“It showed me something important. About who you’ve become. And I want you to know that I’m really considering... us. Seriously considering it.”
The silence stretched for a moment. “And the others?”
“At this point, Vaughn and I are just friends,” I said honestly. “But that doesn’t mean I’m ready to jump back into a relationship with you. Firstly, long distance isn’t going to work for me. And, I’m still not sure you’ve really changed.”
“Makes sense.” His voice was rough with emotion. “Take all the time you need, Indira. I’m not going anywhere.”
After we hung up, I sat in my apartment and thought about the choice ahead of me.
I wasn’t ready to choose yet. But for the first time, I was starting to see which direction my heart was pulling me.
Chapter 20
?
— Dutch —
Iwas reviewing security protocols for the Louisville expansion when Indira’s name lit up my phone.
“My manager is retiring,” Indira said without preamble, her voice containing something I couldn’t quite identify.
“Oh?” I set down my pen, giving her my full attention. “That’s... is that good news or bad news?”
“She recommended me as her replacement. Marketing Director for the Southeast region.”
“Indira, that’s amazing. Congratulations.”
“There’s a catch.” She paused. “The position is based in Millfield. Full-time, in the office. No more remote work from Nashville.”
I went very still. “Millfield,” I repeated.
“Yeah.”
I sat back in my chair, hardly daring to hope. “Are you going to take it?”
“Maybe. Probably. Yes. It’s everything I’ve worked toward career-wise, but it would mean moving back to a place I left for very specific reasons.”
“Those reasons being me.”
“Those reasons being the person you were then.” She paused. “I want you to understand something, Jacob. I’m taking this job. It’s too good an opportunity to pass up, and I’ve worked too hardto let personal complications derail my career. But me moving back to Millfield doesn’t mean I’m moving back to you.”
The words landed like a punch, even though I knew they were fair. “I understand.”
“Do you? Because I need to be completely clear. I’ll be living in Millfield. Working in Millfield. But that doesn’t mean we’re picking up where we left off. That’s not how this works.”
“I know.” I gripped the phone tighter. “I wouldn’t expect it to.”
“Good.” She was quiet for a moment, and I could hear her thinking.
My heart hammered against my ribs. She’d said she wasn’t moving back for me. She’d made that clear. But she was moving back, and that had to mean something. Had to leave room for something.
“Could we... date?” The word came out before I could stop it, tentative and hopeful in a way I barely recognized as my own voice. “I mean actually date. Start from scratch, like two people who just met. Give me a chance to show you who I’ve become.”
The silence stretched for what felt like forever.
“There would be conditions,” she said finally.
“Name them. Whatever they are, I’ll agree.”
