“Do you have, uh, much work experience?”
Josie rolled her eyes. “I’ve worked before. Okay, no big, fancy jobs. But I’ve flipped burgers, cleaned cheap hotel rooms, slung beer ... and a few other jobs that you probably don’t want to hear about.”
Willow tried not to look shocked.
“Don’t worry, I haven’t donethat.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“All I meant was that I’ve done jobs I’m not that proud of. Just temporary stuff. I’ve been a dancer in clubs ... sold my blood ... I’ve even panhandled when we were broke and the band needed gas money. People are more generous to women. But that’s not the sort of crud you’d put on a job application.”
“Is there any sort of work that you feel you’d like to do? Perhaps something you could be trained or go to school for.”
“I amnotgoing back to school,” she declared. “Never again.”
Willow held up her hands. “That’s fine. I wasn’t really expecting an answer from you. But maybe it’s something you could think about ... while you’ve got time on your hands. Maybe it’s time to dream a little. Dream about what you’d like to do or be.”
“Dream?”
“Why not?”
Josie snuggled down into the corner of the sectional. “Maybe I should take a nap here and try to dream. Your apartment’s lots nicer than where you’ve got me holed up. I think I’ll move in here.”
Willow suppressed aggravation. Why wouldn’t Josie want to take up residence in Willow’s apartment? It was comfortable and pretty and clean ... with a well-stocked fridge. But the amenities would deteriorate quickly if Josie had her way. And before long, they’d be at odds over it. “I have a better idea,” Willow said.
“What?”
“Well, you want to earn some money, right?”
Josie cautiously nodded.
“And I need work done on the apartment you’re using.”
“What kind of work?” Josie’s eyes narrowed.
“Like what I’ve done in here. And like what Collin did to his apartment. We ripped out the carpets and linoleum, refinished the wood floors, painted walls and cabinets ... just basic renovation stuff.” Willow waved a hand. “But the result is a place like this.”
Josie glanced around with what looked like genuine interest.
“The payoff for you would be to stay in a much-improved space. That apartment has the potential to be quite nice. But when the work was done, I’d expect you to keep it clean and neat. I mean, if you remained here in town.”
“I don’t know.” Josie frowned.
“And don’t forget, I’d pay you fair wages for your work.”
“But I don’t know how to do any of those things.”
“I can show you. So can Collin. It’s mostly just plain elbow grease and dogged determination.” Willow knew it would be a miracle if Josie agreed to this idea—and put in the effort. She also knew it was probably just the sort of work Josie needed right now. But how to get her on board? Willow recalled how reverse psychology had sometimes worked on Josie as a teen. Would she fall for it now?
Willow shrugged. “But it’s okay if you want to pass on this, Josie. It’s a lot to take on and you’re probably not in great condition. You have to be physically fit to do that kind of work. It’s very demanding and—”
“I’m in good shape.”
“But it’s a big undertaking, honey. You might not have it in you to—”
“You could at least let me try,” Josie protested. “It’s possible that I’m more capable than either you or Collin thinks. Yeah, sure, I haven’t been at my best these past few days, but it’s been pretty stressful around here. You can at least give me a chance to show you what I can do.”
“Yes, of course. I just want you to understand right up front that it’s a lot to take on.”
