Page 9 of Devour
Hard. Up against a desk like some shame-drunk intern.
But I’m not telling Mai that. Not unless I want a thirty-minute lecture on boundaries and why screwing your future paycheck is a bad idea, even if your future paycheck is a ruthless, sinfully beautiful, emotionally unavailable ex who is bent on revenge and kisses like he wants to ruin your life. I tug off my blazer and collapse onto the edge of the couch.
“I don’t know if I got the job yet.”
“Ugh. What do you mean you don’t know?
“I mean… I don’t even have the experience for the job,” I murmur, pressing my palm to my forehead. “It was a bad idea going in the first place.”
“Don’t say that”
Mai snaps through the phone.
“You’re one of the fucking strongest, smartest people I know. If they don’t see that, it’s their loss. Not yours.”
A soft, grateful smile tugs at my lips. “Thanks. You always know what to say to make me feel better about myself.”
“Always. Want me to come over?”
“No, I’m good,” I say, glancing toward the clock. “Just need a little rest before heading to my part-time job at The Grind.”
“You working at the club tonight?”
“Nah. Remember, I asked the manager for the night off.”
“Oh, right! You said you wanted to spend time with Noah.”
Her voice softens.
“How’s he doing? Any news on a donor?”
My throat tightens. I hate this part. The not-knowing. The waiting.
“Nothing yet,” I whisper.
There’s a pause. A beat of silence so heavy it might crush me.
“He’ll be fine,” she says eventually, firm like she’s trying to will it into existence.
“Look on the bright side… Dr. Eli is hot.”
“Mai.” I sigh, half-laughing, half-groaning. “He’s my son’s doctor.”
“Oh, please. The man ogles you like he wants to taste you every time you’re not looking.”
“Sto…p,” I warn, but my voice is weaker now—tired.
“Okay, okay,”
she concedes, voice playful.
“Just… let me know if you need anything, yeah?”
“I will.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
