Chapter 5
TIANA
“Alright, Tiana. Soft smile, length through the spine,” the photographer calls, clicking as I pulse through a teaser on the reformer. I’ve worked with LyraFit before, so the rhythm is easy. Their new workout set is butter-soft—inky navy with a tonal stripe down the outside seam.
We’re at Core you used to babysit the whole neighborhood.
You even made those business cards Dad helped you design.
One of my bosses, Griffin, has been looking for someone reliable to look after his son.
It could be perfect. Especially if it’s live-in.
You’d have mornings and evenings with the kid, and you’d still be able to work at Willow’s during the day while he’s at school. ”
I hesitate, lips pressing together for a second. “Live-in?”
“Yeah,” she says easily. “You’d obviously have your own space.”
I shift, not fully sold yet. “I don’t know… that’s kind of a lot, Mya.”
“It’s also steady income. And you wouldn’t have to pick up a second job.”
I exhale through my nose, glancing away before looking back at her. “And your boss is… what, normal?”
She laughs. “Define normal.”
“That doesn’t help,” I mutter.
“He’s intense,” she admits. “But he’s a good guy. That’s what matters.”
“And you really think he’d just… let me live there?”
“I’ll make him.”
I huff a small laugh, shaking my head.
“It’s not a bad idea,” Mya adds, lifting a brow.
I pause, then shrug lightly. “I mean… That actually doesn’t sound terrible.”
“See? Perfect fit.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling now. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”