“That’s not true.” He took a sip of water and cleared his throat. “There’s a lot that could happen that would let you down, Laney, but I’m avoiding them at all costs.”
“Have you seen your dad yet?”
His gaze darkened. “No. He’s coming an hour before the meeting to speak with me.”
My stomach clenched. “I hate that I’m not there with you.”
“I wish you were, but the thing with my dad needs to end. It has to be me.” He rubbed his temples as someone knocked on his door. “I gotta head back, but rest before the event tonight, okay?”
“I will. Good luck.”
“Thank you, Laney.” He held my gaze, his jaw working, before he smiled. “I love you.”
“I love you too, husband.”
His face lit up, and that was the image I wanted before hanging up. Connor happy. Today would suck for him. He could be removed from a job he loved, betrayed by his father.
It was weird how walking away seemed like the only option for him, even if that one was the most stressful. His dad was influential and assertive, and if Connor truly did cut him off, it wouldn’t go over well.
The same dizzy feeling returned with a weighted lead in my stomach. I felt a prickle of awareness, like something was going to happen.
I frowned, sending him a quick text for good luck.
Laney:You totally got this, Connor. I love you. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I have news!
Connor:Me neither, baby.
I got up and stretched, then called Sophia while I got ready and updated her on everything that had happened this weekend. My best friend analyzed every interaction.
“So you’re going to tell him tomorrow?”
I nodded. “This feels right.”
“You gotta trust your gut.” She yawned and took a large sip of her coffee. “This actually makes me feel better. Again, always supporting your choices, but he should know. And waiting for the presentation to be over is perfect. He doesn’t need the distraction or worry.”
“Exactly.” I nodded, the butterflies in my gut settling. “We’ll know our future and can plan it together.”
“Be prepared for him to be upset though, Laney. He might be upset you kept it from him, and he’s usually a little overbearing. Just mentally prep for ways to reassure him.”
I chewed my lip. She was right, but I was confident Connor would be overjoyed to learn the truth. “I’ll be able to handle it.”
“I know you will, girl. Now, what are you wearing to this gala event tonight?”
“Ha.” I groaned. “It’s outside, so it’s not like you can look super cute while freezing.”
“Disagree. You have those cute jeans and boots, and the bright red coat. Cherrywood is magical, I swear. Send me pictures of the event, would ya? I want to live through them.”
“You could come?”
She made a face. “I wish I could, but my damn boss has a team dinner tonight for the holiday gift exchange. I picked him, which… I got him coal.”
I snorted. She probably wasn’t kidding, and I loved that about her. “I’ll send you some photos when I can. Thank you for everything the last few weeks.” A rush of gratitude washed over me. “I couldn’t have gotten through this without you.”
“That’s what besties are for.” Soph smiled warmly at me. “Remember this when it’s my turn. When my super-hot and rich and famous husband tries to leave me, and I’m devastated.”
“No man would leave you.”
“No man wants to date me,” she corrected. “Okay, my boss is calling. Let me know how tonight goes with Connor, okay? Love you!”
