“Completely serious.” Jack glanced at Mia, then back at me. “Take some time to process. The offer stands whenever you’re ready. Congratulations, Emily. Truly.” He rose from his chair, buttoning his suit jacket in one smooth motion.
I took it for the dismissal it was, pushing to my feet on shaky legs. “Th-thank you. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Emily, wait.” Mia’s hand on my arm stopped me. “Give me one minute. I’ll be right out.”
“Oh sure, okay.”
Stepping into the hallway, I leaned against the wall of Jack’s office, trying to stop my knees from giving out. I pressed my fingertips against my eyes, like that could somehow contain the flood of emotions threatening to drown me.
The office door hadn’t closed all the way. Through the gap came the soft rustle of fabric. Then a sound that was unmistakably kissing.
“I love you for that.” Mia’s voice, soft and full of warmth.
“I appreciate the sentiment, sweetheart.” Jack’s low rumble. “But I didn’t do it for you.”
“I know.” A pause. More kissing. “Which only makes me love you more.”
Fresh tears pricked at my eyes, but these ones felt different. Lighter somehow.
I won.The words echoed in my head, louder than my doubts. Louder than my mom.
The door swung open and Mia appeared, her lipstick slightly smudged, her eyes bright. She grabbed my elbow without missing a beat.
“Come on. We have to go.”
“Where to?”
“You’ll see.”
“The diner? What the fuck?”
Mia nudged my elbow, steering me toward our usual booth in the back. “Walking. Let’s try walking, Em.”
“Right. Walking.”
I followed Mia, sliding into the worn vinyl seat across from her, still dazed. “Honestly, can you blame me? I just found out my entire future got stolen and then handed back to me in the span of fifteen minutes. My head is spinning.”
“I totally don’t blame you.” Mia flagged down the waitress. “Two cups, please. And six more when the rest of the girls arrive.”
“Sure thing.” The waitress nodded and disappeared.
“Everyone’s coming?”
“Everyone’s coming,” Mia confirmed.
I slumped back against the booth, pressing my palms flat on the table like I needed something solid to anchor me.
“I still can’t believe it.” My voice was reed thin. “I actually won.”
“You actually won.” Mia’s smile was soft. “How does it feel?”
“Fucking amazing. It’ll just take some time to wrap my head around it all.”
“Fair enough. You deserve it and I’m so glad it all turned out right in the end.”
“Only because of that amazing husband of yours.”
