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I just had to show her.
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Max wagged his tail and ran to the door, signaling Genie’s arrival. He greeted her at the door. From the recliner, I watched her pet his head, a look of happiness softening her features, making her dark eyes brighter, until she locked gazes with me.
Every part of my body begged to move. I stood slowly, then rushed when I saw that she was already walking up the stairs.
“There’s a burger in the kitchen,” I said to stop her.
“I ate.”
She ate?
Eugene bought food, although she knew I was making her something. Why? It couldn’t be my cooking. I was a good cook. No. I was a great one.
“Come here for a second, Red.”
She froze halfway up the stairs and slowly turned her head.
“Is everything okay?” I asked as I sat down.
When she stopped at the bottom, not bothering to come any closer, I didn’t like it. I leaned forward and placed my elbows on my thighs. “Closer, Red.”
She hesitated, nibbling on her bottom lip, before she walked to the couch and sat. I wished she’d stop bringing attention to her mouth. I stared at it enough.
“Is Monday a good day for you to start work?” I asked.
She frowned. “Yeah, I start Subway that day, but don’t worry. I’ll be out of your hair before then.”
“No. You’re going to stay here with me.”
Her eyes widened as her cheeks pinkened. “What?”
I suppressed the urge to smile. She was cute and easy to fluster.
“You’ll start work Monday at Homestyle. I’ll make sure you’re paid well and plus, you’ll have tips.”
Her nose crinkled. “You want me to be a waitress at your restaurant?”
“Yes. I’d rather you worked with me. I’ll know you’re getting better pay.”
Eugene rubbed her temples. “Did your grandma make you do this?”
What did my grandma have to do with this?“No, why?”
“She offered me a job, too.”
I smiled. “Then it’s settled.”
“I can’t accept it.” Eugene closed her eyes and stood.
I stood with her. “And why can’t you?”
“You’ve seen where I used to live, and now you think you need to help me. I’ll be okay. I don’t need your pity.”
Yes, I wanted to fucking care for her. But none of what I felt came from pity.
“It’s not pity.” I scowled. “Why not take advantage of what I’m offering you? You can stay here, work, and get back on your feet. I’ll let you choose your hours at the restaurant. Don’t let your pride get in the way of accepting my help. Because that’s what I’m offering. It’s no different getting help from your brother.”
