“Why would you do that? What about college?”
Gwen fixes puppy-dog eyes on Astrid. I’ve seen her do this to Astrid before, and it’s calculating. I’m instantly on guard and primed not to believe a word out of her mouth. “You know how depressed I’ve been. I told you I’m not liking college, and when you said you were moving here, it got me thinking.” She links herfingers through Astrid’s. “I need to change up my life. I didn’t tell you I’d decided to drop out of college because I wanted to have a plan in place first. I know you’ll only worry about me otherwise. I started applying for any jobs I could do. This job requires strong social media skills, which is something I have.”
I won’t deny Gwen is adept at social media because she’s constantly posting about herself online, but surely, the job requires more than that? I wonder if it’s not too late to talk to the HR team and see if they can rescind the offer.
“I got talking to Diego’s wife at the game, and she mentioned her cousin works in HR for the club. She spoke with her and got my application pushed up the list.”
“You didn’t say a word about any of this.” Astrid’s lips pinch, and I’m glad she’s as pissed off about this as me.
“Because I wanted it to be a surprise!” Gwen squeezes a frozen Astrid. “Now we won’t be separated. We’re going to have so much fun in London together.”
Astrid steps away from her friend and rubs her temples. “Gwen, this is a bit much. What about the house and your friends?”
“I’ve put the house up for sale.”
“You did that behind my back too?”
“Jeez, Azzie. You’re acting like I’ve done something wrong. I told you I wanted it to be a surprise! I didn’t know if I could pull it off, and I didn’t want to get your hopes up.”
A bitter laugh rips from my lips.Is she for fucking real?
“You’re acting like you don’t want me here.” Her lower lip wobbles and tears well in her eyes. “I thought you’d be excited.” She sniffles, and Astrid’s features soften. “There is nothing for me back in Vermont, Azzie,” she softly says. “Everyone in Ryemont thinks I’m shady now. They all point and whisper whenever I’m around town, and I can’t stand it. College isn’t for me, and I just need a fresh start in a place where no one isjudging me. The club is offering a great package and fantastic career opportunities.” Gwen closes the distance between them, grabbing Astrid’s hand again. “I need this, babe, and you’ll need me too. Cal will be away a lot, and I can keep you company. I thought you’d be over the moon.” Silent tears roll down her face. “If you really hate the idea, I’ll turn the job down and return to the US and try to find something else.” She sniffles. “Doubt I’ll find anything as great as this, but you’re the only family I’ve got, Azzie, and I don’t want to upset you. If you don’t want this, just say so.”
Astrid looks conflicted, but I’m guessing that’s the point. I already know what my bleeding heart is going to say before the words leave her lips. “I’m just in shock, but of course, you shouldn’t turn it down. It sounds like an incredible opportunity.”
Gwen’s face brightens. “Do you mean it? You’re okay with me moving here?”
Astrid glances at me, and I narrow my eyes, making my feelings abundantly clear.
My girlfriend runs a hand through her hair. “Um, where are you gonna stay? Is the club providing accommodation?”
“No. I’m not important enough for that.” Her gaze swings in my direction, and I turn rigid with apprehension. “I was hoping I could stay here for a few weeks until I can find my own place.”
“No,” I snap because it’s out of the question.
“I promise you won’t even know I’m here.” Gwen turns her doe eyes on me, but I’m not Astrid, and it won’t work on me. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
I drill a look at my girlfriend. “Can I talk to you in private, please?”
“Please don’t kick me out, Cal. I have nowhere to go, and I can’t afford a hotel until the house sale goes through.” Fresh tears pool in her eyes. “I’ll clean the house, do the laundry, and cook all the meals. I’ll even run errands for you.”
“Astrid,” I clip out, spinning on my heel and stalking toward my bedroom.
As soon as Astrid sets foot in our room, I slam the door shut and grab handfuls of my hair. “Please tell me this is a fucking prank. You’re both pranking me, right?”
Astrid leans back against the door and sighs. “It’s not a prank.”
“She’s not staying here. I’ll be up on a murder charge within twenty-four hours.”
“I’m still in shock.”
“I know she’s your best friend, baby, but I don’t trust her. I don’t trust this at all.”
Astrid pushes off the door. “I know you’re not happy, but don’t start conjuring villainous theories. She has explained her reasoning, and I understand why she’d want to do this. I’m pissed she kept it all a big secret. Springing it on us like this is not cool.”
“I don’t want her here, and I’m not just talking about my place.”
Astrid pulls my hands from my hair. “We don’t get to tell her she can’t move to London.”
