Page 10 of Sunset Serenade
“Don’t!” Lucy bellowed. “Take the win for once. Don’t you think it’ll be fun?”
She shrugged. “I mean, yeah. It sounds like the most fun job I’ve ever heard of.”
“Might it make you happy?” Lucy asked.
A smile crossed Rose’s face, and she let out a little laugh. “I don’t know. I didn’t even want to consider it – but yes, it might.”
“Even Lillian,” Lucy continued, pointing, “whoneverdoes anything fun or crazy, thinks you should do it.”
It wasn’t the time to argue she didn’t do anything fun, but Lillian still shot Lucy a glare. “I mean, itiscrazy. But it’s sort of his fault for offering this job to a stranger.”
“Exactly!” Lucy nodded excitedly.
“Plus, it’s clear this company has a lot of money to throw around…” Lillian trailed off, aware that both Rose and Lucy were watching her.
Thinking of it, Lillian didn’t care about the company or if they had money to spare. She cared about Rose, her overly-sweet people-pleasing sister who had gotten pushed down one too many times.
“I don’t think you’re hurting anyone by taking the job,” Lillian finally said. “Craig told you himself – your position is something to seal a deal to sell the company. He’s on his way out. What does he care? And it sounds so fun. It’s an opportunity, one that seems perfect for you.”
Rose’s eyes brightened. “Do you really think so?”
Lillian smiled. “I do.”
“I don’t know.” Rose shook her head. “What if the real Rose Woodson finds out? What if she sues me?”
“Sues you for what?” Lucy asked.
Lillian cut in. “She won’t find out.”
“She’ll sue me for impersonating her and…” Rose shrugged. “Being happy.”
That was it. Rose deserved to be happy, and she desperately wanted to accept the job. She just needed their permission for whatever reason.
“Why shouldn’t you get to be happy?” Lillian clapped her hands together and pointed. “Pull out your phone. Right now. Call Craig and tell him you’ll do it.”
“Yes!” Lucy followed suit, clapping her hands. “Do it!”
“No, I can’t!” Rose grinned from ear to ear, looking up at them coyly.
“Do it!” Lillian said.
She pulled out her phone and bit her lip. “Seriously? You guys think I can pull this off?”
“Rose,” Lillian said firmly. “You can do anything.”
She made a face, then unlocked her phone, tapped the screen, and held it to her ear. “Okay, I’m going to do it. Unless he doesn’t pick up, then – Oh, hi, Craig. It’s Rose.” She looked up, eyes bulged and full of terror. “Good. How are you?” She took a deep breath. “Yes, I’ve had some time to think about your offer. I’d…like to give it a try.”
Lucy pumped her fists in the air and Lillian sat on the couch, covering her gaping mouth with her hand.
Maybe it wasn’t the most responsible scheme they’d come up with together. So what? It was the first time Rose had seemed excited in months. She needed it.
Rose ended the call a moment later and let out a squeal.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this!” she yelled.
“I can’t either.” Lillian laughed. “You’re wild!”
“Okay, getting down to business.” Lucy stood, smoothing her shirt with her hands. “Grab your purse. I’m taking you shopping. My treat. You’ll feel more the part if you look the part. We need to get your first day outfit. Maybe your first week of outfits. I don’t know.”
