Page 11 of Playing With Fire

There goes the imaginary couch again.

“But you’d be working directly with our editorial team. Reading submissions, preparing editorial notes, assisting with author correspondence, and sitting in on production and acquisition meetings when appropriate.”

Liz smiles, and the knot in my stomach loosens. “Substantially more than fetching coffee.”

“That’s good.” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

Her eyebrows lift.

“I’m kind of particular about coffee.”

Liz laughs softly; even Steve smiles at that. And I’m pretty sure Darcy is working on a hairball.

“Then it’s all settled.” Liz’s smile grows.

“When would I start?”

“Well, we had hoped for Monday.”

“Then I’ll see you Monday.”

Relief flashes across her face. “We’re very happy to hear that. Your resume was quite impressive, Delaney. We’re excited to have you here.”

“Welcome to the team.” Steve offers with a shy smile.

“Thank you both.” My heartbeat returns to a somewhat normal pace, but then, “About housing…”

Her expression falls.

“Sorry, I was getting ahead of myself. We could postpone it a couple of weeks to give you time to get established?”

Deflated, I can’t bring myself to nod. And words have escaped me.

“Or I can have Angela set you up in a pet-friendly room for the weekend?” Liz offers, leaning forward. “It’s the least we can do.”

“Yes, that would be great!” The words come out a little too quickly. “I’m sure I’ll find a way to make it work.”

I have to. I have no choice. I’m not postponing the next chapter of my life any longer, especially over a technicality.

“Okay, I’ll have someone send you a list of housing resources. Short-term rentals, corporate housing, sublets. Hopefully, we can help you secure a place by Monday.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

This is really happening.

This can’t be happening.

With a huff, I press the button for the eleventh floor and try not to think about the irony, mumbling to myself.

“Apparently, the same weekend I need a room, half the foodies in America have decided to descend on the city.” Not that I can blame them. The food here is pretty amazing.

But by this time tomorrow I’m back to being homeless.

Wilder House covered the room because of the housing disaster, and apparently Angela pulled a few strings to get Darcy approved. But between Chicago Gourmet, two music festivals, and the rest of the weekend crowd, it was one of the few downtown options they could find at the last minute. And it’s for one night only.

If we survive the night.

The Columbian Plaza Hotel.