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“Tell us something that doesn’t sound like a first date update,” Kira said.
Damn it, if she sounded too casual, she’d only make them more interested. She might as well share what she could share. “I’m really into him, but we’re making sure the kids don’t notice anything.”
“Good call,” Billie said.
She loosened her shoulders. “I mean, look… we’re honest about it. I’m being his nanny for a little longer, and then afterward, I doubt this will continue. He has his life, and I’ll have no reason to see him. We’re not friends. We’re not in a relationship. We’re just… making the most of our time together.”
“That sounds like fun.”
Kira took a swig of her beer and leaned in. “Would you want more?”
Yes, a little voice inside her replied. But wanting and having were two different things. “I shouldn’t. I mean. I came to the city because I wanted freedom. When is getting emotionally attached to a single dad with two adorable kids freedom?”
“She has a point,” Billie said.
“Just keep an open mind,” Kira said. “You know, when I moved here I didn’t expect to get married, but then Luc came along. Then I didn’t think I’d stay married, and well, the rest is history,” she said, a glint of joy in her eyes.
Poppy scooted to the edge of the sofa until she was closer to Kira, who sat on the chair nearby, and squeezed her wrist. She was happy for her cousin—Kira had landed herself a fine male specimen, a caring husband and most of all, someone who always put her first. A much needed redemption from her complicated childhood. “Yes, but you’re the exception. And I had to raise my brothers,” Poppy said, letting go of her wrist and slouching back in the sofa.
“Yes, but is Ethan asking you to stop your career and raise his children?” Kira asked.
“No, I guess he’s offering me the opposite of that,” Poppy said. After all, thanks to him, she’d record a podcast on the opening night of Kyle Entertainment Center. An opportunity she wouldn’t have gotten in a million of years.
“Then keep an open mind,” Kira said.
“What if he lets me down?”
“What if you let him down? That’s a risk you take,” Billie said.
She bit her lower lip, her cousins’ words reverberating through her. She’d felt so brave to leave Hope Springs and come to NYC to make her new life and enjoy freedom. Yet now she felt like a coward, like she couldn’t take more chances.
Like the girl who left Hope Springs never left at all. Was it because she didn’t allow herself to jump into a different kind of adventure or because she knew better?
“Well girls, I have some news,” Billie said, standing up. She smoothed her hand over her jeans, them jammed her hands in the pockets. “I’m going to Australia!”
“What?” Poppy said, surprise surging through her.
“Come again?” Kira asked. “Australia?”
“I just signed on a six-month contract to go work there. It’s a work visa.”
“Six months?” Poppy repeated, still shocked. “Are you for real?” Where the hell had this come from? Billie never mentioned anything about going overseas.
“Well, you know, you two always had your goals. Kira with starting her own temp agency, and Poppy with her podcast. I came to figure things out… and what if my thing isn’t here? Also, why can’t I go and explore the world? Kira is married and Poppy may be in denial, but I know how this story ends.”
“Really? Because I don’t,” Poppy said with a snarky voice.
“What I mean is… you two are having great experiences. It’s time I had mine too.”
“Are you sure this is legit?” Kira asked. “I need to look at the paperwork.”
Billie smiled. “I’ll send it to you. Yes, it’s legit.”
Poppy crossed her arms. What would she do without Billie? She’d be gone for six months, but they’d never spent that amount of time apart. “Who will you be working for?”
“A very professional woman hired me, but she didn’t reveal the identity of her employer. For confidentiality reasons,” she said.
“This sounds fishy,” Kira said, knitting her brows. “What if he or she is a serial killer?”
