Page 19 of A King’s Obsession

“That ain't helping your case.”

“Fuck you,” she laughed before continuing. “I'm serious, Chi. She already works at a bar, so it's not like she don't know what she's doing. She's got experience, she works hard, and she's dependable. I'm not asking you to hand her a job she can't do. Just give her a chance.”

That made a difference.

Experience was something I could work with. We still needed people for VICE, and although I wasn't about to hand somebody a position simply because Ashlynn asked, an interview wouldn't hurt anything.

“I'll meet her when y'all get here,” I finally told her.

Ashlynn squealed so loudly I had to pull the phone away from my ear.

“Girl, calm your ass down. I said I'll meet her. I ain't say she got the job.”

“I know, I know!” she replied excitedly. “Thank you, baby. I knew you loved me.”

I laughed under my breath. “I ain't say all that.”

“You don't have to. Your wallet does.”

I shook my head, smiling despite myself.

Spoiled.

Completely fucking spoiled.

But I'd created half that monster myself.

“Listen to me, Ashlynn,” I said, making sure I had her attention. “Don't go telling that girl she already got a job. I'm serious. She still gotta come in, talk to us, and show she can handle the position.”

“I won't,” she promised.

“Ashlynn.”

“I said I won't!” she repeated, laughing. “Damn, you act like I don't know how to keep my mouth shut.”

I raised my eyebrows.

The silence that followed must've told her exactly what I was thinking because she started laughing even harder.

“Whatever, Malachi. I'm about to finish packing.”

“Good. And don't miss the flight.”

“Please,” she scoffed. “You think I'm missing first class?”

Considering she'd almost missed the last one, yes.

I decided not to remind her.

“Get your ass to Westhaven,” I told her, opening my truck door.

Her voice immediately softened. “Awww. You miss me.”

I smiled to myself before ending the call.

The phone started ringing again before I could even slide it into my pocket. I glanced at her name flashing across the screen and laughed.

Hell nah.