My lips part in shock. “A job? Me?”
She stands up from her seat. “I’d like you to work for me as a proxy, vetting projects and organizations in need of support. I travel in person to check out every cause I donate to for myself, and well…there’s only one me. And while I don’t believe in lounging away my life on a yacht, I do have a husband who likes to vacation and spend some time with me.”
I grin up at her. “You have no idea how much I can identify with that.”
“So, what do you say? Will you work for me?”
“I…can’t give you an answer yet. I need to talk it over with Jude. But I’m absolutely honored to be asked. Thank you so much.”
“I hope you’ll say yes. I’ll email you some details, and you have my number.”
She nods and turns to follow one of the security guys out of the restaurant, the other one trailing behind her and looking from side to side as they exit.
I’m so stunned that I just sit in silence for a minute. The waiter comes to collect the check, and I pay him on autopilot, my mind reeling as I think about the offer Andrea just made me.
After I sign the bill, I take out my phone to text Jude and see I have a text waiting from him.
Jude: Good luck with lunch, babe. Lemme know how it goes.
My heart warms with happiness. I looked at Jude’s schedule for today on my phone this morning, and it was packed. He started with breakfast with a veterans group at six a.m. and didn’t have any downtime built in until eight tonight.
But still, he remembered my important lunch and texted me about it. That’s how he is—stubborn and overbearing, yes, but also the most devoted best friend I’ve ever known. My biggest supporter.
I need to connect with him for a few days on the campaign trail. I miss his smile, his scent—his unparalleled way of helping me wind down at the end of a busy day.
For now, I have to settle for texting, so I type out a message to him.
Me: It was amazing. Andrea is so much more than I even expected. She’s sending a donation, and guess what??? She offered me a job, baby! I can’t believe it.
I head out of the café to walk back to my office, and Jude responds on the way.
Jude: A job? Wow, congrats, love. I’m not surprised she picked up on how amazing my wife is. What’s the job? What did you say?
Me: I want to tell you about it in person. I told her I need time to talk it over with you. Can I join you on the campaign day after tomorrow for a couple days?
Jude: Hell yes, you can. You never have to ask, babe. Just show up. I’ll have my new scheduler get us nicer hotel rooms that night away from Tyson.
Me: Yeah, I’m NOT sharing a room with Tyson. Just you and me.
Jude: Of course. Good thing I packed the ropes.
My stomach flutters in anticipation of being tied up and teased by my husband. I wish I could go to him this second, but I have to stay here through a meeting I have in the morning.
Me: Yes. Good thing. I’m wet just thinking about last time.
Jude: I’m sitting in a meeting with labor reps, don’t make me hard.
Me: Me? I would never…
Jude: I’ll spank that sass out of you, Mrs. Titan.
Me: And I may come just from that. You won’t even need to unzip your pants.
Jude: I’m putting my phone away now. Call u later.
Me: Love you so much, Jude Titan.
Jude: Love u too, babe.
