Page 54 of Show Me

I inhale, taking in the scent of onions and garlic. My mouth waters. That smells better than cold pizza on cardboard. The benefit of living with a 5-star chef is being a guinea pig for new recipes, and Ben abhors tiny portions.

Ben leans back again, arms crossing. “You sound like you’re writing her a performance review.”

“I offered her a job.” That gets his attention. It’s not like I can keep the job offer out of the public eye.

“You what?” Ben braces his hands on the cushions and shoves upward until he’s standing across from me.

“At the office.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Dad needs someone. She fits.”

“And she said yes?”

“She said she’d think about it.” I drop my arms back to my sides, realizing a defensive stance won’t improve the situation.

“Wow,” he mutters. “You’re recruiting now.”

“I’m solving a problem.”

“Uh-huh.”

I ignore him. My phone buzzes on the counter. Unknown number. I glance at it, debating. It buzzes again. Then a text comes through.

Lindsey: Hey. I’ve got a reno question. Can I run something by you?

I stare at the screen.

Ben notices. “Important?”

“No.”

I type back without thinking too hard about it.

Me: Call the office tomorrow. I’ll look at it then.

Three dots pop up.

Lindsey: It’ll just take a second.

My teeth grind together.

Me: I’m off. Call tomorrow.

I set the phone down harder than necessary.

“Client?” Ben asks.

“Something like that.” I swipe my hands on my jeans.

“Do you need to make a call?” He tips his head in the direction of the kitchen. “I’m making a garlic and mushroom risotto, so I can go into the kitchen to give you some space.”

“No need to leave on my account. I’m not working.”

“Since when?” he asks.

“Since I said I’m not.” The words come out flat. Final.

Ben goes silent, then nods. “Alright.”

“She’s starting in two weeks,” I add, like that’s the part that matters.