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We’re already short staffed. It’s a bitch trying to find decent help out here in the middle of nowhere. I’m going to have to replace you.” She narrows her eyes at me. “I doubt you’ll need the job anyway. Once you marry Mr. Right-in-Every-Way, you’ll be on easy street.”
    Of course I can’t tell her the engagement is a ruse and only a short term thing until the election is over. I just smile and nod. But when I glance over at Suzie she looks like someone just slapped her.
    As we walk back to our car she whispers, “I’m not sure I’ll be able to work here without you. I’ll have to deal with our awful boss and the even more awful activities director, Sam Elliot. There will be no one here for me to make fun of them with.”
    “You can always text me. We can make fun of them via text.”
    She shakes her head. “It just won’t be the same without you.”
    I embrace her in a hug. “I know. But it’s a short term sacrifice that will get us several steps closer to our dream.”
    ***
    When Drew mentioned we’d be staying at his family’s lake house I imagined it would be more like a cabin than the mansion in front of me. The place is so large it takes up almost an entire side of the lake with its own private beach. I’m utterly amazed.
    “What do you think?” George asks as he removes my bags from his car. He was kind enough to pick me and my stuff up at my apartment and drive me here.
    “It’s wonderful,” I say, still in awe of the magnificent architecture and spectacular views. I can hardly wait to see what the lake views will be like from the second floor balconies.
    “Follow me,” George instructs.
    “Do you want me to take one of those bags?” I ask. He looks like a pack mule weighed down with all of my stuff.
    “I’ve got it,” he assures me as I follow him towards the front entrance of the house.
    I’m a little surprised that he has a key to the place. “I only use the key when Drew gives the okay. Like now. He’s tied up with clients until late tonight. But he wants you to make yourself at home.”
    George holds the door open for me to enter. The place is even more spectacular on the inside, if that’s possible. From the huge chandelier to the Italian marble floors I feel like I’ve just stepped onto a movie set rather than someone’s actual home.
    “This is just the family’s vacation house,” he says as he sets my bags down in the foyer. “The house Drew usually occupies is in Bridgewater and his parents’ house is in Princeton.”
    I can only imagine what those places must look like if this is their vacation home. My dad’s idea of a vacation home was a pup tent in the backyard.
    “Bedrooms are upstairs. Pick any one you’d like. There’s plenty of food in the refrigerator, if you’re hungry.” He hands me a business card. “This is my cellphone number. If you have any problems just give me a call. I’m available 24-7.”
    “Thanks,” I say as I try to take in my surroundings. It’s a bit intimidating and overwhelming.
    As soon as George closes the front door behind him I pull my cellphone from my bag and dial my sister.
    “You’re never going to believe what this place looks like,” I practically scream into the phone.
    “You made it to the lake house?”
    “It’s beyond amazing. You have to come out here.”
    “Now?” she sounds a little hesitant.
    “Right now.”
    “Okay…”
    “He’s not here,” I assure her. “His assistant told me he’s not going to be here until late tonight.”
    “I’m on my way.”
    It doesn’t take Suzie more than fifteen minutes to make her way over. With her wide eyes and slack jaw I can tell she’s in just as much awe as I am.
    Then she looks down at my bags that are still sitting in the foyer. “Why haven’t you put that stuff away?” She’s now eying me suspiciously.
    I gulp. “I’m not really sure what the sleeping arrangements are going to be.”
    It takes a moment for it to register then she asks,