reasons you might think.”
“Why else would you feel uncomfortable?”
I scoff. “Have youever seen a picture of the Hawthorne brothers?”
She chuckles. “I’ve heard stories, and of course I know what Flint looks like, but I’ve never looked up the rest of them.”
“I’ll save you the trouble. They are all equally gorgeous. Every. Single. One.”
“I’m still not seeing the problem here.”
I sigh. I’ve been dancing around the problem myself, trying to figure out why I feel so out of sorts because my boss happens to have an attractive face. All at once, the truth crystallizes in my mind, and I say it out loud before I can chicken out. “Marley, I noticed.”
“Noticed what, honey?”
“That he’s handsome. And I didn’t just notice. When I saw his picture, I felt something.”
“What, like attraction?”
I lean against the back of the car, my arms folded over my chest. “Yeah. A glimmer of it, maybe. I don’t think it means anything. But it’s not so muchhimthat’s significant but the fact that I felt anything at all. That hasn’t happened since . . .” My words trail off, and I shrug. “Since Trevor.”
“Oh, Lila. That’s a good thing then, right? It’s been long enough. It’s okay for you to feel something.”
“But doesn’t this go against yourstrictly professionalrules?”
“Technically, you’re an independent contractor,” Marley says. “My rules are only tips and guidelines to help you achieve success. But beyond that, the happiness and well-being of my assistants will always be more important than anything else. I would never want you to turn away from something—or someone—who truly makes you happy because of work. Do you think what you’re feeling is significant? That the glimmer of attraction could turn into something more?”
“With him? Shoot, no. I don’t even know if he’s single. Even if he is, men like that do not notice women like me. I guess I just feel woken up, you know? And that surprises me.”
Jack comes into the garage, his shoes on and tied, and a surge of pride pulses in my chest. “Hey! Great job, kiddo.” I open up his car door, and he settles into his seat. “I’ll be right back, okay? I’m gonna go grab my bag.”
“Perryissingle. Olivia mentioned something about a divorce a few years back when she was talking about him,” Marley says as I hurry back inside.
Divorced. Interesting.No! Not interesting. Not. Interesting.
“Also, that wholewomen like mebusiness?” Marley continues. “That’s utter nonsense, just for the record.”
