“Can I have a few days?”
“Of course. You can take a week.”
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. I will think over this seriously.”
After we say goodbye, I sit lost in thought for a few minutes, my coffee getting cold sitting on the little table in front of me.
Why in the world did I not jump up and down and scream yes?
I’ve wanted this forever.
And yet, when offered the chance, I hesitated.
Something’s changed. And I don’t know if I can just go back to my old life without skipping a beat.
I stare down into my coffee swirling in the mug like it holds all the answers to my questions.
Eventually, I realize Michael is walking back to the cabin from the lake. I wave to him awkwardly, hoping he won’t notice my change in mood.
“Everything okay?” he asks as he sits down in the wooden chair next to me.
“Fine.” I blow out a breath. “So that was a surprise. My ex-boss just…”Oh, fuck it. I’m a terrible liar. “He offered me the promotion. The one I wanted. Turns out the person he chose over me isn’t working out.”
“That’s amazing for you. You deserved it all along, but I’m glad he realized his mistake. Congratulations.” Michael’s tone is enthusiastic, but I sense something else that he’s masking.
“Thank you. Although, I haven’t said yes yet.”
“Yet?” His expression is blank. “But you’re going to, right?”
I look into his eyes like they hold my answers. Yep, I’m definitely losing it. I’ve known this man for less than a week, we’re engaged in a temporary affair, and I think he can help me make the biggest decision of my professional life?
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “I was kind of enjoying not knowing what I was doing. It sounds ridiculous, right?”
“No, it doesn’t.” He covers my hand with his warm, large one. “I think you should do whatever you want, Mimi.”
“I’ll try.”
The problem is that I don’t know that I’ve ever truly done that.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
When we’re a few minutes away, I text Aunt Lynn that we’re nearly to her house.
When she opens the door to invite me inside, her gaze shifts to Michael.
The smile on her face widens a thousandfold. “Mikey!”
She throws one arm around me and the other around him.
“Happy birthday!” we both say to her.
She thanks us, and then her brows furrow in confusion.
“Did you two run into each other in the driveway?” She peeks out the door. “I only see one truck.”
“Michael and I are friends now,” I say with a smile.
“We’re dating,” Michael says as he puts his arm around me.
