“That’s a strange thing to mishear,” Quinn said. “What made Gabe a great medic is that he didn’t take bullshit and did not listen to anyone trying to convince him to go against protocol.” Quinn smiled for a moment, his eyes far away. “He was stubborn, and he knew his stuff. He listened to his superiors and the more experienced people in the field, but we all respected him. His single-mindedness out of the field can be a hindrance.”
“Yeah. He’s like a caged bear or something. So angry with no work outlet.”
“Ivy, has he ever-?” Quinn looked away.
Her throat went dry. She was stunned Quinn would ask that about one of his best friends.
“No, not like that, Quinn. Angry, yes, but he doesn’t take it out on me.” Ivy bit her lip. “At least not in violent, non-consensual ways.”
Quinn grunted. “I’m going to repeat what you told me to the rest of the Bandit Brothers, and we’ll look into this company more like we should have done in the summer. Our heads weren’t right. We didn’t take care of you, Ivy.”
“I know,” Ivy said. “It’s okay.”
“No, you paid the price for it. Do you need a ride home?”
“No. I’m okay.”
“Ivy, Gabe is one lucky bastard to have you.”
“Thanks, Quinn,” Ivy said. He walked her outside. Ivy sucked in long lungfuls of air as her head tried to clear. Gabe might hate her for tattling on him, but it was the only way she could think of to stop him from going on this job.Again.
Back at home, Ivy didn’t think Gabe had come back since he slipped out this morning to go to the gym. He mentioned something about stopping by Nick’s. She was about to call her mom when her phone rang in her hand, an unknown number flashing on her screen.
“Yes?” Ivy stepped out onto the balcony.
“Is this Ivy Powell?”
“Who is speaking?”
“Hi Ivy, this is Aiden Markson from the Sunset Corporation, and we would like to schedule an interview with you.”
“You would?” Ivy’s heart leaped into her throat as she leaned against the railing.
“Yes. You have a very impressive CV, and I want to talk to you about joining our team as soon as possible. Can you be in Edmonton on Tuesday?”
“Yes!” Ivy said. Edmonton was only about forty minutes from her parent’s berry farm, much closer than working in Calgary.
“Great. How is one o’clock on Tuesday, then?”
“Sounds great.”
“I’ll send you directions to our office and the job description. Looking forward to seeing you, Ivy, have a great day!”
“You too!” Ivy grinned.
In the excitement of the phone call, she had forgotten about accepting Julien’s job offer.
Ah well, maybe the interview would go badly. And could she leave the ocean, this condo behind? She didn’t want to be in Alberta. But she missed her parents and Alice and Alice’s baby. What about Gabe? Would he move with her?
Her phone buzzed, and she smiled.
I’m home in ten, picking up pizza from Atteli’s.
You spoil me.
It’s my job, Princess.
Ivy paced around the condo, grinning. As long as they were apart, texted, or had sex, they were fine. She couldn’t wait to tell him about the job offer.
