Conceal

“Poker game again?”

Her head bobs up and down. “Apparently, you all did such a good job. Mr. Reed called me back and hired me for every Friday.”

My eyes go wide at what she says. “Wow,” is all I can muster because I was sure I sucked but guess not.

I also was sure Jaxson Price would rat me out, but I guess I was wrong about him too.

“So, you in?”

Her voice is hopeful, but I shoot her down quickly. “Nope.”

“Ahhh, come on. You were good. What else do you have to do tonight?”

“Rearranging my socks.” I smile.

“Where? In your duffel or while they are still on your feet?” she chides.

“Har. Har.” I fake laugh.

“You know I could give you a drawer for your stuff.”

“You know I can’t.”

“Because that would mean you’re staying, and you can’t say that yet. The same way you can’t commit to a job,” she responds for me. She knows me too well, and her answer is spot-on.

“Maggie.”

“I know. I know.” She lifts her hands in surrender.

“I’m not ready.” A long sigh escapes me. I’m not ready to admit defeat, but the longer I stay on Maggie’s couch, the more I have to admit that failure is appearing to be the only option at this point.

I don’t have anyone to turn to. The thought has me worrying my lip.

At the movement, Maggie gives me a weak smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“It’s not that.”

“Then what?”

I bury my hands in my hair. “I don’t know,” I admit.

“You know you can talk to me.” Her eyes plead with me to believe her, and I do. Truly, but I won’t. Maggie is a good person, the best really, but I’d do nothing more to put her in danger. Being here puts her in danger, but at least if she’s left in the dark . . .

Selfish.

You’re being selfish.

She deserves to know.

I wish I could. To unload my issues on her would feel so good, but it would also be selfish. The less she knows, the better.

“I do know, but I can’t.” I let out a sigh. “At least not yet.”

“I understand.” With that, she walks to the bathroom to get ready for tonight. I think about what she offered. A job working for her company serving at parties.

Giving drinks to men playing poker.

The tips were excellent last time, and I’m sure they would be even better tonight. I could use the extra cash. Because although I took some money with me when I left my home, it won’t last me indefinitely. Maybe I should take her up on her offer.

It would be the smart move. Especially since I know how tight security is. At least at Cyrus Reed’s, I know I’ll be safe. As crazy as that sounds, working at his home is my best option.

Just as I’ve decided, another thought pops into my head—a reason I shouldn’t work at the poker game—but I shake my head, not allowing myself to think about Jaxson Price. Yes, I might see him, but I’ll be working. He won’t be able to speak to me if I’m working. It’s a sound logic, I tell myself as I stand from the couch and knock on the bathroom door.

“Mags!” I holler over the sound of the water.

“What’s up?” Her voice is louder than usual, the words muffled. “You can open it.”

I crack the door, and the warm steam of the water pounds my face.

“I’m going to take you up on that offer,” I say, and when she hears me, I swear there’s a yelp of excitement, followed by the sound of the curtain screeching against the metal rod as she pulls it back to look at me.

Maggie’s face pops out from behind it, hair wet, water streaming down her face.

“Really?” Her eyes narrow as though she heard me wrong, and I’ll be changing my mind any second now.

“Yep.”

“Omg. This will be great.” She gushes with excitement, and I lift my hand to stop her. “I know. I know. This is a temporary gig, and you don’t know how long you’ll be working with me.”

I nod at her assessment. She’s right. All of it. If all goes well and I can think of a plan that might work, I might not be in the city for long. At least that’s what I hope.

If only I were so lucky.

I’m lost in that train of thought when I hear her speak again.

“Well, I’ll hurry up then so you can shower.”

I step back and close the door. I realize I will have to wear Maggie’s dress again. If I’m going to be working more often, I need to buy a dress of my own.

Forty minutes later, I’m dressed. Maggie and I are now twins. Well, not really. Because her dress doesn’t appear as short on her. Mine is basically a napkin on me. I’m that much taller than she is.