Chapter 3

Sophie

"Mom, why can't I have a phone? All my friends have them. I'm the only kid at school that doesn't have one." I roll my eyes at his dramatics, knowing he's not the only kid without a phone. "If I had a phone, I'd be able to let you know where I am when we're not together."

"I already know where you are when we're not together. You're at school or you're here with Grandad." I ruffle his hair with a chuckle. "You don't need a phone, James. Not yet. Stop being in such a rush to grow up. I'm not ready."

"But, Mom." He slaps his hands against his thighs.

I drag my fingers through my hair. "No. I'm not discussing this with you again until you're at least twelve."

"Damn." He pouts.

"Mouth."

He huffs and I smile internally. I know I'm doing my job properly when he gets pissed at me. James, my pride and joy, stomps his way down the hallway. "Don't forget to bring your homework back with you," I call after him.

Dad rolls out of his office, shaking his head. "You're doing a great job with him."

"Thanks, Dad. I'm doing my best; even if he doesn't think so."

I head into the kitchen to prepare our afternoon snacks, so James and I can work on his homework. I'm unsure what my schedule will be if I get this job—which I doubt—so I make the most of my free afternoon. The kid who steps into the kitchen has done a three-sixty from the one who stomped away from me. "Sorry, Mom. I'll stop asking for a phone."

"I'd appreciate it." Another phone plan isn't in the budget.

We sit at the table and tackle his homework as he snacks. While he works on his math grids, my mind wanders to my interview with Lincoln Kingsley. The man oozes authority and masculinity. I couldn't keep my eyes from tracing every inch of him, especially the beautifully designed piece on his left arm. What I wouldn't give to ink some of my designs onto someone's flesh, but I guess it's never going to happen since I need to have experience to get a job as a tattoo artist. Lord only knows how I'm supposed to do that.

"Mom, do you think this is right?" James breaks into my thoughts.

I study the grid closely. "All the squares seem to complete the equations correctly."

His lips spread. "Yay!" He thrusts his fist upward in celebration.

I chuckle. "All right. You'd better write the answers in the spaces."

We keep working, testing his spelling words and I listen to him read his latest reader. "Okay. I think that's everything. Pack all of this away and you can have one hour on your Xbox."

He quickly stands, packs his backpack ready for school tomorrow, and races into the front room to turn on his game. As I wash my hands, Dad rolls into the kitchen. "How did your interview go this morning?"

"The owner said he'd call, but I'm not holding my breath. He wants someone with experience, and that isn't me."

Dad's eyebrows draw low over his eyes as they narrow in thought. "But you've been drawing a long time. What more do they need?"

I rub at an already clean spot on the counter and shrug. "I guess they need hands-on experience. Something I don't have."

He rolls closer and tips my chin up so I can't avoid his eyes. "Well, if they can't see the talented young lady you are, then that's their loss. Other positions will become available and perhaps the next boss will appreciate you for the talent that you are."

My heart expands to almost double its size and warmth fills me. "Thanks, Dad." If only he knew where I was trying to get a job, he'd probably be happy with my lack of success.

I prepare enchiladas for dinner and we eat as James tells us about his day, then Dad shares the idea for a twist that came to him today for his latest work in progress. It's great to see him excited about this book. He had a hard time in the beginning as he was trying to work out his character's motivation and the events that would need to take place before the conspiracy is revealed. But it seems he's on track now. After we finish eating, I wash the dishes, while James dries, and Dad makes chocolate pudding cups for dessert.

James and I get comfortable on the couch and Dad plays the next episode of Dirty Jobs, James's favorite TV show. We're about halfway through the episode when my phone startles me. I snatch it from the side table and my heart skips. It's Lincoln. I honestly didn't expect him to call. "I need to take this. Back in a moment." I kiss the top of James's head and hurry from the room. Pressing the button with a shaky finger, I take the call. "Hello, this is Sophie." I roll my eyes. He already knows who you are; he phoned you.

His warm chuckle sounds across the phone and my cheeks heat. I don't know what it is about him, but I seem to become a blathering idiot in his presence. "Hi, Sophie. Is this a good time to chat?"

"Depends whether you're calling with good or bad news." I slap my forehead. Shut up, Soph. "Sorry. Yeah, I can talk now."

"Great. I spoke with Ken after you left and he's happy to help me train you. We'll have to balance it with your reception work and it'll require you to spend some of your time at the studio in the role of a student, which isn't a paid position. When you come in to complete your paperwork, we'll work out a schedule that'll work for you and the studio."

Surely I heard him wrong. "Di-did you just offer me the job?"

He chuckles again, and the sound vibrates through every cell of my body. "Yeah. I just offered you the job."

"Ohmygodohmygodohmygod. Thank you so much!" My cheeks stretch as far as they can go. "You have no idea how much this means to me." I jump up and down on the spot. "Thank you so much. I promise I won't let you down. I'll be the best trainee you've ever had."

"You're welcome. Ken and I couldn't ignore your artistic talent. Your style is unique, and you made it clear how much you want the position. When can you come in to sign your paperwork and work out a schedule?"

"Oh, um, I have to work tomorrow. I could come by after six if you're available."

"Hang on, I'll check my schedule." Silence fills the phone as I pace the hallway with excited steps. "Yeah, that should work."

I blow out a breath. "Great. Thank you so much. I promise you won't be sorry."

"I hope not. See you tomorrow." He disconnects the call before I can respond, and I'm left staring at my phone as the screen fades to black. Did he sound pissed off? I don't even care. I got the freaking job of my dreams!

I spin around, throw my arms up, and shimmy my ass. I can't believe it. I could have sworn I had no hope of getting the job when I left the interview. I won't be able to sleep tonight. Stepping into the living room, I try to contain my excitement so I don't interrupt the show, but I can't stop my leg from shaking up and down.

In the ad break, Dad asks, "What was that about?"

My cheeks rise. "I got the job."

James immediately jumps up on the couch and bounces. "Congratulations, Mom. That's awesome."

"Thank you. I think it's pretty awesome too, but that's no reason to jump on the couch." I give him my best mom eyes and he drops to his butt with a sheepish grin. This kid owns my heart, but he'll find any excuse to push the boundaries.

"Congratulations. When do you start?" Dad asks.

"I need to stop by after work tomorrow to complete the paperwork and I guess we'll work out a start date. I'll give my notice at work in the morning."

"I'm proud of you, Mom."

I wrap my arm around my son and pull him in close, kissing the top of his head. "Thanks, James. That means a lot to me."

"We'll have to stop by and visit you. Introduce ourselves to your boss." Dad rolls closer to me and lays his hand on my knee. "I'm proud of you, Soph. You work toward your goals and you're making things happen the way you want." He pushes back. "This calls for a celebration. Hot chocolate all around."

"Ah, Dad, thanks, but I don't think it'd be a good idea," I call to his back. "I need to settle in and get used to everything first. I don't know what the policy is for visitors at work."

He waves me off. "We'll give you time to settle in. Don't worry."

Oh shit!