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But of course, it’s Colton, and the expression on his face says he wants to see me again just as much as I want to see him.
Before I can tell him I’m here for my purse, he holds it up, his eyes asking if this is what I came back for.
“Yes, that’s why I’m here,” I tell him, my hands reaching out, assuming he’ll hand it to me.
But he doesn’t.
Instead, he stares at me for a long moment.
“Look, you can take the purse and leave if you want, and then we can hopefully never see each other again,” he says, making it clear that we are definitely on the same page. “Or,” he continues, “you can come in and we can talk about the job.”
I blink a few times, thinking maybe he’s joking. I mean, this must be a joke, right?
“Why would you want to talk to me about the job?” I ask.
Colton sighs, looking incredibly annoyed. Even more so than he did earlier, if that’s even possible.
“I don’t want to talk to you about it,” he tells me. “But I need to.”
My head tilts to the side as I consider what he’s said, my mind rolling back over the things Sharon and Roger said to me earlier about Teddy. How he needs consistency in the wake of how life has changed recently.
Shoulders drooping, I snatch my purse out of Colton’s hands then walk past him into his house.
Honestly, everything about this job feels like a circus already, so what could be the harm in actually talking to Colton about it for a little bit? Just to see…what it could be.
Colton clears his throat a few times as he closes the front door then waves for me to follow him into the kitchen, where I take a seat at the island on one of the four stools along the end.
I follow his direction, though once I’m seated, I cross my arms and glare at him.
Colton’s jaw clenches tightly, and I brace for him to make some dickish comment about this morning.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” he tells me instead, surprising me even though he doesn’t look the least bit sorry. “I’ve been under a lot of stress lately.”
I bite my tongue, willing myself not to remind him that you can be a kind human being and be stressed at the same time. It seems like a little too much for this moment.
“And even though I hate the idea,” he continues, looking to the side and rubbing a hand against the back of his head, “my parents are right. Ted does need some consistency and support over the next…while.”
God, he looks like he wants to burst into tears admitting that out loud. But just as quickly as that slightly vulnerable expression is there, it’s gone, replaced by the broody, unhappy face that always seems directed my way.
“So. This is your one interview question,” he says. “Why should I hire you?”
My fingers tap the marble countertop as I think it over, trying to make sure I give him the best answer I can, since it seems like my only chance to convince him. Ultimately, I decide to start with the basics.
“Well, I’ve connected with kids for as long as I can remember. I am naturally creative and energetic, which keeps them stimulated and engaged, but I’m also sensitive and nurturing, which makes them feel safe and cared for.”
I pause for just a second, deciding to veer off course with my response, and knowing I’m taking a huge risk.
“But you’ve read my resume and seen my references, so my guess is that you already know those things. In fact, I don’t think you actually want me to tell you why you should hire me. I think you want me to accidentally give you reasons why you shouldn’t.”
Colton has a great poker face, but I can still see the flicker of surprise at what I’ve said.
“So, I’ll give you three reasons. First, I can tell you just generally don’t like me. Second, I’m fairly certain you’re not a fan of the fact I work at a bar. And third, you don’t like that I’ve given you some attitude in each of our interactions so far. And all of those are…very real, legitimate reasons why you shouldn’t hire me.”
I pause again briefly, wanting to make sure I get this part right.
“However, if I were to respond to the actual question you asked—why you should hire me—I don’t think sharing my accolades or pointing you to my references or giving you examples of my work would convince you. So instead, all I can tell you is that, in this new world where you don’t get to stay at home with your son anymore, the best thing you can do is hire someone who will love and protect Teddy with as much care and attention as you would. And that is a job I am absolutely qualified for.”
Colton looks at me for a long moment after I respond, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to toss me out on my ass.
