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I'm about to shake my head and say no⁠—

"Please, Karyna."

But when he says the magic word, it turns me into a girl, standing in front of a boy who's just said please, and that's why…

Chapter 7

Not What It Seems

"We call it a floater position. Are you familiar with the term?”

I shake my head.

“That’s okay,” my new boss is quick to assure me. “Basically, floaters go wherever an extra pair of hands is needed, which means your job description is more flexible than static. There are days you’ll be assigned to the kitchen, other days you’ll be assigned to the pool.”

She looks at me every so often while speaking, but all I can do is nod…because I’m back to being that girl.

The one who thinks it’s better to keep her mouth shut.

“Room and board are included, of course.”

This time, I manage a smile. “T-Thank you.”

“We’re the ones who should be thankful.”

Oh, she’s so nice.

Really, really nice.

But she doesn’t have to lie like that for my sake.

“It’s fine,” I say awkwardly. “I know I’m only here because⁠—”

Don’t call him your husband!

“B-Because Mr. Caristia recommended me, and your husband’s friends with him⁠—”

Cadence’s lovely face softens. “It’s not like that at all,” she says gently. “While it’s true Keiran and Ruel are friends, what we’re always on the lookout for are people we can trust. And that’s why we’re thrilled to have you working here. Ruel vouched for you, and that’s all the character reference we need.”

Oh.

Okay.

That’s…completely unexpected, but it also makes me feel a lot better, which enables me to smile more easily as Cadence gives me a tour of Harbour Locke Country Club, aka my home-and-workplace rolled into one.

The main dining room is vast and fancy, with great views of the golf course. The kitchen is a beehive of activity, but everyone takes the time to say hi when Cadence introduces me as the new girl. The tennis courts are fully booked while the gym looks like a state-of-the-art training facility for professional athletes. Our last stop is the heated indoor pool, and just like all the facilities of the club⁠—

“It’s open 24/7,” Cadence tells me with a smile, “and staff can use it after hours.”

I smile back. I want to look grateful. And honestly, I do feel grateful. As much as anyone can feel grateful with a heart that’s still broken.

Once the tour ends, Cadence tells me I can start tomorrow, but I opt to go straight to work instead. It’s just easier. I don’t get to hurt as much when I’m busy.

H.R. has my uniforms ready when I come to pick them up, and I carry them to my room to change. It’s my first time stepping inside it—I declined Cadence’s offer to let me take a peek earlier, and…wow.

Since Cadence took pains to assure me earlier that I’m not getting any special treatment, I know this room is what everyone in the staff gets. It’s so much more spacious than I expected. Nothing like the cabins on the yacht, but compared to the house I grew up in?

This…