Knowing Mom, she'd say it, too.
Right now, this was the last thing I wanted to hear.
Next to me, Tessa looked around like the whole living room had gained new weight. Quietly, she said, "I figured this place was yours free and clear."
Nowthatwas hilarious. "Sure," I laughed. "And next week I'm buying a yacht."
"Uh, yeah..." Tessa shifted on the couch. "I guess I was being stupid, huh?"
I snorted. "You, stupid? I doubt it. Delaney always said you were the smart one." Of course, Delaney had never said this as a compliment, but this was better left unmentioned.
Tessa took a long swig from her bottle before muttering, "Trust me, I'm not that smart."
"Well you're definitely smarter than I am."
She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right." But then her expression turned earnest. "Back to the shop…you'll work it out, right?"
It was a nice thought, but I considered the source. Tessa was good at everything. She might be sipping from single-serve bottles like the rest of us, but she lived in a totally different world.
The only thing that didn't fit was her current job – something that made zero sense for someone with her credentials.
But hey, who was I to judge? I had a business degree, andIspent most of my days tangling with tourists and bike chains.
I replied, "Sure, if I can actually keep an employee."
"Oh, come on," she said. "You'll find someone."
"Like I haven't tried. The pay isn'ttooterrible. But it's not terrific either. I mean, Iwantto pay more, but I can't…not until I'm more caught up."
She was quiet for a beat and then sat up straighter on the couch. "Hey, I know. I'll quit my job and help at the shop."
I almost laughed out loud.Was that the liquor talking?"Oh, stop it."
But Tessa wasn't laughing. "I'm serious. I mean, it's not like I'd be quitting my dream job or anything."
The offer was beyond thoughtful, and I felt my eyes grow just little misty. But things weren't that simple.
Sure, she and I were getting along now, but I'd heard plenty of horror stories from Delaney. Plus, Tessa would hate to get herhands dirty. She'd be miserable, and I'd feel guilty – even if shewasliving at my place.
Still, I was touched by the offer – so touched that I wanted to cry. I gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks…I mean it. But if I'm going to beg someone for help, it should be someone who can fix a bike."
It was a tall order. I mean,Icould fix a bike, but I wasn't half as quick as my dad – or Trevor for that matter.
"You're not begging," Tessa said. "I offered."
I glanced down, taking in her flawless manicured nails. She had been living here for nearly a month, and I had never seen her with so much as a smudge, not even on her clothing.
Plus, I had to be practical. "I really appreciate it, honest – but what Ireallyneed is someone who can tell a derailleur from a handlebar."
She frowned. "What's a derailleur?"
I toasted her with my bottle. "Exactly!"
This made her snicker. "Fine. But the offer stands if you change your mind." She winked. "Orif you get really desperate for help."
"Hey, you already helped," I said. "The hundred bucks, remember?"
For some reason, this made her groan.
