Page 51 of It Started With a Scarf

"No, I mean, I'm… it's not… I am messing around with the formal interview or whatever, but no. Will you take the job? The one in Milwaukee? I figured the biggest thing to get past is that you would have to move."

"I mean, I really don’t have ties to Chicago."

"So, yes?"

"Yes. Yes."

"Okay, so you can consider yourself hired at the other gym then. MKE-ETC, baby! We'll work out the details and fill out the paperwork. You'll also need to do some apartment shopping. My house isn't far from the gym. We have something on the actual campus that would be free, but I don't want you to feel like a prisoner there."

"A prisoner? How could I? Are you saying you already have a pre-made apartment that exists at the gym?" I stared at him.

"There are three of them, but two of them have tenants. Both guys, but good people. The third one's open, but like I said, I—"

"I'll take it," I said. "It's probably a better deal than other things I'd find up there, plus I'd really save on gas driving to work." I laughed because I was just plain giddy. It had crossed my mind that it would be good for me to move to Milwaukee, but it was a passing thought, and I certainly never dreamed I would be making plans to do it soon. "I will be such a good employee! You're not going to regret hiring me."

He smiled. "I know I won't."

"This is amazing."

"Are you happy about it?"

"Are you kidding? The timing is… it feels so exciting to think about a move."

"What will your family think about you leaving Chicago?"

I smiled a little thinking about how little they would say about it. "They'll be fine with it," I said. "I won't be that much further from them. Ada's planning on coming this summer, you knew that, but we can change it to Milwaukee. I don't think that would be a big deal for her."

"Your boyfriend has an apartment in Chicago. I'm sure you and Ada can stay at his place if she's got her heart set on staying there."

He stood up to walk out, but then he turned to me, looking at me like he wanted to say something. I got to my feet and walked to him before he made it to the door. We met up near the wall, and he leaned against it.

"You said you were my boyfriend just now."

I grinned at him and stepped closer. There was only a foot of space between us, and I stared up at him.

"I am your boyfriend," he said, looking back at me. "I told it to two different people today. I hope that's okay."

"Yeah… I just wanted you to know, I'm not going to talk about it with the staff and customers. I'll concentrate on work while I'm there."

"I know. I saw how you were out there," he said. "A real pro."

"Yes, sir, customer service is my specialty."

I was standing near him, and he just stood there, not touching me. His own expression changed. He had been searching my face all along, but I saw something change in his eyes, and I knew how he was looking at me now. His gaze fell onto my mouth and I grinned a little and squirmed.

"What you were doing out there today was perfect," he said. "But just for kicks, can you show me what not to do? Just so I know you know the difference?"

"I won't do this," I said, stretching up and letting my mouth gently touch his.

We had a busy afternoon, and it was so nice to connect with him.

My heart was full.

I pulled back, smiling.

"Yeah, I, we won't do that," he said. "I don't think… you need to show me again, just to make sure."

Chapter 18

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