Page 76 of Shade
Ordinarily, we’d never rent out a room with a missing window, but it’s technically not missing. Well, it is, but there’s a board up so it’s not like they’re going to fall out and they certainly won’t be watching TV.
“Oh, well, probably, huh?” She doesn’t wait for an answer. “So. . . I had an interesting call from Willa today,” Mila says, smiling at me like I’ve won an all-expense paid trip to see Shade in California. God knows my broke ass can’t afford it. I’ve ate McDonald’s three nights this week because dollar days are back.
You can’t miss the excitement in my voice. “Was it about me?” Despite my disappointing, yet strangely satisfying one-night stand with Shade, I desperately want to fly to California and ask that he give me round two. And fall in love with me.
Mila hands me an iced mocha, which I appreciate because it’s too hot outside and I hate this weather. I live in Washington for the rain. “No.”
I wink, finding the straw with my lips and pulling in a quick drink before asking, “Was it about Shade wanting me?”
It’s with great sadness she bursts my fucking bubble and says “No” while laughing like it’s funny. She’s getting impatient but giddy.
Look at her. She’s in love and everything is all happy fuck-me roses. I love her, but her happiness stinks for me. “Couldn’t have beenthatinteresting then.”
Mila pulls in a breath, her smile damn near blinding now. “Apparently Willa is going on maternity leave, and she’s looking for someone to fill in for her for three months. Shade asked if I could do it.”
I raise an eyebrow, my interest piqued. Think of the possibilities if your best friend was Shade Sawyer’s assistant!
“And you said?”
“I actually said no,” and then she hits me with, “buuuutI suggestedyoucould do it.”
I heard her correctly, right? She said me?
She did!
I kiss my fist, then pump it in the air. “I knew I remained friends with you for a reason.” And then I remember I don’t know anything about being a personal assistant. “But seriously, I’m not qualified for that. What were you thinking?”
“Sure you are. You’d be perfect for a job like that. Have faith in yourself.” Mila checks her cell phone as Tom approaches us, looking from me to Mila. “Willa will be here in two hours to meet with you in the hotel restaurant. I’ve arranged it all.”
She’s arranged it all?And here I thought I had accomplished a lot this morning.
She’s walking away now, her cell phone pressed to her ear but motions to the restaurant and holds up two fingers.
That’s when the panic hits me. Me, Scarlet Rose, has an interview to be Shade Sawyer’s assistant? What does a personal assistant even do?
Do you see the way my blood pressure shoots through the roof? Do you see the way it heats my cheeks, and my arms and legs begin to tingle?
I’m freaking the fuck out. Wouldn’t you be?
Tom hits my shoulder. He’s off work already, dressed in his usual “I’m a grungy Seattle artist” that isn’t an act. He really is a musician and a damn good one. “You coming to the bar tonight for the show?”
“I don’t know if I can,” I blurt out, blinking rapidly and trying to comprehend what the fuck just happened. “I have an interview?”
He looks at me like I’m stupid for asking him. “How would I know?”
Oh, wait. I asked a question. Right.
“No.” I wave my hand around and end up dropping my mocha on the ground. Iced coffee splashes all over mine and Tom’s shoes. “I have an interview in two hours. And now I need to change. Crap.”
Tom frowns at his shoes. He has a thing about his shoes. Dresses like a fucking bum outside of work but his shoes. . . he spends most of his money on them, and chocolate and coffee probably don’t look good on them. “What job are you interviewing for?”
“To be Shade’s personal assistant.”
“You don’t want that job,” he snaps and reaches under the counter for the paper towels.
“Why not?”
Tom kneels down and begins wiping off his shoes. Sighing, he looks up at me. “Because youdon’t.”
