I blink. Wait—what ad? I had no idea Rhonda was hiring. But honestly? I’m not mad. Sarah seems like a breath of fresh air.
“Definitely sounds like fate,” I admit. “And I’m a Brisbane girl too! How old is your daughter?”
“She’s fourteen. She’s a big high schooler. I still can’t believe it.”
Fourteen? She doesn’t look old enough to have a teen. Sarah must at least be in her thirties or had her young. I have a curious nature so I can’t help but ask.
“You look so young! When did you have her? Is she in that awful teenage phase?” I think back to myself at that age. I was a brat. But I was still grieving my mum, of course I was difficult.
“Thanks, I had her in my early twenties,” Sarah tucks her hair behind her ear. “I’m thirty-seven. And honestly? She’s such a blessing. The sweetest kid you’ll ever meet.”
“Well, you seriously need to share your skincare routine, because I thought we were the same age. And she sounds amazing, you’ve clearly done something right. So, it’s just the two of you?”
“Um, yep. Just us,” she glances away, suddenly awkward.
Okay—note to self: don’t pry. I nod gently and let it go.
Before I can say anything else, my first client walks through the front door.
I start to walk out the front to welcome her. Then turn back and flash Sarah a smile. “You’re welcome to shadow me today if you’d like, I’m happy to help you get back into the swing of things.”
“I’d love that.” She follows me out front.
23
Work work work
It’s 9 p.m. by the time I finally get home from work, it’s late, especially for a Monday. Tyler finished at 3 p.m., but I had to go into the office afterward to deal with paperwork. I try not to bring work home if I can help it, but getting in this late especially after a full morning on the tools—it’s rough.
Lately, it’s felt like I’m juggling too much and starting to drop the ball. I need to cut back. The business is earning enough now, so I’m planning to start interviews soon to bring on more help. It’s time to spend less time on the tools.
I ease the front door open, trying not to wake anyone. Gizmomeowswhen I step inside, begging to be picked up. I’ve always thought of myself as a dog person, but this cat… I think I like her almost as much asI like her owner. Which is probably too much.
I drop my keys and wallet onto the entryway table and scoop Gizmo into my arms, and that’s when I notice that someone’s still up. Music floats in from the kitchen, and the scent of something sweet hits me. Suddenly, I remember how hungry I am.
Camille is in the kitchen, barefoot and dancing to “Pink Pony Club”by Chappell Roan. She’s wearing a cropped PJ singlet and tiny shorts, stirring something in a bowl and completely unaware of me. She’s hot and adorable at the same time. She’s an enigma. Her music taste is all over the place—country one day, pop or acoustic the next… sometimes even screamo.
“Hey, what you makin’ over there?”
She jumps a little, then laughs, dipping her finger into the bowl and licking it.
“Brownies. I was craving them. I made seared chicken and veggies for dinner. It’s in the fridge, help yourself. But I’m not sharing the brownies,” she teases, grinning.
I laugh. “Fair enough. They’re all yours. But I’ll definitely take that dinner, I’m starving.”
I heat up a plate, the scent making my stomach growl.
“How was your day?” she asks.
“Rough. Trying to do everything is wearing me down. But I’m home now, and I just want to switch off for a while. Sorry I’m a bit of a downer tonight.” I pause. “What about you? How was yours?”
She brightens. “Actually, it was good. My boss hired a new girl, Sarah. It was nice to have someone around who actually wanted to talk to me. The others are… kind of bitches, honestly. I’ve tried everything with them, but they just don’t like me. I just know it’s going to be different with Sarah.”
“That sucks they’re like that to you. I’m glad you’ve got someone new who seems decent. Also, feel free to have friends over wheneveryou like. Just a heads-up, Tyler will probably try and crack onto them,” I chuckle.
She laughs. “If it’s Danielle, she can handle herself. She wants to catch up soon. I might tell her she’s welcome here.”
“Sounds great,” I stop mid-bite. “This is delicious, by the way. Thanks, Cam.”
