“It’s not a gift, is it?”
“Think of it like an advance,” he suggested. “For services rendered.”
I stared at the money. “Temporary,” I muttered under my breath. “It’s only for a short time. I’ll work my ass off to earn the money, then find my own place.”
“Good plan.”
Frowning, I pushed past him and leaned against the railing, staring out at the park. I felt him next to me, the heat of his body against my skin. “I really needed this money,” I confessed softly.
“Before we go any further”—he tilted his head to meet my eyes—“are you good?”
The sincerity in his eyes lulled me into a sense of security I hadn’t felt with anyone but him. He always had this gift of making me feel seen, even when I was purposely hiding from the world. Another of his superpowers was that he was a good listener. Honestly, our friendship was next-level. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss that. But …
I couldn’t share my financial woes with Wes.Right?
No, I didn’t hate him. but I also didn’t like him either. I definitely didn’t trust him. Yet, there was a part of me that missed the effortless way we once were with each other.
Swallowing a lump in my throat, I averted my gaze. “None of your business.”
“Okay,” he relented. “I know the past is long and wide between us, but I never wanted to hurt you. And I don’t want anyone else to hurt you.”
“Wes, we can’t talk like what happened between us didn’t happen either. But like I said … I really need the money.” Closing my eyes, I sent up a silent prayer of thanks. “Thanks for delivering the message.”
“No problem.”
I shot him a sidelong glance. “We’re still not friends.”
He chuckled. “I got it. Welcome back.” He held out his hand. “Let’s get to work.”
Staring at his outstretched hand, I retreated a step. And only one step because the space was so small. “Wait a minute …” The half smile, half smirk on his lips made my stomach do an odd but familiar flip. “I’m back but not for you.”
“You kinda are.” He hunched a shoulder. “I mean, you’re trying to find out who Ms. Tea is, and that directly impacts me.”
“Even so, I work for Granny,” I argued.
“Are you hungry?” he asked, ignoring me. “Did you eat cereal this morning?”
“No.” I groaned. “I mean, yes. I had cereal. And I’m not hungry.”
He walked to the patio door and slid it open. “Sure?”
“Did you hear me?” I followed him into the house. Bri and Kay were still at the kitchen table. “I just told you I’m not here for you.”
“I’ll meet you at the condo at three. I’m sure you already know where Batchelor Place is, but the address and the details of the lease are in the envelope I gave you.” He glanced over my shoulder and waved at my friends. “I’ll see you both at the wedding shower.”
“Bye!” Bri and Kay sang in unison.
Traitors. “Wes, I mean it,” I said. “I’m not working with you.”
“Have you thought about an interview?”
“What interview?”
“The one you should’ve done with me a long time ago,” he replied.
“I don’t need to talk to you.”
Ignoring me yet again, he said, “We should catch up. Not just in bite-sized interactions. We need to talk.”
