“Mr. Maxwell, Bonnie will see you out.”
I rose. “When will you make your decision?” My dad had counseled me to make sure I closed the deal.
“The position was originally for a summer intern. But we recently lost two lawyers, so the person I hire will intern beginning immediately on a part-time basis. Then, once the college semester is complete, it will be full time through the summer. Do you have a problem with that?”
“No, sir.” I clasped my binder as tightly as I could with my left hand. I’d taken the bandages off my right hand to let the cuts heal, but it was still sore. “And I quit my job as a model for that art class your daughter is in.”
He cocked a bushy eyebrow. “We’ll be in touch soon.”
Whether my last statement helped to sway him in my favor, I’d done all I could to land the job. When I got down to the lobby, I loosened my tie.
Kross jumped out of a chair. “How did it go?” Kross and I had driven into the city together since he had a meeting with his boxing coach and Kody had borrowed my Jeep. His truck was in the shop for a tune-up.
“We’ll see.” I hadn’t gotten a good vibe, but I did all I could. “On the way back to Ashford, can we make a stop?”
It was time to break down the steel wall around my heart.
24
Lizzie
Dillon and I were sitting at the kitchen table playing five-card draw, which was what we’d be playing on Saturday. Once Dillon had gotten the money from his brother, Duke, and we were confirmed players, Dillon had gone to work prepping me for the game, including bluffing, the most important aspect of poker.
“Any word from Davenport on freezing your assets?” Dillon asked as he kept his gaze on his cards.
“Just that the court date for the temporary injunction is next week. Which means Terrance probably used more of my money for the entrance fee for this game.” I twisted my earring, chewing on my bottom lip.
“Stop playing with your earring,” Dillon commanded. “Remember that any nervous tics will give you away.”
“Sorry. Sometimes when I’m deep in thought I don’t realize I’m doing it.” I was staring at a crap hand of nothing, thinking of the game and Terrance and wondering how Kelton was doing. Those three things had consumed my every waking minute for the last week. I dropped the cards on the table. “I need a potty break.” We’d been at it for two hours. I’d wanted to quit an hour before to watch Magic Mike with Bee and Allie in the game room.
“We have two days.” Dillon crossed to the fridge. “And don’t think of sneaking downstairs either.”
As much as I wanted to, the time was closing in. I had to keep at it, more to sharpen my skills at bluffing than at playing the game. I stuck out my tongue.
“I caught that,” Dillon said, peeking over the fridge.
I giggled as I went into the half-bath in the hall. One part of me hated that Dillon was invested in the game. I didn’t want to be the one to strain his relationship with Duke if he couldn’t pay him back. But Dillon had said to let him worry about his family. The other part of me was relieved knowing that Dillon would be there with me. If anyone knew Boston’s underbelly, it was Dillon. Not only that but each player was allowed one guest. Dillon had Josh and Rafe lined up to have our backs in the event anything went haywire.
No sooner than I’d parked myself on the toilet, the doorbell rang.
Dillon’s heavy footsteps sounded as he passed by. Then the front door groaned. “What the fuck? You’re not welcome here.” Dillon’s tone was lethal.
“I don’t want any trouble,” Kelton said. “I just need to talk to Lizzie.”
I twirled my earring in every direction. One week without talking, seeing, or touching Kelton was probably the toughest emotional week I’d had in a long time. I’d barely eaten, slept, or even left the house. I should’ve been out searching for a job, especially with ten Gs on the line. My dad had always taught me to be ready for anything, which meant I should be miles ahead in the event I couldn’t pay Dillon. But depression had set in like it had seven years ago. I was grateful for my new extended family. If it weren’t for Bee and Allie and even Dillon, keeping me occupied with cards and movies, I’d be hiding in a corner of a closet, crying.
“Smart not to show up here alone,” Dillon said, anger weaving through his tone. “And I told you not to hurt her.”
“Is she here or not?” Kelton asked calmly.
Please don’t let him in. I didn’t want to deal with Kelton or hear him apologize for what could’ve been between us.
“You’re lucky I don’t make decisions for Lizzie. However, if she tells you to leave, then leave,” Dillon said. “Got it?”
This was one time I wouldn’t have minded Dillon calling my shots.
The thud thud thud of their footfalls tramped by the bathroom. Then a chair dragged, scraping the kitchen floor.