Guadalupe nodded. “Oh, yes, he did. And I figured the arrangement between you and my niece would be perfect. She’s looking for some daytime work, and you’re looking for evening work. Correct?”
I nodded. “Right, yeah.”
“Then, it’s settled! My daughter is a trained CNA, so if you don’t have any certifications or training in how to deal with those who are asthmatic—”
I smiled as I interrupted her. “Actually, I do.”
She placed her hands on my shoulders. “This is going to be a good thing. I just know it.”
“I really hope you’re right, Guadalupe.”
Ginger came bursting into the office. “Did she say yes? Please tell me I can call Jorge now.”
Guadalupe gave her a thumbs up. “Call away!”
I narrowed my eyes. “This was a set-up?”
Guadalupe patted my cheek. “A set-up for your future, sweetheart. Just take it and be thankful.”
Ginger squealed and rushed down the hallway, yelling at someone to fetch her phone for her. Guadalupe raised up onto her tiptoes and gave me a kiss on my forehead, and for a split second, it seemed like everything was going to be just fine. Guadalupe had a way of pulling things out of her ass that benefitted all of us when we needed it most, and I hoped it was my time for that.
Because my first student loan installment was three weeks away, and I didn’t have the cash flow to pay for it.
“Oh, and by the way,” Guadalupe said as she started out of my office, “Mr. Lincoln’s already hired my niece for his daytime shift. We just wanted to make sure you were on board before we got your interview with him scheduled.”
I shook my head. “Three peas in a pod, you all are.”
Ginger poked her head above Guadalupe’s in the doorway. “How does dinner tonight sound? Seven? At Radcliffe’s?”
I shook my head and shrugged. “Sure?”
Ginger went back to talking on the phone. “She agreed. Yes, let’s get this set-up. You call Gavin and—”
Guadalupe shut my office door, closing off the rest of the conversation. And by the time I was done with my workday at the spa, Ginger had a time and place set up for Gavin and me to meet. My hands trembled as I made my way home. I spent over an hour trying to pick out the right outfit. I mean, it wasn’t a date, so it didn’t have to be sexy. But, I was about to meet up with an A-list Hollywood actor in one of the finest, most discreet restaurants in the city for a job interview.
“What the hell do I wear to something like this?” I whispered.
After finally settling on some high-waisted black pants, black heels, and a white ruffled blouse, I opted for some sparkling jewelry since the colors were pretty tame. I painted on some red lipstick before wiping it off, then chose a nice, cool shade. The rich purple made my eyes pop, but it didn’t make me look like I was hoping to get lucky by the end of this dinner.
And once the clock ticked over to six-thirty, I was out the door.
“Radcliffe’s. Radcliffe’s. Come on, where’s the sign?”
My GPS got me to the road it sat on, but I drove up and down it, trying to find the damned sign. At first, I thought I was going crazy. Then, I thought maybe I had punched in the address wrong. But, after driving back down the road a fifth time, I saw it.
Tucked down at the beginning of an alleyway, of all places.
“Oh, boy,” I murmured.
The only reason why I felt comfortable parking my car and getting out was that everyone knew of this place. If they hadn’t been there, they at least knew where it was and the kinds of food they served. It was easily the most upscale place downtown, and I felt sorely underdressed, just stepping into the restaurant.
But, the maître d’ must have noticed me because the second I walked inside, he appeared at my side. “This way, Miss Johnson.” His accent was thick, and I couldn’t place it.
“I’m sorry, do we know each other?”
He smiled kindly. “Mr. Lincoln is waiting for you upstairs. I have been told to escort you once you arrived.”
I nodded slowly. “Well, then, by all means, lead the way. And thank you.”
