Don't Hold Back (Love Hurts 4)

Our proposal to you is this:

We want you to be the person who accompanies her, but she can’t know we have asked you to do this. You need to convince her that you are the right applicant for her. We will feel much better about the situation knowing that she has someone with medical knowledge with her at all times, and someone who we can trust has her best interests at heart.

In return, we will not only cover any extra expenses of the trip, but also give you twenty thousand dollars.

Unfortunately, you don’t have long to consider the offer, as she is interviewing potential travel companions this week. I’ve enclosed the ad, which also has her email address. I’ve informed her sister of the situation, because the volume of responses she has received is very high. Calli will make sure Erin reads your email if you decide to respond.

Warmest regards,

Andrew and Rose Camden

Holy shit. Now I really do need a drink. I sit back, my mind clicking into overdrive. Erin. It couldn’t be her, could it? No way. That would be too much of a coincidence. It’s not like Erin isn’t a common name. There must be thousands of Erins in the state alone, around her age.

Who are dying of brain cancer?

I pull out the ad and skim it.

Three countries.

Two months.

All expenses paid.

Just you and me.

About you: You’re fun-loving, adventurous and you have a wicked sense of humour. You’re spontaneous, open-minded and creative. You live for today because you never know what tomorrow holds.

I'm Erin and this isn't your usual Craigslist Ad. I’m twenty-four, and full disclosure, I’m dying. But I don’t want your pity. What I want is your help. I’m not looking for a nanny, or for someone to hold my hand. I want a friend, a confidante, a partner in crime.

I want you.

Holy shit, I can’t believe this.

It’s definitely her. It has to be. I never thought I’d see her again after she abandoned me at the Burger Barn. Now I get to potentially spend the next two months with her? I shake my head. Maybe Mum is right. Maybe this is what I need: two months away from everything that is messed up in my life. If I can’t get my life straight after this, then it’s never going to happen.

Chapter Five

Erin

“And that's why I think you'll agree that I'm a good fit for this trip.”

I glance at Calli, who shrugs as she stifles a laugh. I aim my glare at Mel, who stands near the window, doubled over in silent laughter. My eyes narrow as I watch her body convulse with each fit. I should’ve known she’d sneak cat suit guy into the mix of candidates.

“Thanks, Steve,” I say, keeping my tone friendly. “And thank you for coming down to meet with me. I'll let you know my decision, one way or the other, in the next few days.”

He raises his eyebrows, as if he’s shocked I’m not offering him the trip here and now. He nods enthusiastically before lunging forward and grabbing my hand so hard he nearly yanks me out of my seat.

“Yeah, thanks for coming, Steve. I was hoping to hear more about your wearable animal projects,” calls out Mel.

I turn around and shoot daggers at her, but if Steve notices the sarcasm in her voice, he doesn’t let on.

“I focus mainly on feral animals who pose a problem for farmers in the area,” he replies, matter-of-fact. “Feral cats, foxes. Mice. You name it. If it’s a nuisance, I’ll catch it and take a head-to-tail approach to maximizing what I can get from it. It’s considered art, and people actually pay a decent amount for it.”

“I think making clothing out of cat…remains is taking the head-to-tail concept a little far,” Mel laughs. “Do you make little outfits out of the mice skin too?”

“Mainly accessories,” he murmurs with a frown. “There was a time when people thought cooking head to tail was weird too.” He turns back to me, his creepy smile returning. “It’s refreshing to meet someone who isn’t freaked out by sustainable living.”

“I have no problem with using sustainable living,” Mel retorts. “In fact, I’ve been doing that in my restaurant for years. You can’t really compare that to making…whatever it is that you do.”