“Close to fifteen years,” Laurencereplied.
“And in that time, you’ve made commendable contributions to the pharmaceutical world, and to Synecta as a company.” Elaine stepped forward to stand in front of Laurence’s desk. A pleasant chill buried itself down the length of Laurence’s spine. “A month ago, you petitioned the department for a raise, and I, in turn, petitioned corporate on your behalf to increase our budget so I could make it happen. Today, I’m pleased to say that Mrs. Harper has approved the request. Your new salary will apply retroactively from the beginning of the calendar year. Monies owed to you over pay periods that have already elapsed will be dispersed as a set percentage throughout the rest of the year’s deposits.Congratulations.”
For a moment, Laurence was too shocked to say anything. Then, with a smile, he rose from his desk and held out his hand to Elaine. “Thankyou.”
Elaine shook it. “You’re very welcome. Mrs. Harper is interested in keeping the men and women on her teams satisfied with their positions and fairly compensated for their time. She hopes that you feel like you are beingvalued.”
Valued didn’t begin to encapsulate the way Laurence felt. He’d been doing his best to go above and beyond to prove that he was worthy of a raise outside of the yearly increase that happened every Christmas, and to be rewarded with it now, after what he’d found out about Matthew, gave him hope that life was going to sort itself out. With the extra money, he could continue saving for Matthew’s college education while providing support for the new baby. If he was lucky, he might even have enough to start funneling money away for a vacation. “I do. Thank you, and pass my thanks along to Mrs. Harper, if you seeher.”
“Ofcourse.”
“When will I know the details of thedecision?”
Elaine chuckled. “If you can give me five minutes, I’ll go to my office and collect the documentation. I figured that if I came in here with a folder, you’d know something was happening, and I was hoping to surpriseyou.”
“I’m plenty surprised. Thank you. And five minutes isn’t a problem.” Laurence stepped around his desk and showed Elaine to the door. The aches he’d been feeling earlier that morning were gone—in their place was tingling anticipation of what was to come. Life was shaping up for him. It was amazing what a difference a break from the routine could do. “I’ll be waiting here for you to comeback.”
Elaine took leave of him. When she was gone, Laurence returned to his desk, sank back into his chair, and covered his face with his hands. He laughed into his palms, letting some of his pent-up energy free. News like this was exactly what he needed. The universe had found a way to show him that he was going down the right path, and that whatever happened next, he could handle. There were good things in store for him no matter what happened with Matthew, and no matter what happened withAlex.
Hehadthis.
He had to tell the SingleDads.
Laurence opened his desk drawer and retrieved his phone. During the day, he kept it there to have it close at hand in case of emergency, but out of sight so he avoided distraction. Right now, though, a little distraction was necessary. He turned on the screen and was about to unlock it when he noticed there was a text waiting for him. It was fromAlex.
Hey. Sorry for the late reply.I—
The preview cut off there. Laurence’s excitement burst like a dandelion head in a strong breeze, and as its seeds dispersed through him, he hurried to unlock his phone to read the rest of the message. The fact that Alex was texting him at all gave him hope—if Alex didn’t want to work things out, he would have deleted the message and moved on with hislife.
The conversation loaded. Laurenceread.
Hey. Sorry for the late reply. I was busy helping a friend, and I wasn’t paying attention to my phone. I’d like to see you again. How about you come visit me at my studio? It’s in the same building the exhibition was at… the little room that we got to know each other in, if you remember. Tonight?Seven?
Tonight at seven is perfect,Laurence replied.I’ll see youthere.
He read the message over again, then stifled another laugh and let go of the last of his worries. Nothing could stop him now. After years spent on the sidelines, he was finally at the top of hisgame.
He’d heard an old saying that problems came in threes, but it seemed like successes did,too.
A raise, a second chance with Alex, andwhat?
Laurence couldn’t wait to findout.
19
Alex
Bo,still asleep, rolled over and pushed his face against Alex’s chest. On every inhale, he made crackling noises, like there was cellophane somewhere deep in his throat. It broke Alex up to think about it, but he knew Bo wouldn’t have to suffer much longer. He’d give Gage the money he needed to take him to the doctor. A solution would be found. Bo would go back to normal, and the world would be rightagain.
Everything would beokay.
Alex draped his arm over Bo, keeping it bent at the elbow so he could keep seeing his phone screen. With Gage and Bo both asleep, he wasn’t going to risk moving. Gage was tired to the point of breakdown, and Bo, sick and hurting, likely wasn’t far behind. They needed rest. Alex wouldn’t deprive them ofit.
Besides, he had other things to occupy his mind. Laurence had texted him the night before. Alex read his message overagain.
Hey, it’s Laurence from that disaster of a Friday night. I’m sorry for how abruptly things ended. I should have treated you better. Can I make up for my mistakes by taking you out sometime thisweek?
The apology was simple, but as much as Alex wanted to twist the words and find fault with them, he believed they were sincere. After careful consideration, he’d replied with his ownterms.
