That doesn’t stop Everett from opening the door. He slides inside and sits in the chair opposite mine, leaning back without a care in the world.
Us being friends wouldn’t make sense to most people. We met at a cocktail party five years ago; he was the only one not wearing a suit. Instead, he wore a hideous, floral button-up shirt, as if on vacation. The flip-flops with socks didn’t help the ensemble.
I didn’t understand how he made it into the party at first, but before long, I realized people kept him around for his charm. Now, in my eyes, he’s more than a strange, charming man. He’s a loyal friend—and a little too presumptuous.
He’s dressed the same way now, but I don’t complain anymore. I’m glad he’s wearing shoes.
“You should have texted,” I grunt. “I’m not in the mood for company.”
“I did text.” He lifts a brow. “Three times.”
“If I didn’t answer, that was probably a hint to leave me alone.”
“Ow!” He rubs his chest. “What did I ever do toyou?”
“Nothing. It’s not you.” I unwrap my sandwich and take my time chewing. If I’m grumpy, and I’m not saying I am, eating will probably help. Tomatoes burst into my mouth, and the garlic hummus adds the right touch. I only take one bite before I plop the sandwich down and brush my crummy fingers on a rough, brown napkin. “I’ve been doing interviews all morning, and it’s pushing off the rest of my work until the end of the day. I’ll probably be stuck sleeping here tonight.”
“Didn’t ask.”
“Too bad. You’re here, so I’m venting.”
He chuckles. “You know you’re the boss, right? You can decide to call it in early.”
How envious I am of Theo. He’s always so at ease, his business does well, and he has control of his life. He has it all.
I glance at my phone, which is lighting up with emails. “We don’t all have that much freedom.”
“As much as I want to encourage you to take a break,” he says, “I’m here on business.”
“How so?” I already know what he’s talking about, but I feign ignorance.
Everett leans in, fixing me with those piercing baby blues. “Were you serious when you offered the job to Evie?”
I scratch the back of my neck. “Ah… she told you about that, did she?”
Offering her the job was a long shot, a desperate attempt at avoiding this stressful job search. I haven’t heard from her, and I still don’t know if Ishouldhave offered her the job, but my briefinteraction with her was better than any interview I’ve done so far.
“She did,” he says. “She thinks she’s under-qualified.”
I wave a hand dismissively. “There’s no such thing as being under-qualified for this position. I’m willing to train the right person.”
“Even if she can only stay for the summer?”
“Sure.” I lift my shoulders, and the tension I’m carrying makes them stay in that position. “It’s not ideal, but that gives me time to find someone to replace her once she’s gone.”
“I guess it would work out for both of you.”
“Do you know something I don’t?” I narrow my eyes. “She turned down the job already, and I’m not expecting her to change her mind.”
Evie has other passions. I’ll respect it, even if her coming on boardwouldmake my job much more manageable.
“Listen,” he says, “all I know is that my baby sister needs a job, and my best friend is stressed and looking for someone to fill a position. I would be a fool if I didn’t try to make something happen here.”
Seeing my laid-back friend as the protective big brother and even going so far as to arrange a job Evie isn’t interested in is something else. For once, Everett is perfectly still, no longer wiggling or bouncing to the next thing as I know him to do. He’s steady.
“It has to be her decision,” I say. “Let her make the choice. I don’t want anyone on board who doesn’twantto be here.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” he says. “I’m not forcing her. I vouched for you. That’s it.”
