Rescue Me(48)

"Brandon, I don't know how to tell you this, but I hate my job. I always have. I've never wanted to work in finance."

He looked stunned, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. "Then why the hell did you major in finance?"

Now it was her turn to look stunned. Because he'd expected so much of her. Because she'd only always wanted to make him proud. She said as much.

"Honey, I've always been proud of you. I would have been proud of you no matter what you chose to do with your life. Of course I wanted you to be successful, and independent, but only because I knew that's what you wanted for yourself."

"Well yes, that's what I want, if you put it like that. But I thought you expected me to do something professional. Something serious."

"Are you saying you chose your career based on what you thought my expectations were?"

Yes. Oh, God. Is that not what he wanted from her?

Nodding slowly, she said, "I just wanted to prove to you that I could take care of myself. I didn't want to be your burden anymore."

He wrapped her in another hug. "You've never been a burden, Meredith. Not ever."

She felt her throat closing up again but forced herself to hold it together. She couldn't get emotional when she had so much else to talk to him about.

"Well good, then maybe you won't be opposed to me forcing myself on you."

He tilted his head, eying her with no small amount of wariness. "Does this have to do with you quitting your job?"

"Yes. And you know, I've realized that even though I hated every minute of my job, it's all prepared me for what comes next. I'm here to be your financial adviser," she declared, bracing for the worst.

"My. Financial. Adviser."

"Yep. From what I can tell, you're desperately in need of one, and what I've done in the past month has already kick-started your revenue. But there's a catch."

He lifted a hand to his forehead as if he were having a hard time processing it all. "Hit me with it now while you've still got me reeling."

Meredith laughed. Maybe this would work out after all. "If I'm going to steer your resort in the right financial direction, you have to let me take over as head of the dance program. And do it my way."

"Honestly, I'm not opposed to it. Really. But you of all people know I can't match your salary at the firm. There's no way. I mean, we can't even afford to hire new instructors."

She shook her head. "That's the beauty of it. I don't care about my stupid salary. Bran, what I care most about in this world is being able to dance. And if I can have a place to live, food to eat, my brother nearby and dance whenever I want, what else can I ask for?" She could think of one more thing, but it was never going to happen and she'd have to come to terms with it.

"We'll work it into the contract," she continued. "As revenue increases, so can my salary. But don't you see? I've finally found a way to do what I love. I can pursue my dream." She only hoped he would go for it.

"Let me think about it," he said somberly. Her high hopes nosedived. Even though she'd known it was crazy to quit her job without another one lined up, she'd been sure she could convince him.

Her disappointment must have been written all over her face because he burst into laughter. "Come here, you." He stood and squeezed the life out of her yet again, and she looked up at his face, confused. "I'm done thinking. Of course, Meredith. Did you ever doubt you'd always have a place here? I can't say I haven't thought something similar before, but you always seemed like you were doing so well and I didn't want you to give up your career to help your old brother out."

"Seriously?" She could hardly believe what she was hearing.

"Seriously."

***





Meredith left the dance studio where she had just told Katrina her good news feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Katrina had been just as thrilled as she was and gushed over the idea of having her friend back with her permanently. Meredith couldn't believe things were working out for her better than she'd dreamed possible.

Except for Cole.

She pushed the thought aside with effort. She'd have to get used to seeing him around if they were both going to be working on the same property. They'd have to talk at some point, but she wasn't ready for that yet.

She approached the villas on the edge of the property where Brandon had set her up to live. There were just a few on this side of the resort and they were reserved for employees that were needed on the property at all times, or for very important guests. Her bags were supposed to have been delivered already, so all she had to do was unpack in her new home and enjoy the rest of the day. She wouldn't start working officially until Monday, so she had a few days to enjoy herself.

She was just inserting her key card into the slot when she heard the door next to hers open. She turned to greet her new neighbor and stood with her mouth agape as he emerged.

Cole.

He must have been as shocked as she was because he froze, staring at her as if he wasn't sure she was really there.

"Hey." Her voice came out much more controlled than she'd expected.

"Hey." He took a hesitant step toward her. "What are you doing here?"