NICOLE

After dinner, I get the words out. "I need to get a job."

Roman, who's sitting right next to me and actually has his hand on my thigh, gives me this look that confuses me. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I return the look. "It means what it means. I need a job."

He gestures around the space. "So, I'm just a joke to you?"

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips. "You don't get it. I can't have your money, Roman."

"Then what's all this for?" he questions, and I can tell that he's ...