“Wouldn’t it make more sense to get some real life experience in an established company first? You’d get way better odds of getting funding if you can get your name on a few triple A games first, and you’d understand more about the ins and outs of the industry.”
It’s the sensible thing to do. We’re plenty young, and Karan still has so much time in front of him to pursue his dream.
“So…” His smile fades. “You don’t think I should do it?”
“I think you should… but not now.” I smile at him despite the way my insides are twisting uncomfortably. “I believe in you.And I believe you can create something amazing again, when the time is right.”
He swallows. “Yeah… maybe you’re right.”
I stroke his cheek. “And hey. Once I’m done with grad school and land an actual pharmacist job, I can be the breadwinner while you go off and accomplish your dreams.”
Karan’s face twists, like he’s the one who’s going to be sick next. “No, yeah. You’re right. I need to take the job.”
Silence lingers between us for a long beat before he kisses the top of my head.
“It’s the smart move,” he adds.
I should feel relief, but instead, there’s a nagging sensation beneath my ribs. I want Karan to accomplish everything he could ever dream of. This isn’t shutting the door forever.
I hope he sees it that way.
“You okay?” I ask him.
He straightens and smiles. “Absolutely. You don’t need to worry about a thing, Rachel. I trust you.”
Chapter 13
Karan
“Boys!” Rachel’s sharp tone cuts through the cacophony of Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. “Stop running around people’s luggage!”
She grabs Corey’s hand as he’s about to dart between a elderly couple’s cart.
Understandably, she’s on edge. Mom texted five minutes ago to say they got stuck in traffic coming from Pointe-aux-Trembles. We still have plenty of time before our flight to Sydney, but Rachel hates cutting things close.
“But I’m excited!” Corey protests, while Cayce continues to bounce on his toes.
“I know you are, but—” Rachel starts right as my phone chooses that moment to start ringing.
The caller ID makes my stomach drop.
It’s my boss.
“I need to take this,” I tell Rachel, already stepping away.
Her face tightens, but she nods, turning her attention back to the twins.
“Hello?” I answer, walking a few steps away from my family.
“Karan.” My boss’s clipped tone immediately sets me on edge. “We have a situation.”
“What kind of situation?” I ask, dread already pooling in my stomach.
I turn back to Rachel, who’s finally gotten the boys to sit on a nearby bench, watching me with her green eyes narrowed with concern.
“Oliver pushed to live and broke the whole thing.” My boss’ words hit me like a punch to the gut. “The whole system is down. We need you here.”
Fucking Oliver. He means well, but as far as juniors go, he’s…
