Gasping For Air 2 (Last Chance Romance Series) Read Free

herself. And she was determined that she would get one.

7
    “E xcuse me,” said Lillian to Eva. “Can you tell me where to get a local newspaper?”
    “Wait one moment,” replied Eva, holding up a finger. She went into the back and came out with a disheveled newspaper, handing it over to Lillian. “Sorry it’s such a mess. I read it this morning and I’m rather untidy with the paper.”
    “No problem,” answered Lillian, folding the paper. “I just need the ad section anyway.”
    “Looking for a house?” asked Eva, trying to be nonchalant.
    Skimming the want ads, Lillian answered, “No. I’m looking for a job. I like it here. I think I might stay.”
    “I know what you mean. I came here after a divorce and bought this place. I love it here. So much sun.”
    Lillian looked up from the paper and smiled. “Just what I was thinking. I don’t think I can stand another harsh winter.”
    “Where did you say you were from?”
    “Up north,” replied Lillian.
    Eva was immediately ashamed of herself for meddling. Obviously the woman was running away from an abusive marriage. The less Eva knew, the better.
    “Most businesses don’t list in the paper anymore. It’s usually word-of-mouth down here,” said Eva.
    “Oh.”
    “What can you do?”
    “I’ve been a housewife for many years, but before I was married, I worked for an insurance company. I handled all their claims.”
    “Can you type?”
    “I can type, know how to work most office machines, good on the phone, file, just about as good as anybody my age on the computer. I don’t smoke, rarely drink, and don’t do drugs. And I’m not in debt.”
    “Goodness, I didn’t ask for all that.”
    “Yes, but you wanted to know. I thought you should know all that as I can’t give any references.”
    “I see.”
    Lillian gave Eva a sheepish grin. “I hope you understand my need for privacy in that regard.”
    “I understand perfectly. I remember a time in my life when I wanted to break from the past. One thing about Key Largo, people don’t ask many questions. It’s considered very rude.”
    “Well, if you hear of anyone who needs someone, let me know. I like to keep busy and need the money.”
    Eva thought for a moment. “Go talk to Jack at Aussie Jack’s. If anybody knows what’s going on, it’s him. Just cross Highway 1 and follow the street down to the ocean. You can’t miss it.”
    “All right. I’ll give him a buzz this afternoon. Thanks for the info.”
    Eva smiled. “I hope it works out for you.”
    Lillian waved goodbye as she was heading out the door. “So do I.”

8
    L illian tapped on the bar.
    A head rose above the bar and looked around until it saw Lillian. “Yes? What can I do you for?” asked a deep voice with a thick Australian accent.
    “I’m sorry to bother you, but Eva from the Pink Flamingo . . .”
    “You mean the Last Chance Motel?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Sorry. Old habits die hard. The locals still call it the Last Chance Motel. Eva bought it recently and renamed it, but we still call it the Last Chance Motel.”
    Lillian continued, “Eva recommended that I talk to you. I need a job and she says that you would know of anyone hiring.”
    Aussie Jack rubbed his chin. “You need a job, huh?”
    “Yes. I’m a good worker.”
    “What can you do? What have you done?”
    “I can type. I know a little about computers. My last job was handling insurance claims.”
    “When was that?”
    Lillian lowered her eyes and felt the blood rush to her cheeks. “That was a few years back.”
    “How far back?”
    “Over twenty-some years ago. I had a child and stayed home to raise her.”
    “Why do you want to work now?”
    Lillian was starting to feel uncomfortable with all the questions. “I just want to work. I need something to do,” she paused, “and I need the money.”
    Jack looked Lillian up and down. “Do you do drugs?”
    “Of course not!”
    “Drink?”
    Lillian shook her head.
    “I need a hostess for