I straighten, reinforcing my decision.“Trust me.He’ll love it.”
“Well, I’ll wrap it up for you,” she says with a warm smile.“Save you the trouble.”
“Thank you,” I say, relieved.
As we step away, Violet nudges me.“So, are you staying the night?”
I shoot her a sideways glance.“Why do you ask?”
“You know why.”
“I’m staying for the weekend, actually.”
Her eyes widen.“The whole weekend?You’re leaving your mom.”
“She insisted.”I feel a flutter of guilt mixed with excitement.
Violet grabs my arm, grinning.“This is huge.When’s the last time you took a whole weekend for yourself?”
I can’t even remember.
“Well, it’s about time you had some fun,” she says, squeezing my hand.
I smile but don’t respond.The thought of spending the weekend with Adrian, settling into his new space together, feels quietly perfect.
I grab a bottle of wine to go with the gift before heading back home to get ready.I dress in baggy blue jeans and a soft sweater.I don’t want to dress up; I want to be comfortable.Sneakers on, hair in a ponytail, I throw my small bag over my shoulder, clutch the gifts, and head out.
“Mom, let me know if you need me,” I say.Atlas is sprawled across the living room floor watching TV, but I catch Jasper’s curious eyes.“I’m staying at Adrian’s tonight,” I add, and Hazel grins knowingly, while Sofia and Felix barely look up.
She gives me a motherly look and nods.
I drive to Adrian’s, following the GPS through tree-lined streets I’ve never been down before.When I turn onto his block, I slow down, taking it in.His place is a brick house with the porch light on, showing off the double timber doors.After I park, I get out and walk up to the front door, which feels different now that I know he’s staying permanently.But before I even reach ’it, my phone rings.Lowering the gifts to the step, I pull out my phone from my pocket.“Hello?”
“Hi, this is Mya from Lincoln Media.”
I straighten, my heart pounding.“Oh, hi.How are you?”
“I’m great,” she says warmly.“I just wanted to call and thank you for that article.It was incredibly well-detailed and impressive.I can’t believe you put it together so fast.”
Excitement fills my veins.“Oh, wow.Thank you.”
“We would be honored to have you work with us.”
I freeze.“Really?”
“Yes,” she says.“When would you be able to start?”
My brain scrambles to catch up.“Uh, this week is my final week at my current job.After that, I’d be free to start.”
“Perfect,” she says.“I’ll send over the contract, along with the list of equipment you’ll need.”
“The equipment?”
“Yes.We provide our remote employees with everything.A desk, chair, laptop, and stationary.The paperwork will lay it all out for you, but if you have any questions, you have my number and email.”
Adrian’s door opens, and he steps out, frowning.Silently picking up the wine and gift.
“That’s…” My words catch, and I feel my knees go weak.“Amazing.Thank you.”
