Sister Mary Margaret always says there's no internal pain a hard days work won't heal. With that, making cookies turned into delivering them, visiting with all my extended family, going back to St. Theresa's and prepped for her spring garden, helped make dinner, and washed windows. Yes, all in my work clothes that I may as well throw out.

I needed away from everything, so I shot a text off to Stella and stayed the night with my favorite nun. My text box and voicemail was full, but I just shut it off anyway.

The next morning, I helped with breakfast, went to Mass, then went home knowing Stella would be at work and I would have the day alone.

When I finally turned on my phone, it was only because my father is traveling abroad and I worry when he is away.

I sighed as my phone dinged and dinged.

Then it rang, but it was an unknown number.

"Hi, Kori. This is Bradford, we met in South Bend."

"Oh, hi Brad. I'm sorry, but I no longer work for Mr. Hardwick, but I can give you a number to call and reach his secretary."

"Oh, well, I can't say I'm surprised. I want to talk to you anyways. Would you be available to meet with me tonight? I have an opportunity for you, and I don't think you will want to turn it down."

"You mean like a job?"

"Yes, can you meet me at Everest at, let's say, 7 pm and bring your resume?"

Another 5-star restaurant?

"Sure, I'll see you at 7."

I scrambled around to find something perfect for tonight, then jumped into the shower. I was still feeling sick that Gavin would ever believe I said those things.

I decided to wear a black dress with white hemming and wear my hair down. I was done early and left a note for her to let her know I'm alright, then I grabbed my old cell phone and boxed up Gavins to send back.

I fought back my tears the entire drive, and prayed I would be able to keep myself composed through the dinner.

When I approached, Brad he smiled. "You made it in one piece." He leaned down and kissed my cheek. "You look beautiful."

We laughed from the moment we sat down, until we ate. I believe we've had a whole bottle of wine.

"What I have to offer you is a management position. I'm headquartered in New York and it was my father that started the office in South Bend, but we have outgrown it. The current manager has no desire to move here, so I wanted to offer you the position."

He went on, and what he said was very hard to pass up.

"You have the education and skills. You have a great attitude, and you're easily liked, so I think it'll be a great opportunity."

I accepted on the spot. I can't actually afford to turn it down anyways. It's an unbelievable opportunity.

We drank another bottle of wine, which with everything happening, it's easy to down one glass after another.

I left my car at the restaurant and his driver dropped me off at home. I was surprised it was one when I got home. Brad walked me upstairs, and we were both laughing when I tripped on my own foot.

"Kori?" We were still laughing when Stella walked out half asleep. Brad stood up straight and cleared his throat.

"Kori, are you drunk?"

"Me? Of course not." I feel dizzy.

"Everyone has been worried about you."

"Don't be, see, big strong arms." I lifted Brad's arm and was laughing.

"I think we need to get you to bed." She shook her head and giggled when I stuck my tongue out at her. Once she got me into bed, she went out to Brad and I heard them talking.

When morning came, I hated myself, but I did wake with big blue eyes smirking at me. "Take these and drink this whole glass."

She handed me some pills and some water.

"Gavin has been here three times, and my phone won't stop ringing. Brenda stopped by and told me everything, and I can't blame you for being pissed."

I laid my head back and groaned. "Pissed, hurt, embarrassed, and I have an urge to run away and hide."

She sat my glass down on my nightstand.

"Is that what last night was about?"

I groaned again.

"I met him for a job. He's closing up shop in South Bend and opening it here. He wants me to run it, so he offered me a job. We had a lot to drink and it felt good to laugh, but I regret it now."

She laughed.

"We've all been there, honey. What do you want me to tell Gavin when he calls?"

I could feel the tears building up again. "Tell him to get a life, I never want to see him again." I rolled over and buried my face in my pillow.

"Do you really mean that, Kori? I'm not taking his side, but you have to keep in mind how protective a good dad is, and he jumped to conclusions. Don't you think he regrets it now? After Brenda pretty much tore him a new one?"

"The point is, that he believed it for a second, then fired me like I am worthless. I'm so tired of fighting with him, and Brad gave me a great opportunity, problem solved." I hid my tears.

"Kori, sweetie, this isn't about the job. It's about a man that you won over in a matter of weeks. He likes you, and when I saw him, he looked terrible."

"Stella, last week he had sex with her in his office, then Monday, was he locked in there with her for over 90 minutes, then fired me. Draw your own conclusions, I'm going back to bed."

She gasped. "I didn't know that part. Okay, you go back to bed. When do you start working for Brad?"

"On the 15th because the building he bought is being renovated. He's starting my salary on Monday because he has work for me to do here until it opens."

"Good luck, babe. I love ya." She bent over and kissed my cheek and left for work.