Page 42 of Up In Smoke

“Sounds good,” I say genuinely. Damn, if I’m really going to do this, I’m going to have to go shopping as soon as possible. I guess he’ll need a bed and food and toys and all kinds of things.

“Wait, wait,” Lili says, waving her hands and glancing at Sawyer before fixing me with a stare. “Go back to the roommate part. When did that happen? Is he your boyfriend?”

“What? No,” I say with a laugh.

It’s the truth, after all.

“He’s my friend’s brother,” I go on, knowing they won’t be satisfied with just a tidbit. “He just needs a place to crash for a while. That’s all.”

The guys don’t look convinced, but Padilla speaks before they can grill me further. “And he’s cool with dogs?”

I know I should stop and check. But this is only a temporary situation. If I give Jesse the chance, I don’t think he’ll have faith in himself that he can do this. But my gut is screaming this could be the very best thing for him. I’m read so many studies about the positive effects of pet ownership for people struggling with things like depression and grief.

Klaus might be able to help Jesse in ways I never could.

“I’m sure he’s going to love him,” I say firmly.

If not, then I’ll absolutely make sure this big guy gets a great foster home with someone else. But my gut is what keeps me alive in emergencies. It’s very rarely wrong. If Jesse’s okay with it, then Klaus is coming home with us.

Like we’re a family.

I swallow and try and ignore that crazy thought, wherever it came from. This is just temporary. All of it.

Jesse and Klaus.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it for now, I suppose?

CHAPTER 13

Jesse

I thinkI’m going to be sick. I grip my hands together between my knees and try and stop my right leg from bouncing. The girl at reception keeps peering at me suspiciously.

I don’t blame her.

There’s no way that I’m qualified for this job, but when I got the email for the interview, I couldn’t possibly turn it down. I’ve only been on the hunt for a few days, but I’m already exhausted from the futility of it all. If there’s any hint of getting hired, I’m going to jump for it.

Even if it is at some fancy legal firm on the outskirts of town. I’m not sure that Ross & Associates is really the kind of place for me, judging by the fancy clothes I’ve seen everyone wearing. But at least I don’t look terrible in my smart pants and new button-down. I just have to fake it till I make it. I’m still an actor at heart, after all. I can bullshit my way through this and pretend like I belong.

Anything to make Rico proud of me.

Thinking about his smile is what eventually gets me to relax my leg and take a long, slow breath. No matter what happens, I can’t wait to tell him that I actually got an interview when I pick him up from work tomorrow morning. The firm asked meto come in at such short notice, so I didn’t even get to tell him beforehand. I’m waiting to text him until I know how it goes. But the idea I might be able to at least say that I got my foot in the door for the first time gives me courage. I want him to know I’m really trying so hard.

The fact he’s allowing me free use of his car is still kind of insane to me. That he trusts me not to run back to LA with it and implode my life once again. And dropping him off at the station, saying ‘see you later!’ gives me all kinds of feels. Domestic ones.

Like we’re an actual couple, building a life together.

I know that’s not real, but I’m inspired all the same. If Rico can believe in me, I can borrow a little of that confidence to get me through this interview without totally screwing up.

Maybe.

“Jesse Silverman?”

I try not to jump, but I certainly stand up from my seat a little faster that is probably necessary. “Yep! That’s me. Hi. You must be Winston Saunders.”

The guy peers at me through his round glasses. I’d guess he’d probably be in his forties, which I assume would be old enough to become a senior attorney here. I had just enough time to do a little bit of research before getting here today so I’m not going in totally blind. His bio on the website wasn’t long, but at least it had a headshot so I could recognize him.

He assesses me like a creature in a zoo, a smile slowly spreading across his face. I’m not sure if that’s a good look or bad.