Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
“I know you did.”
“At first, it was great. Well, not great because it’s hard seeing a parent struggle, but I was in my element. But as time wore on, it really started to wear on me. Emotionally and physically. By the time her medications were fixed, and I was able to move out, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Stella, I went halfway around the world just so I could have some space and not worry about what anyone else needed. So, that tells me I’m not a caregiver and am just…lost.”
“No, it tells me you’re not an in-home nurse,” Stella retorts. “And that’s okay, Maya. I think having a family, kids, a home…all of that is very different from taking care of a sick family member. It’s perfectly fine to aspire to be a mom and wife one day. To take pride in your home. To help out at school and keep life running smoothly for everyone you love.”
That actually sounds amazing.
“I wish I could just decide to be a baker or something, then go to school and do it. Because if I want to be a homemaker, I kind of need the man and kids to go with it.”
“That will come with time,” she replies and reaches out to pat my shoulder.
“I’m not saying I don’t want to work,” I clarify. “I’m not lazy. I like to work, but I think if I’m lucky enough to meet the right guy and have kids someday, I’d really love to take care of them full time.”
“No one accused you of being lazy, babe. I totally get what you’re saying. Did you ever call Andrew back?”
“No. Honestly, maybe I’m not ready to date quite yet. I just got to Seattle.”
And I might be a little hung up on my grumpy-as-hell boss right now.
“No rush,” she says easily. “Hey, we’re having a cousins’ party at the compound in two weeks. Not next Friday, but the week after. Everyone’s so busy these days, we have to schedule them in advance. You have to go. It’ll be fun.”
“I’m in. Those parties are a riot. And I’ll need a drink by then. I’ll be at the end of my contract.”
Her brows lower in a frown. “That went fast. I can’t believe it’s been two weeks already.”
“I know. So, I’ll be unemployed and could probably use a shot or two.”
“We’ve got you covered,” she promises with a wink. “Okay, I have to meet Gray. He’s buying me a new car.”
“Ooh la la. Fancy.”
She laughs as we stand and clear away our cups. “He lost a bet.”
I raise an eyebrow, but she shakes her head.
“There are just some things you shouldn’t know about your big brother.”
“Fair enough.”
* * * *
I’ve decided to start wearing the heels I spent a fortune on. It was daunting at first, but I spent the past week wearing them around the house in the evenings, and I think I finally have the hang of it. I even wore them to the grocery store and didn’t have a limp by the time I got back home.
I consider that a win.
It’s been more than a week since Derek apologized to me. He’s been polite, cordial, and absolutely professional every single day. He doesn’t ask me anything personal, but I have caught him checking me out when he thinks I’m not looking.
It doesn’t bother me. I check him out all the time.
Because he’s hot as hell, and I can’t resist.
He still has moody days, and that’s to be expected because…that’s who he is as a human. I don’t know why his moods work that way, and it’s none of my business to ask. We made it clear that nothing beyond a cordial working relationship would happen.
It’s boring as hell and so sexually frustrating that I actually thought about calling Andrew just to see if there might be sparks there.
But when I picked up the phone, I just couldn’t do it. I don’t think I’ll be able to until I’m finished with this job for Derek and know it’s done for good.
Which is also frustrating.
But I’m nearing the end of my contract, so I’ll be washing my hands of Derek and the whole weird situation soon enough. It’s Wednesday. Friday is my last day. I’m both sad and relieved.
I’ve just slipped on the tall, black Louboutin heels when my phone rings. I frown when I see it’s the agency that placed me with Derek.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Maya, I’m glad I caught you. This is Britney.”
“Hi there, what’s up? Am I fired?”
To my relief, Britney laughs on the other end of the line. “No. Actually, I have a request. I hear you’re doing a great job for Mr. Langley, and he suggested that I ask you to stay on past the thirty days. I know you were hesitant because you’re so new to Seattle, and not sure if a law firm is the right fit for you, but I need to be honest here. I haven’t had the best luck with placements at this office, so if he’s requesting that you stay, I have to at least ask.”