“It’s all stuff I need, you’re right. But I literally do not have the cash.”
Franco is quiet for only a split second. “Okay,” he says, nodding. “I get it. Did your aunt leave you anything else? Life insurance?”
I shake my head. “Just a failing bookstore and whatever is in her apartment. I have the place with no lease until the end of the year, but I’m paying the rent and everything.”
He seems completely undeterred, nodding again. “All right. So, you need money to replace your phone. Money to do the stuff on this list.” He thinks for a second. “Do you want my help, Chloe? If that’s not what you want, you need to tell me now to stand down. I’m a lot like my mom in that sense, but at least I know enough to ask before I barge into someone’s business.”
“What do you have in mind?”
He motions for me to sit. His eyes sparkle and he’s got a sexy grin on his face, and since my knees go a little weak at the sight, I have no problem dropping into a chair. “How do you feel about paperwork?” he asks.
9
FRANCO
“Chloe, this is Jack Miles.”
It’s around ten on Tuesday by the time we get through breakfast. I take Chloe over to Easy Start just about the time I know Jack will be taking a break.
He shakes Chloe’s hand and lifts his chin at me. “I thought you weren’t coming in today, man.” He’s looking Chloe over and I know his mind is spinning, but he’s not saying anything.
Something seems to have shifted in Chloe this morning. She’s still wearing her boots and pants that must be two sizes too big, but after spending the night tucked against her ass, I’m actually happy she’s hiding what she’s got from the world. Under those bulky sweaters, her body is more than what meets the eye. Just like the woman herself.
When I woke this morning with my hand under her shirt, it was all I could do to keep my fingers from wandering to her breasts, ass, thighs…
“Hi, Jack. Nice to meet you.” She shakes his hand, and I can tell Jack’s confused, but my buddy’s nothing if not cool.
They make small talk about Chloe’s aunt Ann and the café, until finally, we get down to business.
“Jack,” I say, “since your mom’s on temporary hiatus, how would you feel about hiring Chloe for a couple days to get that paperwork sorted?”
Chloe and I talked about the idea in the truck, so I know she’s down for it. I don’t know if Jack’s budget at the shop will allow him to pay Chloe for some very part-time work, but I have a list of ideas a mile long. This is just our first stop.
“Listen,” I add, “she needs some capital for some improvements to Ann’s place. Won’t be a long-term thing, but if you and your pops can find some leeway in the payroll, you can help out Chloe, and I’ll bet she can find that purchase order you’ve been wanting me to deal with.”
Jack’s thinking it over, but he looks dubious. “I’ve got to call my dad, Frankie,” he says, looking sheepish. “Hiring someone’s not that easy. There’s taxes and paperwork to consider…”
I hold up a hand to stop him. “Look, I get it. If it’s too complicated, no worries. Throwing it out there, that’s all.”
“Dad’s still fishing,” Jack reminds me. “But I’ll give him a quick call. If it’s a no, you’ll know sooner rather than later.”
Chloe’s face crumples a little, but I give her a reassuring nod. “Come with me,” I say, leading her to Carol’s desk. “Let’s give Jack some privacy while he calls Earl.”
She grabs my sleeve as we’re walking away. “Franco.” Her voice is tiny again, the fading flower starting to droop. “I don’t want to cause any trouble…”
“What trouble? This ain’t trouble,” I assure her. “It’s a phone call. Earl will say yes or no, and then we’ll go from there.” I turn to her and put my hands on her shoulders.
I meant what I said this morning in my kitchen. I don’t know why, but I can’t stop myself from touching her.
She doesn’t seem to mind, so I squeeze gently and lower my voice. “You asking for what you need doesn’t inconvenience anybody,” I say. “I mean that. Ask. Speak up. Say what you need. If the answer’s no…” I shrug one shoulder. “Then fuck it. Shake it off and keep going. Around me, don’t ever apologize for asking for what you want.”
She is nibbling on her lower lip and watching my face like I have all the answers there. I don’t, but what I do know is that the world helps those who help themselves.
If there’s anything I can do for her right now, it’s to make her realize that.
“Come on.” I motion toward Carol’s desk.
I show her the stack of paperwork. Shit that hasn’t been paid or organized in weeks since Carol stopped coming into the shop every day.
