Harper leaned back, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. “I’ve seen you at the games and things. You have a real way with people.”
“Thanks.” Tilly tried to breathe while Elise worked out a sore spot.
“I’d like to offer you a position at the stadium.”
Tilly’s head snapped up, and she disentangled herself so she could face Harper. “What do you mean?” She’d quit her job. Her body quaked at the thought of taking another person’s life in her hands after what had happened with Brayden. She didn’t have a backup plan, just knew that her mental stability depended on keeping her feet on the ground right now. She had savings, enough for a few months, but not enough to live like a princess who didn’t have to earn an income.
“We’re expanding our community outreach. Well …” She tipped her head, considering her words, her beautiful blond hair cascading over her shoulder. “We’re expanding our welcome.”
Tilly blinked. The beginning of the community outreach campaign had brought Clover and Dustin together. He’d volunteered at The Pantry, a charity that provided food for people in need where Clover also volunteered, and the rest was history.
“We’ve invited the local schools to come on tours of the stadium, and we need a guide,” Harper continued. “Then, during games, we’d need you in the home plate section, making sure our guests are comfortable.”
Tilly had seen the care the home plate section received during games. They bought the high-priced tickets and in return were given free sunscreen and ice waters. She’d also seen them order food to their seats, eliminating the need to stand in lines at the concession stands. The ticket holders were mostly local business owners who liked to look like big shots. Of course, when big teams like Boston and LA came to play, the section was packed.
“I—” She paused. “I think I could do that.” A tour guide was a far cry from the climbing guide she had been, but the same principles applied.
“Wonderful.” Harper stood and tugged at her shirt. She was all elegance in her flowing wide-legged pants, kitten heels, and short shirt. How anyone could wear that much white and stay clean was beyond Tilly. “I’ll have your name put on the roster, and my secretary will call with the particulars. I can give you another day to recover, but the first tours start Monday.”
“I should be able to make that.” Now that she was off the meds, her head should clear enough, and in the week since the accident, her ankle had improved greatly. She wore a brace for stability. It may ache after walking the stadium, but she’d make do. This was an advantageous move for her, and it felt like God was looking out for her with this job offer.
“Great. Good luck with your recovery, and please let us know if there’s anything we can do.” Harper said goodbye and let herself out.
Elise put her hands on Tilly’s shoulders and turned her around so she could get back to work. Her movements were quick and efficient. “Sorry. I have to get going. Doc will want to head back as soon as Harper’s ready to go.” She finished under one shoulder blade and started the other.
As she worked, Tilly mentally reviewed the last few minutes. “She gave me a job, right? It pays?” She hadn’t asked about money but had assumed.
Elise giggled. “I’m pretty sure you’ll make decent money. Harper isn’t one to take advantage of you.”
“Do you know her well?” She was intrigued by the woman—she was a billionaire, after all. It was strange to think of her on a human level.
Elise didn’t answer right away. “She’s not standoffish, but since she owns the team, there’s always this space between her and the staff. I think it’s respect.” She paused, using her thumb to break down a knot. “But she’s super nice, fair, and honest. I trust her.”
“Hmm.” The sound of a key fob unlocking doors came through the front window. “That’s your signal,” Tilly teased.
Elise got to her feet and then helped Tilly up. “I’ll plan on giving you a full workup after your first day of work. Meet me in the PT room. Okay?”
Tilly leaned in for a hug. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Your man is probably thinking the same thing.” Elise pulled back, keeping her hands on Tilly’s upper arms. “Don’t keep him waiting.”
Tilly gave her a small smile and nodded.
Elise sensed her hesitation. “He doesn’t blame you.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that I blame myself,” Tilly whispered.
“Stop it.” Elise gave her another hug.
Tilly laughed at her friend’s bluntness. “I’ll try.”
Elise let herself out, and Tilly set about cleaning the front room. She straightened the pillows and threw away the mounds of candy wrappers and paper plates. Then, she pulled out the vacuum and made beautiful lines in the carpet. Once that was complete, she put her hands on her hips and blew her lips out.
She was running out of ways to stall. She made sandwiches and grabbed a bag of chips out of the pantry, her heart heavy at the thought of Brayden’s eyes holding an ounce of accusation. It was time to face the music. With a grocery bag over her arm, she slowly made her way across the street. Whatever Elise had done to her helped. Most of the stiffness was gone, and she had fluidity to her movements that she hadn’t thought she’d get back so soon.
The sun was out in full force, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The heat came from all directions, radiating up from the blacktop as she crossed the street and pressing down on her shoulders. The weight of it was comforting and healing. She needed to spend some time outdoors to restore her soul. How she was going to manage working inside all day was an honest question. If she could climb after work, she might survive, but she still wasn’t ready for that—physically or emotionally. She squeezed her eyes shut as the image of Brayden lying in the red soil crossed her mind.
The cars from earlier were all gone, and the street was quiet. She stopped and took in Brayden’s house. They had the same floor plan, the same tiled roof and creamy stucco color. His flower beds had the HOA-provided shrubs, where hers were sprinkled with color. She often brought home flowers that reminded her of a hike they’d taken.
