“What are you doing back there?” I ask, surprised.
“Well, I saw you two sneak away, and selfishly I wanted to be here for the moment you said yes.”
“Come here.” She joins us in the office, and I wrap my arms around her.
“I’ll contact my lawyer to begin the paperwork, and I’ll be in touch next week,” Jerry says.
“I look forward to it.”
We follow him out of the office, and he closes and locks the door behind us. “Y’all enjoy the rest of your night. I’m going home to my wife.”
“Thanks again,” I say, shaking his hand once more.
“Don’t thank me,” he says, looking at Wren. He turns and heads to the back door. I grab her hand and begin dragging her towards the front of the building.
“Where are we going?” she calls, giggling and squeezing my hand tighter.
I don’t stop until we’re outside, and then I push her up against the bricks and take her mouth in mine.
“You are amazing,” I say, pulling away from her. “Thank you for tonight.”
“I thought you might need a gentle push too,” she says.
“I did.”
She wraps her hands around my neck and brings her lips to mine. For the next few minutes I lose myself in her kiss and we make out like two teenagers. She tastes like the cosmos she’s been drinking, and when she pulls away, I feel drunk off of her kiss.
“Want to head out?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.
“Soon, but not yet.” She places a chaste kiss against my lips. “What are you going to do about Austere?”
“I’m going to tell my dad the truth. I’ll stay on through his retirement party, but then I’ll back out gracefully and focus on doing something I know will bring me joy.”
“That sounds like a good plan,” she says. “When is that?”
“Next Friday. I was actually thinking about skipping it because they’ll be announcing the new CEO, and I didn’t think I could stomach going, but maybe if you come with me, I can hang on a little while longer. I think it’s the right thing to do, and I know agreeing to attend will soften the blow.”
“It would be an honor to be the girl on your arm,” she says.
“You’d have to meet my parents.”
“I’d like that.”
“You sure? They can be a lot.”
“I know, and I’ll be by your side the entire night.”
I lean down, kissing the tip of her nose. “Thank you.” The door to our left swings open, and Lacey appears. “So, are we celebrating?” she asks.
“They all know, don’t they?” I ask.
“Well, I figured tonight would be a big deal, and you’d want them here.”
“We’re celebrating,” I say, smiling.
“Yes!” Lacey squeals. “I’ll go order a round of shots, and I’ll see you two at the table.” She spins and disappears back into the bar.
Wren and I follow behind her, heading to the table.
