Page 50 of It Started With a Scarf

"Do you mean the job?"

"Yes. You see what we do. You were busy today. There's always something to be done around here."

"I know. And yes. I had fun being here today. I would love to come here to work." I straightened my shoulders. "Do you need me to say anything about being a team player or feeling like I can contribute?"

"No, I don't," he said with an amused grin. "I see all that."

"Do you want me to just come on part-time, to make sure it's a good fit?"

"Do you want that?" he asked.

"I don't want you to feel like you have to give me a job just because you said you would."

"I don't feel like I have to. I want to. We'll be lucky to have you." He leaned back in his chair. "I was thinking the job could come with a small apartment, something close by."

"Why, do you provide housing for any of your other employees?"

"No. We don't."

"Then, you can't do that."

"I want to. I'm the one who's asking you to come to work. I can make the arrangements in the contract."

"I'm sure your brother wouldn't appreciate an apartment being in the deal for a new employee."

"My brother's not paying for the apartment. I am. And I want to because I'm the one asking you to pick up your life and move to Milwaukee."

I flinched, and he stared at me, pretending to be surprised by my reaction.

"Oh, did I forget to mention the job is at the other gym?"

"Y-yes you did."

"Oh, yeah. We're overstaffed here. I mean, today was different because Gina was sick, but no, the job was… I was interviewing you for a position at the Milwaukee location this whole time. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear."

He sat back and stared at me. His mouth twitched like he might smile, but he remained serious.

"The job's in Wisconsin?"

"Yes. I was thinking you could just move there. It's a nice city. I should know because I spend most of my time up there."

"I will," I said.

"You will?"

"Yes to everything. I can't let you do an apartment, but yes to the job in Milwaukee. I have to say, I know someone who lives in that city, and he did cross my mind when you mentioned moving."

"Oh, you know someone in Milwaukee?" he asked.

"Yeah, I do."

"Oh, okay, well I'm sure whoever that is wants you to live in the apartment he rents for you."

I stared at him, and he regarded me with an impassive stare. "Are you messing with me?" I asked, tilting my head at him.

"About the apartment? No. Why would I?"

"No, about everything. Is this all just a… this feels like we're messing around a little."

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