Page 33 of Miss Fortune

He sighed, making me think he was growing weary of this conversation.

“A classmate of mine from high school runs the program. Why did you quit your job at NASA?” He volleyed the question back to me in a way which revealed it had been weighing on his mind.

“I guess you could say I had a change of heart.” Literally. “I no longer desired a job in which I spent all my time in front of a computer, nor did I want to continue with it just because my parents expected me to. NASA was a great place to work, but I needed something more emotionally fulfilling.”

“Temping in an office, making soap, and babysitting emotionally fulfills you?”

The judgement stung, but it wasn’t as if I hadn’t already heard it—frequently. My parents were less subtle, asking why I was wasting my education and life on such frivolous pursuits. “Does being a divorce attorney and a partner in a big law firm emotionally fulfill you?” I fired back.

I didn’t expect him to answer, but he breathed out heavily. “No, I don’t suppose it does. But then again, I’m not an emotional guy. I didn’t mean to hit on a sore subject.”

Since I’d brought it up, I might as well deal with last week’s blunder. “I’m sorry I questioned if you were happy with your job last week. It wasn’t any of my business.”

“I’m sorry I was defensive about it.”

At least this was progress. “You’re not the first who’s shocked I took a sharp turn from what appeared to be an enviable career path. I’m still trying to figure out what I’m meant to do. Currently it’s helping people. Whether it’s babysitting for them, watching their precious pups, or—”

“Filling in a temp role for a family friend.”

“Yes. If you weren’t already aware, Doris was anxious about leaving you alone for six weeks. She wanted someone she trusted to work in her absence, so when she asked if I’d do it, I thought why not.”

“She worries too much.”

“Perhaps, but she cares for you.” I was one hundred percent certain the feeling was mutual, even if Caleb didn’t show it.

“You mentioned you didn’t care for the corporate life which begs the question of how your first two weeks have gone in the office.”

I decided to be honest. “Going with Eric to the volunteer event last Saturday didn’t exactly win me any friends among the secretaries. They are all firmly Team Wendy.”

“So is Doris. Evidently, Eric is a real dog.”

“I know. She gave me a stern lecture over the phone about it last Sunday. How many more weeks am I here?”

“Four more. And if it helps keep you here, I’m Team Daisy.”

His teasing was unexpected, yet welcome. Maybe this hike wouldn’t be as awkward as I’d thought. “Thank goodness someone is.”

“Has Eric talked to you in the office at all?”

“He came over to apologize once again, and I told him it was accepted and to quit coming to talk to me.”

“You’re much more forgiving than I would be.”

“I prefer to save my energy for people who deserve it. Plus, I’m more of a lover than a fighter.”

Chapter Fifteen

Caleb

More of a lover than a fighter was a phrase, not an invitation to imagine her as a lover. Which reminded me of what this wasn’t. This wasn’t a date. But because I hadn’t exactly been clear with her, I broached the subject. And in my typical style when it came to women, I had the finesse of a bulldozer.

“This isn’t a date,” I blurted out.

She started laughing. “I don’t remember you asking me out as much as you insisting on coming with me after insulting my ability to stay upright. And considering how my first dates have been going, it’s a relief to hear this day won’t end in disaster. Like I said, the LA dating scene is definitely not for me.”

“I didn’t mean to make it sound so harsh. I just don’t want any misconceptions, especially since you work for me. I don’t do relationships.” Hell, even dating wasn’t something I was ready to jump back into given the way things had gone with Tabitha.

“No offense taken. I kind of prefer the blunt honesty. For the record, I never thought this was a date. I’m curious, though. Is the no-relationship rule because of a bad one or because of your job?”