Page 26 of One Bad Idea

She brightened. "It's a personal assistant job, you know, like yours in Nashville." She hesitated. "I mean, the one youhadin Nashville."

The reminder did nothing to ease that sick feeling. "Oh?"

"Yeah. But this one paysa lotmore, and there wouldn't even be weekend work." She paused. "At least, not normally."

"Oh. That's nice."And it was.In truth, I could hardly imagine. Back in Nashville, Ineverhad weekends off. Come to think of it, I never had weekdays off either.

Near the bed, Cassidy was saying, "So it's a total dream job, right?"

"Sure," I said. "I mean, it sounds like one." Reluctantly, I asked the question that I'd been dreading. "So…where is it?"

She gave a happy laugh. "Here."

Shit."Oh."

At something in my expression, her smile faltered. "Aren't you happy?"

"Sure," I repeated. "I mean, it sounds like a great opportunity."

"I know." Looking happier than ever, she flopped onto the nearby chair and said, "That's why I couldn’t wait to tell you."

I gave a nervous laugh. "The way you talk, it's a sure thing."

"It could be," she said. "And it'sreallygood."

It felt like the tenth time she'd said that, and I tried to look enthused. But I simply wasn't feeling it, and not only because of all the trouble I'd taken to get here.

Over the past week, I'd been missing her like crazy, even if we hadn't parted on the best of terms. She was my roommate, my best friend, and the sister I never had. If she took a jobhere, when would I see her again?

Probably not any time soon, especially if Stuart made good on his threats.

As she rattled off the pay and benefits, I had to admit, the jobdidsound pretty incredible. I was happy for her. Really, I was. Back in Nashville, she'd been working as a waitress at a sports bar. She was way overdue for a lucky break.

Still, in the back of my mind, I was trying to come up with some sort of plan. Interview or not, I needed to get back, likenow.

But today was Sunday. Even if Cassidy's interview was first thing tomorrow, I'd be taking a huge risk if I waited.

But what if I left, and shedidn'tget the job? Would I need to come back to get her?CouldI come back?

With no money? No vehicle?I felt myself swallow.No freedom?

Yikes.

I was so lost in my muddled thoughts that it took me a moment to realize that Cassidy had just asked me a question.

I gave a little shake of my head. "Sorry, what?"

She leaned forward in the chair. "So, how long will it take?"

"For what?"

She laughed. "For you to get ready."

I still wasn't following. "For what?"

She gave me a perplexed look. "For the interview."

I blinked. "What do you mean?"