Erin slid a paper in front of Marley. Marley took it and skimmed. It was an offer of employment as a full-time personalshopper at Reid’s, reporting directly to Erin. Marley’s compensation would increase, she would be able to hire her own full-time assistant, and she’d have her own office. Marley exhaled.
This was everything she wanted.
“You have two weeks before you start, of course,” Erin said. “And it looks like you’re recovering well. I suggest you use the rest of your leave to your advantage. Half of this job is networking. I suspect you’ll be able to bring some of your more loyal current customers to personal shopping, but you’ll need a lot more to fill your schedule. Let’s see how many superstars you can bring thanks to your…friendship.”
Marley didn’t care how she filled the client list. She’d schmooze and suck up and do whatever was necessary. She didn’t care that she was getting the job because ofwhoshe knew instead of her abilities. She didn’t even care that she was getting this job because everyone thought Nikhil was close to Serena Vox even though Marley knew they barely spoke.
She was getting the job. She nodded vigorously. “Yes. Yes, I can do that. Thank you for standing up for me, Erin. I… honestly, I’m shocked. And honored.”
“Don’t make me regret it. Now, can you stick around a bit? I’d love to go over my strategic planning for the shopping suite for the next year.”
Marley had all the time in the world if that was what Erin wanted. She was buzzing…She was a personal shopper.She was feeling great.
Despite the amazingness of that meeting with Erin, being out of the house was exhausting. But worth it. She couldn’t wait to tell Nikhil about her new job, but she didn’t want to bother him in the gym. She’d wait until he got home.
When she tried to unlock her front door, she was surprised to see it already unlocked. Maybe Nikhil was home early. But the moment Marley stepped into the house, a cheeky voice called out.
“Finally. You’re supposed to berecoveringfrom surgery, and instead you’re out gallivanting all around town!”
“Shayne!” He was standing with his hands on his hips in an annoyed gesture, but Marley could see in his eyes that he was actually delighted to see her up and around. Without even taking off her shoes, she rushed to him, wanting to throw her arms around her best friend and hug the stuffing out of him. But even the thought of hugging someone made her wince with pain, so she grabbed his upper arms and squeezed. “When did you get here? Tell me everything… How was Paris? I thought you were coming at the end of the week! Oh my god, is something wrong? Did something happen?”
“Slow down, girl! You look amazing. Changed to an earlier flight because I got a new shoot up north this week. I’ve been here five minutes. C’mon… let’s sit.”
Marley kicked off her shoes and sat in the recliner, so happy to see Shayne. “I can’t believe you were going to surprise me in this state. I could have… I don’t know. Fallen on my ass and opened my incisions or something.”
He raised one brow as he sat on the sofa. “I was hoping I could get you to actually talk to me… and I thought weakening your defenses with a surprise might do it.”
“Talk about what?”
“Talk about why the movie star living in my grandmother’s sewing room is major gossip fodder and I don’t know any of it! What the hell is going on, girl? I signed his damn NDA. I saw more dirt that he’s datingSerena Vox?” He paused and looked around the room. “Is he here? Is that the superhero’s Tesla parked on the road?”
Marley frowned. “He’s at rehearsals. And he drives a Civic.”
Shayne recoiled at the car model.
Marley laughed. “I’ll explain it all later. First, I have to tell you where I just was. I had a meeting with Erin… who officially offered me a full-time personal shopper position, starting when I get back from leave!”
Shayne stood from the sofa. “Marl!” He knelt at her feet and put his hands on her thighs. “Are you serious? Tell me everything. Wait, we should celebrate. You’re not drinking, right? Tea? I brought you a fancy French white tea.”
Marley nodded. While Shayne brewed the tea, she told him all about her meeting with Erin. He was as thrilled as she was. It felt so good to have her best friend back.
“I can’t believe Erin went to bat for you with Jacqueline. Seems the barracuda is really a kitten.”
“I wouldn’t go that far. I only got the job because now I’m close to a movie star.”
“I don’t really understand how all this happened, though. Why did Nikhil fire you in the first place?”
Marley shook her head. “He didn’t. His agent fired that Lydia woman—his handler. And I was technically working for her, not him. He’s free to hire me himself now, not that he needs a stylist until the film starts publicity in a year, though.”
“Well, if you’re not working with him now, and I’m home, I guess we don’t need him anymore. The guy can move out.”
Marley blinked. She didn’t want Nikhil to move out, of course. But she wasn’t sure if she should be telling Shayne about their relationship upgrade. They really did need to keep it all on the down-low for a while… maybe even permanently. “Um… do you have any issue with him staying a few more weeks until the movie starts filming?”
Shayne frowned. “I don’t, but, Marley, don’t you? You didn’t want him here at all. You said he was practically a stranger, and I know you don’t like people all up in your business.”
Marley didn’t say anything. She blinked back at Shayne.
“Holy shit. He’s not a stranger anymore. He’s not banging Lily Lavender; he’s banging you!”
