His voice was so gentle, and I felt my guard slipping just a little. But after what happened with Derek, I wasn’t sure how much kindness I could trust. Still, I nodded, giving him a small smile. “Maybe.”
Mia grinned between us, clearly loving whatever dynamic was brewing here. “You should give it a shot, Lila. It could be fun.”
I didn’t say anything, just kept my head down. I sat there, pushing my food around my plate, thinking about Mia’s suggestion. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I needed something—*anything*—to distract me from Derek, the betrayal, and... everything else I didn’t want to think about. The pain of losing the baby, Derek’s affair, it all felt like too much. Maybe working would give me something to focus on, and besides, I needed money. If I was going to divorce Derek, I had to at least be able to afford it.
“I... I guess I could try,” I said quietly, finally looking up at Ethan.
Mia’s face lit up. “See? I told you, Ethan! Lila’s perfect for the job.”
Ethan smiled, but there was something a little softer in his eyes. “Are you sure, Lila? I don’t want you to feel pressured.”