A job? What the hell was she going on about?
Jack swings her attention back to me. She sips her wine one more time before placing the glass on the table in front of her. “You’re perfect for this project. When I saw your publication online, it felt like fate. That story wasreallygood, Mellie. Your talents were wasted in LA.”
She leans in closer, her elbows on the table as she gestures to Penny at her side. “Penn and I are working on a script for a new show. It’s set in a small town and centered around a bed and breakfast. You’d be a huge asset to the team. You’ve got firsthand knowledge of small-town life.”
“Holy shit, Jack,” I stumble over my words. “I don’t think I can just—this is really out of nowhere, you know? I—I’m not sure?—”
I cut off, glancing at Sydney in my peripheral. Her focus is on the table, pointedly not meeting my gaze, her expression unreadable.
Jack waves a hand in front of her face. “Listen, you don’t need to decide right now. But Iamserious about this. Just think it over. You still have my number, right?”
I nod, feeling dazed.
“Great. Give me a call if you want to talk more about it.”She smiles at me, her eyes twinkling—knowing. “I remember how hard you wanted something like this back in LA. If anyone deserves a second shot, it’s you.”
Well, shit.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
RONIN
Tip #6: The best type of partner you can be is a supportive one.
Mellie is distracted, and it’s making me nervous.
I can’t put a finger on why. But we’ve been sitting on my couch, watching her favorite reality romance show, and she hasn’t even cracked a single joke about anyone in over an hour. No quips about the lady who lets her dog drink wine out of her glass, or the ones who threw their engagement ring into the pool. Mel has been staring blankly at the TV screen, her mug of tea left cold and untouched on the coffee table.
She’s seated at the end of my couch, and I’m sprawled out across it, my feet hanging over her lap across the armrest.
I sit up, gently nudging her side with my socked foot. “You okay, babe?”
Mel starts, eyes wide as she glances at me. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why?” She crosses her arms, hugging her elbows as she refocuses on the TV.
“You just seem quiet tonight. Busy day at work?”
“Yeah. I’m sorry, I’m just tired.” Her hands come up to rub at her temples. “I actually think I might just go to bed. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Of course not.” I try to ignore the worrying feeling building in my chest. Mellie has been working non-stop all summer. I’m sure this is just burnout. It’s her first tourist season, after all. It happens to the best of us around this time of year.
“You wanna stay here or…” I trail off as Mellie gathers her belongings from the counter behind us. Guess that answers that question.
I walk her to my front door, pulling her in for a tight hug. My lips brush the top of her head as she hugs me back. “Get some rest, babe. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”
Mel nods. “Love you,” she replies, standing on her toes to reach up and kiss me.
“Love you, too,” I say, and wait until she’s pulling out of my driveway before closing the door.
The last few days haven’t been much better. I’m trying to give Mel as much space as possible, knowing if she’s exhausted, she probably just wants to rest and be alone. But I miss her too much, so I stop by The Reading Nook on my lunch break with her favorite snacks and a coffee in tow.
Unsure of what to expect but hoping for the best, I’m filled with relief as I swing open the door and am greeted by Mellie’s smiling face behind the counter.
“Ro!” She hurries around the desk and flings herself into my arms, wrapping her own around my waist and hugging me tightly. I hold her coffee up over her head so it doesn’t spill, laughing at her enthusiasm.
“Hey, baby. Feeling better?”
“Yes, much better.” She squeezes me beforestepping back behind the counter. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been around the last few days. Thanks for being so patient with me.”
“Of course,” I reply, handing her the coffee and bag of food. She takes both with a grateful smile, peeking into the bag and squealing when she sees what’s inside. “Butterfingers! And Cheetos.” Her head tilts back to meet my gaze with doe eyes, trilling, “My hero.”
