“Hear me out, Finlay.Jasmine’s growing up.You need to start living a life of your own.You’re a young man with many decades ahead of you, and you deserve happiness.”
“No, I—”
“Take a deep breath, Finn.Do that four-count, box-breathing thing you boys like so much.”
Finn laughs.“You’ve been hanging out with SEALs too long, Aunt Phyllis.”
“A housekeeper is just what you need.”
“I’m already living my own life, and it’s the one I choose.And I manage to breathe just fine without outside guidanceora housekeeper.”
As I listen, I realize that Mr.MacLaine isn’t totally convinced of the truth in what he’s saying.His living and breathing may not be how he wants it.I also note that Phyllis has his ear.I bet she often does.She’s got him thinking.
“I double-checked Emma’s work history, and I contacted her references.She’s used to hard work and has never given anyone trouble.”
“There’s an eight-year-old child in this house.” Finn’s words come out in a hiss.His words are for Phyllis, but his eyes are on me.
Rat-bastard is what Summer called him.
“I have experience caring for children,” I say.And it’s true.I just don’t tell him why.Because nobody wants to hear the details of my time in foster homes.If sharing your dreams can make people uncomfortable, sharing the nightmarish reality of the foster system will make them run for the hills.
No way will he allow me to work for him if he knows that my entire childhood was spent in the system.It’s a red flag for most folks.But I have to make my point.
“Phyllis is right about the hard work, Mr.MacLaine.I’m strong, and I don’t tire easily.I’m not lazy.”
A shadow falls over Finn’s face.“I never said you were lazy.”
I nod and lower my gaze.
“How about a one-week probation period, Finn?”
He glances at Phyllis when she makes that suggestion.
“And if it goes well, then maybe you can offer Emma a month-long probation period.That will give you an opportunity to see if Emma can help you and Jasmine before any permanent position is offered.”
He glances at me, but I see he’s uncomfortable.
“Finlay, maybe we can introduce Emma to Jasmine, and if Jasmine is on board, then we can try it out for one week.It’s just a week.”
He raises an index finger and holds it in front of my eyes.“One week, and only if Jasmine is all right with it.And if after a week things are going well, then we’ll talk.”
He lowers his finger and then offers me his hand.I shake it, aware of how dirty my fingers and nails are but determined not to let my humiliation show.As soon as my palm contacts his, a current of energy arcs between us.
It isn’t an electric shock.It’s a warmth that shoots through my entire body.It makes me feel alive.
And maybe just the slightest bit worried.
CHAPTER 7
Finn
I flop onto my stomach and turn my head from side to side, trying to get comfortable.It doesn’t work.So I flop on my back again.
Not happening.
I can’t relax.
This mattress cost a fucking fortune, and it’s never failed me.In fact, I’ve thought of it as money well spent, right up until now.Up until last night.
