Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“Oh,” Marie says, her green eyes lighting up with interest. “Shopping for a new outfit?”
“Yeah. I haven’t been on a date in forever,” I blurt out.
“Well, it just so happens, I’m the queen of shopping. Want some help?”
“You sure?” I ask, stunned that this woman I don’t know is willing to help me find an outfit, especially after I spilled coffee on her shirt—which I notice she’s no longer wearing. I hope the stain comes out. “I imagine you have better things to do.”
“I’ll use any excuse to go shopping,” she says with a laugh, flipping her brown hair over her shoulder. “Besides, us women need to stick together. C’mon. I’ll show you my favorite stores.”
We spend the afternoon shopping, and the girls do great. It helps that Marie keeps them entertained while I try on various outfits. After several stores, I have a brand-new outfit that I’m happy to say didn’t break the bank, so to speak—speaking of which, I need to ask Ryder about where I should open a bank account since I plan to stick around for a while and the cash that he’s been giving me is starting to look a little suspicious, piling up in my underwear drawer.
“So, you never mentioned,” Marie says as we walk back to the car, “who are you going on a date with?”
“Actually … it’s the guy I work for,” I admit.
She stops in her place. “Ryder?”
“You know him?”
“You mentioned his name.”
“I did?” I don’t remember doing so, but things can get crazy with two kids.
“Yeah, earlier,” she says. “Do you think it’s wise to go on a date with your employer?”
This time, it’s my turn to stop and look at Marie. I don’t know her well enough to gauge her tone of voice, but she almost sounds offended.
“We’ve become friends,” I explain. “And we both want to see where things go.”
“And what happens when it doesn’t go in the direction you want?” she snaps. “Will he kick you out?”
I jerk back at her tone.
“It’s not like that,” I say, going on the defense.
Her features immediately soften. “I’m sorry,” she says, her tone gentler. “It’s just … if a guy is willing to date his employee, what does that say about him? How well do you know this man?”
“I know that when Violet and I were struggling, he opened his home to us. He not only gave us a roof over our heads, but he also gave me a job.”
“And you don’t think maybe he’s taking advantage?” she asks. “If you say no, where does that leave you … back out on the streets?”
“No.” I shake my head, refusing to believe Ryder is like that. “He wouldn’t do that.”
“How do you know?” she asks. “I’m not trying to rain on your parade, and I know we’ve only just met, but I’ve been in your position, and I don’t want to see the same thing happen to you.”
“What happened to you?” I ask.
“I thought he loved me and we were on the same page, but the second I didn’t agree with him, he pushed me out the door, leaving me to fend for myself.”
“I’m sorry,” I say. “Are you okay now?”
“Barely,” she says, tears filling her eyes. “But I will be.” She smiles a watery smile. “Just be careful.” Then, she pulls out her phone. “I know you mentioned you don’t know a lot of people. I don’t have many friends either. Take my number, and I’ll give you mine. And if you need anything, please call or text me anytime.”
While Marie seems a bit over the top, I feel like her heart is in the right place, and since the number of people in my corner are limited, I decide to give her the benefit of the doubt.
“Okay.” I hand her my phone so she can put her number in it. “And if you need anything, I’m here as well.”
“Thank you,” she says, handing my phone back to me. “And, Kira, please think about what I said. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the fairy tale, but what happens when he doesn’t turn out to be your Prince Charming?”
Her words send a chill up my spine because not too long ago, I was thinking similar thoughts about Brian, and now, she’s using the same analogy about Ryder.
The entire drive back to the house, I can’t get Marie’s words out of my head. While I like Ryder and believe he’s a good guy, she does have a point. What if he changes his mind? Then, I’m out of a home and a job. Sure, I have money saved now so Violet and I won’t be out on the streets, but I love my job. I’ve grown attached to Addie, and I care about Ryder. Then, there’s the new friendships I’ve found in Ana and Paige. I’m looking forward to our girls’ night and the book club get-together. Is the chance of finding love worth the risk of losing everything?