Page 204 of Need You To Choose Me

“It’s hard to relax when all you do is work.”

Just then, the bell chimes, and as one, we turn toward the door only to spot Rose O’Neil coming into the café.

“Hey.” She gives us a tentative smile as she walks to the counter.

“Hi.” I give her a curious once over. “You look extra nice today.”

“You think?” Rose smooths her hand over her skirt. “I’m going to a job interview, but I wasn’t sure what to wear.”

“What kind of interview?” Jessica asks.

“For an assistant position at a law firm. It’s in the next town over. I figured I’d stop and grab a coffee on my way there.”

“That’s amazing.” I shoot her an encouraging smile as Jessica starts working on her order. “I think this is a good outfit, you look professional but classy.”

“Thanks.” Rose ducks her head for a moment. “The other few interviews I had didn’t really go well, then again, I never got around to getting my diploma so…”

I place my hand over hers. “Just keep trying. There has to be a job that values a good, hard worker over a diploma.”

“She’s right.” Jessica slides a to-go cup of coffee on the counter. “Your usual.”

“Thanks, let me just…” Rose starts to pull out her wallet, but Becky waves her off.

“It’s on the house.”

Rose’s head snaps up, and she shakes her head. “I can’t…”

“I’m the boss, so you sure can. For good luck.”

“Thank you, I really appreciate it.” She lets out a shaky breath and glances at her watch. “I have to get going. I don’t want to be late.”

“Good luck.”

Rose gives us a grateful smile as she leaves, my gaze glued to her retreating form.

“Ouch,” Becky hisses. “What was that for?”

I turn around just in time to see her rubbing at her elbow.

“You ever planning to post that job opening?” Jessica asks, which has Becky sighing.

“I’m going to do it. These last few weeks have just been busy.”

Jessica smirks at her. “More like you’ve been busy with your husband.”

Becky pokes her tongue out at the younger woman. “You’re just jealous.”

I stay at the café for a little while longer, the conversation shifting to our upcoming book club as I finish my coffee.

The late afternoon heat slams into me the moment I step outside, the fine hair at my nape sticking to my sweaty skin as I make my way to the car I parked on the street and slip inside, starting the engine.

This was the first time I’d been away this long from Poppy, and while I knew Blake and the boys were more than capable of taking care of her, I missed my little girl.

Since I gave birth just before the holidays, I’ve decided to stay on maternity leave for the remainder of the school year.There was no sense in returning back to class mid-semester, and I considered myself lucky to be able to stay home with Poppy. Blake even suggested I didn’t have to go back to work at all, but I love teaching.

Pulling in front of the house, I kill the engine and slide out of the car. We’ve been hard at work ever since we agreed to move permanently into Grams’ house—our home. It’s been a lot of work overall, with the boys moving the majority of their stuff just days before Poppy was born. We’ve put our focus into getting the boys situated, and since then, we’ve been slowly making improvements to the house. Just last week, Blake and Daniel painted the house, the bright white paint making the red shutters stand out.

“Hey, I’m home,” I yell as I enter the house and put my stuff onto the table by the door.

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