“Maybe use nicer words. Like, I bet your pussy tastes incredible.”
“You’re the worst,” I shook my head. “Why did I ask for advice from you? Why?”
“Because I’m your only friend. Because you’re a forest-dwelling loner who is couple bad decisions from being a suspect on a crime show,” he joked.
“Right. I’ll keep to the straight and narrow then.”
“Hire Rachel but give her the courtesy of telling her how you think of her.”
“I’d prefer to keep references to sex acts out of the job interview,” I said.
“You are so prissy. What if she says yes?”
“What if she sues me for making improper advances?”
“I don’t think she’s the lawsuit type, but I’ll let you decide that one. If you say you like her, you find her attractive, that’s not a bad thing to say to someone. Especially when you’re not pressuring her—you’re doing the opposite. Giving her a choice. That you want her, but you can put that aside and treat her as an employee if she prefers it. That’s the part where you’re supposed to hear bells and catch her in your arms so she can say she’s had a crush on you for years and was too scared to act on it.”
“That woman doesn’t seem like she’s easily intimidated. So I doubt she carried a torch for me.”
“Improper advances? Conquest? Carried a torch? Damn, are you my grandma now?”
“Yes, and I’m very disappointed in you using all that bad language, young man,” I laughed. “In all seriousness, Noah, I know you want what’s best for me. But you have to let me be the judge of that. I’m not going to lose control and find myself unable to resist her. I’ve never met the woman yet who I couldn’t forget if I tried.”
“Famous last words, my man, famous last words,” he said. I’m not sure why his joke felt a little dangerous, why it fell on my ears more like a curse than a throwaway remark.
I was going to hire her if we could come to terms. There was no sense putting it off. I’d changed my entire lifestyle when I became a father. I didn’t believe there was much chance that my value system was in danger from being in close proximity to a waitress and babysitter. I wouldn’t suddenly throw out my plan to avoid a relationship or affair because of Sadie. There wouldn’t be a moment when I threw off all my closely held beliefs because the babysitter was attractive to me. Grown men don’t act like hormonal teenagers, especially when their daughter’s happiness and stability are at stake. I would not set my child up for another loss like the abandonment of her mother. I liked our life the way it was, far too much to tamper with it.
9
Rachel
The morning crowd bought their coffee and muffins and rolled out to work, a steady stream of business from seven on. At eight, almost on the dot, Max came into the diner. I finished serving the fried eggs and hash browns to the mayor and topped off his orange juice. Then I went to the other end of the counter and took Max’s order. This had to be the moment of truth.
“Morning,” I said. “What can I get you today?”
“Large coffee to go,” he said. “And a minute of your time if you have it.”
I nodded, told Tasha I was taking my break and got Max his coffee. We sat on the vacant stools at the end of the counter. He looked so handsome, and his hair was still wet from the shower.
“Well?” I asked. “Have you decided if you want my help with Sadie Cakes?”
“Yes. I do want your help. I’m here to offer you the job. Most days in summer I work eight to five, seven to six if it’s a long one with a big order to fill. Are those hours something that would work with your schedule here at the diner?”
“Yes. I’ve been managing this place for a few years and make the schedule myself. I can make that work. We’ll have high school and college students wanting the day shifts, and I can work here at night and on weekends. You work five days, not six, right?”
“Actually, I work four long days and take Fridays and the weekends off. I pay twenty an hour, for a ten-hour day. You’re on duty nine hours, but I like to have you there at least fifteen minutes before eight and in case I’m running a few minutes late in the evening, it’s covered.”
“You’re gonna pay me eight hundred dollars a week?” I was dumbfounded. I had hoped for fifteen an hour. I was going to be watching one kid. Not that I wanted to argue to be paid less, but still.
“Yes. If there’s overtime or a weekend day, I pay time and a half. I’m not paying just for you to babysit Sadie.”