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“No,” Emily says. “I guess we just wonder if you’re lonely.”
Just because I don’t run towards forced business get-togethers or I don’t become buddy-buddy with an employee doesn’t mean I’m lonely. My dad asked for a favor, and I’m here. I’m fighting like hell to get this family out of debt so my dad can live his dream. That should be enough.
There’s no way in hell I’m going to that party.
4
Shiloh
Ifreaking love karaoke.
“Jolene” by Dolly Parton is my go-to, and I killed it. Riding a high, I leave the stage and hand the microphone to Cameron. I scan the room, looking for that too-long hair and a sour attitude.
All the other siblings are here, of course. Cameron has done a few songs, including a very sexual version of “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. Even Annie, his girlfriend, sang a decent version of Mariah Carey. Reid, the other brother, just watched. Emily even took a couple turns, singing “The Right Kind of Wrong” with her daughter.
I find my cup, full of Sprite, and I take a long sip. Gosh, I love the sugary, lemon-lime flavor. Heaven.
Ramon walks next to me, his red Solo cup full of beer. “He didn’t show, huh?”
I shake my head. “Nope.”
“I’m not sure why you try with him. I said hi to him my first two days here, and he just groaned.”
“He talks to me,” I say, although most of it is snarky. I refuse to believe Jackson is mean, though. He’s just grumpy, and even grumps need kindness. “I swear there’s a warm center there.”
“Meanwhile, I think if you peel back his skin, it’s all machine. He’s a manbunned robot.”
“He made the same joke,” I say with a smile. I grab another glorious piece of Hawaiian pizza.
I wonder what Jackson is having for dinner.
“Do you think I should bring him some leftover pizza? There’re tons.”
“He has five family members who can make sure he’s fed,” Ramon says, his eyes narrowing as he takes a sip. “You like him.”
I scoff and my mouth hangs open. “I do not, Ramon.”
“You do,” Ramon says. “All the Finch men are incredibly good-looking, but Jackson is damaged goods. You, my dear, deserve a prince, not the ogre.”
“I’m not looking for a prince right now.” My heart clenches when I think about Bad News! trying to call me and leaving a text.I miss you.
He doesn’t love me. I know I need to stop hoping for it from him.
To like me is a different story. That’s rather easy because I don’t give up.
“All I’m saying is put your energy elsewhere. Your dog-walking business, the rescue.”
“Thanks for connecting me, by the way. Your aunt is so nice.” Working Buddies’ Rescue takes in German shepherds, Belgian Malinoises, and other working breeds to ensure they go to good homes, ones can handle a high-energy, prey-driven dog. I hope to learn as much as I can from Ramon’s aunt, Priscilla, so I can open my own rescue one day.
It will be my mission to save as many as I can.
“You’re welcome. They’re always looking for volunteers.” Ramon kisses my head, and I giggle.
“Are you getting up there?”
“If Cameron ever gets off the mic.”
“Seriously.”
