“And I’m not even in the firstyearyet. How am I supposed to get there?”
“I mean it. College is hard for everyone. We’re all existing on ramen noodles at that point. Whatever you’re struggling with doesn’t dictate your future success.”
“Seriously?” She cocks her head. “Even you? I can’t imagine you eating packaged ramen.”
“You better believe it. I’m only alive because of the stuff.”
“That makes me feel a little better.”
I need to slow my roll, but the wheels in my head are spinning, driving me places I shouldn’t go. There may as well be a bigNO TRESPASSINGsign in front of where my thoughts have wandered off to.
Not that it would stop me.
I inhale through my teeth and contemplate my options. “What are your plans this summer, Evie?”
“I don’t know.” Her forehead wrinkles. “I’m staying with my brother and… taking a break, I guess.”
“A well-deserved break, I imagine.”
“It doesn’t really feel like I deserve it.”
“Everyone deserves a break.”
She rolls her eyes. “What if I don’twanta break? Is that weird?”
“No. It’s not weird. I can understand that better than most.”
I shouldn’t do it. I need an assistant with experience, someone who can walk in and fix my life—and my chaotic schedule. Why am I even considering this?
“We’re hiring at Intentional Paper,” I blurt out.
She blinks.
“Not a huge role,” I say, rushing. “Just my assistant. If you want something for the summer, a way to save up a little cash, you can have it. The hours are long, but I pay well.”
Her eyes are as wide as the plate in my hand. “Seriously? Are you offering me a job? Just like that?”
I shake my head, fighting off a smile. “I’ll have to interview you first, of course.”
“Of course.” She lets out a shocked laugh. “But I can’t. I wish I could, but I just—I need to focus on my baking this summer. I’ll probably find a temporary bakery gig. You understand, right?”
“I do—I get it. You have other priorities, and they’re important. There’s no pressure.” I set the plate down, slip a finger into my pocket, and pull out my wallet. “If you change your mind… here’s my card.”
She takes the pine tree-shaped card between two fingers, staring at it. “Thank you.”
“I could teach you a thing or two about business, too. Don’t write the offer off so quickly.”
She holds the card to her chest and meets my gaze with an earnest look. “I won’t. I’ll consider it, really. It’s not like I have any other options.”
I chuckle and step closer, ducking my head down. “Can I give you a business tip?”
“Yes! Please. Anything.”
“Never let them know you don’t have other offers.” I wink. “It’ll slide with me, but for future reference…”
“Right.” She tucks her hair behind her ear. “In that case—I have a few other offers to consider, but I’ll keep you updated.”
“Much better.”
