Page 76 of Darling Beasts

“The timing seems right?” he said, avoiding eye contact as he picked the plastic off a corner of her red planning binder. “Thanksgiving is coming up, and my family expects me to be in the Bay Area anyway.”

“Of course,” Talia muttered. Raj was close with his sister and parents and not for the first time she wondered how must it feel to have family who genuinely wanted you around and not merely to serve as an employee or campaign minion.

“When I spoke to them earlier, they hinted that they’d like me to come earlier, as soon as possible actually, so, yeah. I think I’m going to do that.”

“Wow.” Talia was unable to say much else. This was abouther, she was sure of it. She’d endured a few bad hookups in her day but none that’d caused anyone to relocate, and now she wanted to die.

“It’s not a referendum on your father,” Raj added. “He could turn it around. Who knows? I certainly don’t!” He laughed and Talia stared, dumbfounded. She didn’t care about his views on her dad’s long-term senatorial prospects. How did he not understand this? “As I said, the timing feels right,” he prattled on. “I’ve become too caught up in the campaign. I’m actinglike I’m on an extended vacation. It’s time to get back to real life.”

“So, that’s it?” she finally managed. “You’ll leave and we’ll never talk again?”

“I didn’t say that,” Raj mumbled, picking harder at the binder.

“I don’t need anything from you, okay? But I won’t let you pretend nothing happened and run away. It’s fucking rude, actually! I thought we both had fun the night of the Padres game.”

Raj glanced up. “That night was amazing.”

“Clearly,” she scoffed.

He released a puff of air. “I’ve loved getting to know you. And you’ve been beyond helpful with the lawsuit—”

Talia glowered.“Helpful,”she said. “Exactly what every woman longs to hear.” She didn’t expect him to profess his undying love or anything, butcome on. “It’s fine, Raj. Just leave. Move on with your life and don’t look back.”

Raj groaned and ran his fingers over his head. “Ugh!I’m so bad at this. I warned you my romantic history is painfully brief. Truthfully? It’s because of you I want to stay, which is a pretty solid indicator I should go.”

“You’re not making sense. If you want to stay, thenstay,” Talia said. “Whatever happens. Whatever that...” She flapped a hand. “Whatever that was, or wasn’t, I like having you around. Sometimes I think you’re my only friend at the Ranch.” Not until she said the words did Talia realize how true they were. “I need you.”

Raj’s cheeks burned. “Talia. You don’t even know me. We’ve had an incredible time together—better than I knew possible—but, trust me, I have some significant bad traits. Even more reason to go, before the veil drops.”

Talia rolled her eyes, seeing this for the excuse it was. “When you quit a job, you’re supposed to give two weeks’ notice.”

“I don’t believe I ever signed a formal employment agreement,” Raj answered quite rationally, though Talia wanted towhomp him on the head with her binder. “And Idohave to find a job.”

“Please. Stay. Until Thanksgiving.” Talia was begging now but she had no shame, apparently. He couldn’t just leave her like this. “The campaign needs you. I’ll help with your résumé.”

“Talia—”

“I’ll write you a recommendation, serve as a reference. My dad can make calls. If you feel awkward about us, don’t worry. It’s water under the bridge.”

The relief that rippled across his face was a dagger to Talia’s gut, though she supposed this was the way of things. The people Talia cared about never seemed to want all she was willing to give. Even Spencer seemed distant these days.

“I don’t want you to find me a job,” Raj said. “But I guess...” He paused for approximately five thousand years. “I guess I could hang around for a few more weeks.”

“Really?” Talia’s heart did a little leap.

“Sure. I’m not exactly roughing it, and there are a few benefits to staying.” Raj pushed up his glasses and smiled, his dimples coming in strong. “Very compelling benefits. And I’m definitely not talking about letters of recommendation.”

Chapter Fifty-One

Gabby

For a second, I thought he was dead.

“Dad!” I said, tapping his foot. Frosty sidled up beside me and gave his toes a sniff. “Dad!”

He jolted into a seated position, and Frosty jumped back. Gripping the sides of the napping couch, Dad looked around, wild-eyed and disoriented. “What? What’s happening?”

I placed a hand on his leg. “Everything’s fine. Ustenya wanted me to make sure you were awake. The party is in less than two hours. Are you going to be ready in time?”

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