Page 144 of Give In

The trickle of doubt dried up but was replaced by an even bigger roadblock—my unreliable and basic electronics. “I can do that.”

Even if I have to use my savings to buy a new phone and computer.

“Good.” She folded her hands and leaned forward. “I’m a big believer in being blunt. Sugarcoating is delicious, but it has no place in politics. You’re probably wondering what happens to your internship if Prosecutor Rivera loses the election.”

“No. I did my research before I applied for the position. He’ll win.”

Min laughed, but not in a way that felt like she was laughingatme. Still, she clarified, “I’m not laughing because I think you’re naïve or wide-eyed. I’m laughing because you’renot. You’re confident. Strong, too. The perfect fit. I like you, Eden.” She looked over my head and gestured to someone. “Pass the boss level, and the job is yours.”

Boss level?

The door behind me opened, and Min smiled. “Come meet Eden Wilder.”

Oh shit.

She meant that literally.

Although I was terrified, my manners didn’t slip for even a moment as I stood and accepted his outstretched hand. “Prosecutor Rivera, it’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too.” There was a hint of surprise in his raised brows and curiosity as he met my eyes, but there was nothing skeezy or salacious about it, which already put the job a million steps above my previous one.

He even released my hand at an appropriate time, boosting it to a million and one steps.

Prosecutor Rivera picked up the iPad and scrolled through. “Did Min explain the job?”

“Yes, sir.”

He shot me an easy smile. “Call me Dave.”

“Eden says you’re going to win,” Min told him.

“At least someone has faith in me.”

She shrugged, unrepentant. “I’m pragmatic.” Standing, she tapped the screen. “And it’s not faith. She did her research.”

He looked back at the screen and nodded. “JaQuay, our IT manager, will set you up with a laptop and a phone. There will be a small stipend in each paycheck to help cover your Wi-Fi. Meetings are every Monday morning at seven, but you can Skype in. Get the paperwork filled out today, and you can start next week.” He held out a hand which I took out of years of training rather than conscious thought. “It was nice meeting you. I look forward to having you on my campaign team.”

I have a job.

A real one that doesn’t involve booze or boobs.

One that apparently includes a new cell and laptop, taking those roadblocks out of the way without me having to dip into my savings.

I can’t wait to tell Damien.

*******

Moving on autopilot, I barely remembered the drive to school. I was floating on air, a happy little cloud drifting straight to Damien. Usually I would stick with our system of ignoring each other until he got home, but he had a faculty dinner after work, and I was too excited to wait.

I was ready to shout my good news when I turned the corner and saw him standing outside his office.

But he wasn’t alone.

Shit, that could’ve been bad.

Not missing a step, I continued walking as though I was just passing by.

“Miss Wilder, a moment.”

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