“You are? That is so amazing to hear!” Lola reached for her foot to stretch her thigh and back.
“I especially love how you bring all those new mothers together after their babies are born and have parties for them. It’s such a good thing you do. Makes women feel like they’re safe in this world with a newborn, you know?”
“Oh yes, that is my main goal with the charity.” She gave a serious nod. “No one should have to carry a baby without support, let alone worry about finances or necessities while raising their baby.”
“You wanna know something funny? I applied to be a volunteer for the charity this year,” I said, giving her a sheepish grin. “But I probably won’t be approved.”
“Are you serious? You’re interested in volunteering?” Lola sat up, back straight, looking me in the eye.
“Yeah.” I waved it off dismissively. “I applied last spring too, but I didn’t get the opportunity. I totally understand why, though. There are people who are way more qualified out there than I am.”
“What is your name?” Lola asked, and my heart beat a little faster.
“Ivy Elliot.”
She didn’t show me any sign of disapproval or recognition of the name. If she knew it, she had a mean poker face because she revealed nothing. I let out a slow, steady breath when she tilted her head and sighed. It was a good thing I’d used my mother’s maiden name.
“Well, Ivy, how about after class I take you to my office close to the bay and we can go over your application?”
“Oh—no, Mrs. Maxwell, you don’t have to do that. It wouldn’t be fair to the other people who I’m sure are much more qualified.”
“That’s nonsense. I love to hire passionate people who are willing to help! Plus, you have a mean right hook.” She winked at me. I blushed, as if I was so flattered to receive a compliment from the Lola Maxwell.
Chanel wrapped up the class and clapped for us, but I kept my attention on Lola. “If you have the time now, you can follow me to my office. I was going to make a quick stop there anyway before heading home.”
Home. Home. Her home. I needed to get into her home. Not yet, but soon.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“I’m positive. I’d love to chat more.”
“Okay, then. I don’t mind following you there.”
I went with Lola to the lockers and we collected our things. Chanel commended me on my good work on the way out the door, but I brushed her off, not leaving her much room to talk.
The plan was in motion now. There was no room to keep playing the friendly new girl.
I watched Lola get into what I’m sure was a brand-new, pearl-white Escalade as I climbed into my Civic.
This was happening, and I was ready.
CHAPTER SIX
I followed Lola across town, but I didn’t need to follow her to know exactly where her office was located.
She did all her work with a small staff in an office close to the bay. I’d driven past it so many times I’d lost count. Most times I’d never see Lola there, which led me to believe she mostly worked at home.
Because I was a fresh face, she wasn’t going to take me to her house, which was understandable, but her office was good enough for now. One step closer, I figured, and at least now I wasn’t sitting in the car watching from across the street. I was going to be inside the office.
Be patient, Ivy, I told myself. You’ll get there.
I pulled up to the familiar white-brick building that had over a dozen wide, rectangular windows, all of them squeaky clean. Two palm trees delivered shade around the front of the building. From where I was parked, I could see right through the windows. There were desks in each corner, and walls separating the offices that appeared to be made completely of frosty glass.
Lola stepped out of her SUV and waved at me as I met up to her. “I believe Noah and Olivia are here today, which is a good thing. They may be able to get your application processed today,” she said when I met her at the door.
I followed her into the office, feeling a sense of accomplishment as we walked across sparkling, porcelain floors.
“Olivia, Noah! Good morning!” Lola greeted from the door, meeting them and giving them kisses on the cheek. “Forgive me, you guys! I am so sweaty! I just left kickboxing class.”
“Oh, stop it,” the one I assumed was Noah said. “Even when you sweat, you sweat diamonds, girl!” I avoided an eye roll as they all hugged and squealed like baby pigs. She needed people like this in her life. People eager to compliment her.
Lola turned to me. “This is Ivy Elliot, and believe it or not, she was in class with me today and brought up the Ladies with Passion project!”