Page 102 of The Reboot
‘God, no! Of course not. I’m just surprised.’
‘We’d be more like colleagues, really. It’d be fun, working together.’
‘You won’t make me get you coffee and take out your dry cleaning?’
‘No.’ Hazel laughed. ‘Though I have to warn you, there’ll be a lot of grunt work. But I’d make sure to give you some interesting stuff too. It’s in your field, and it might be a nice way of easing yourself back into academia. What do you think?’
‘Gosh, I don’t know. I mean, thanks for asking me. But … it’d mean quitting my job, wouldn’t it? Or would it be part time?’
‘No, it’s full time, I’m afraid – or at least, too full time for you to have another job. But, to be honest, I thought quitting your job would be a plus.’
‘What’s the money like?’
Hazel looked disappointed at the question, though she hid it quickly.
‘I have to eat,’ Ella said with an apologetic shrug.
‘Of course. It’s not great, I’ll admit – it would mean taking a bit of a cut from what you’re on now. But it’s a great opportunity. And you don’t want to work for Tweedledum and Tweedledee forever, do you?’
Ella was sorry she’d let Hazel in on that joke. It felt disloyal now. ‘I could do a lot worse. They’re really good to work for, and the pay is great.’
‘But you still want to get back to doing your doctorate, don’t you? I mean, that’s still the goal, yes?’
Ella thought. ‘I guess so.’
‘So what’s stopping you?’
‘I’m not sure I’m ready yet. I’m really enjoying having some money for a change. It’s so nice not freaking out about it all the time, being able to do stuff like this.’ She waved a hand over the table. ‘Plus I can pay my debts off a lot faster, working at Citizens.’
Hazel nodded. ‘Well, I wanted to offer it to you first, but there’s absolutely no pressure.’ She held her hands up, showing Ella her open palms.
‘Can I take some time to think about it?’
‘Of course. I don’t need to hire someone until October and I have a couple of other candidates in mind if you don’t take it.’
‘Thanks for the offer, though. I really appreciate it.’
Hazel waved her hand dismissively. ‘Honestly, it’s a completely selfish move on my part. I know you’d do a terrific job and wouldn’t need me holding your hand. And I’d love for us to be working together. But I totally get the money thing too – I know I can’t compete with the Tweedles on that score.’
‘It’s not just that, though. I really like working at Citizens. I’d miss it.’
‘Seriously? I’m not having a go,’ Hazel added quickly to Ella’s look of frustration. ‘I’m genuinely interested. Think about it. What would you miss apart from the money?’
‘I’d miss Jake and Dylan, and Kerry … everyone really. And the whole buzz of the place.’ Ella smiled. ‘I’d miss Friday night drinks, and karaoke—’
‘Karaoke?’ Hazel reared back in mock-horror. ‘Okay, who are you and what have you done with my friend?’
‘I know.’ Ella laughed. ‘I do a mean “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” duet.’
‘Well, I see your karaoke and raise you sherry with the dean.’
‘Ooh, now you’re really upping the stakes.’
‘I know. No contest, right?’ Hazel said sarcastically.
‘I really like my life now,’ Ella said thoughtfully, spearing the last cube of potato. ‘Maybe I’m a bit afraid to disturb anything.’
‘Tell me more.’ Hazel smiled, resting her elbow on the table, her chin in her hand, like she was settling in for a story.
