“And why did you spend a ridiculous amount of money to build me an office when I will no longer be working for you?”
“Because I realized that you’ve been working for me for seven years and have never even had your own office. You always worked at the island or the kitchen table. And that was shitty not to give you your own workspace.”
I look around, and my eyes mist. Sebastian wasn’t kidding. This place was plucked from the pages of my Pinterest. I recognize the white desk because I pinned it. And the shelves. And even the art on the wall and the inspirational quotes are straight out of my pins. I love inspirational quotes. It’s something I’m embarrassed about because it’s kind of cheesy. But I live by them. They get me through when I’m feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Sebastian knows this because he overhears me muttering them when I get annoyed.
And as good as Matt is, I know he didn’t do this on his own. Sebastian had to have hired a stylist as well, and it must have been obscenely expensive to pull together so quickly.
White curtains billow through French doors that lead out to the patio overlooking the ocean. If I close my eyes, I can imagine myself working here.
I frown. “Are you seriously trying to bribe me with interior design and stationery supplies?”
“Yes. Most people, I’d try a fancy car. Or expensive jewelry. But most people aren’t you with your weird fixation on Post-it notes. And colored highlighters. I know you. You’re susceptible to office porn.”
I once again think of my wobbly new desk and shitty office chair that’s like daggers in my back. I wonder if I can still quit but sneak in here every day and work at my own business.
He might not notice.
“I’m not staying, Sebastian,” I say for what feels like the millionth time.
“You will. There’s always tomorrow.” He almost sounds like he’s enjoying this. I’m a challenge. My capitulation is something for him to win.
Ironically, his strategy is destined to fail.
Him making me feel how much he needs me while discounting what I want underscores exactly why I could never stay, even for the short-term, even if I need the money.
No, I need my boundaries, and the biggest one of all is quitting.
And I think I know what might help me keep my mind on the future, instead of the past.
Chase’s fiancée,Olivia, has been trying to set me up forever. So when I get off work much later, I call her while I’m in the drive-through line of my favorite coffee shop, waiting for an icedlatte. The breeze is light, and the sun is still shining, though barely. Summer is finally here.
“Hey, Olivia,” I say into my phone, looking in the visor and grimacing at the dark circles beneath my eyes. I need to buy a stronger concealer.
“Emma! It’s been way too long. I just got back from my retreat. I’m finished with my book, so I’m free from my writing cave! We need to have a girls’ night to celebrate.”
“Oh wow!” I squeal. “Congratulations. I can’t wait to read it. And I’d love to have a girls’ night. But I’m actually hoping to have another kind. One with boys. Do you remember when you said you wanted to introduce me to one of Chase’s friends?”
“Yes.” Olivia pauses. “And I remember you saying that you don’t have the time to date. And that you’ll likely die an old maid and you’ve made your peace with that.”
“Um. Yeah. So. I’ve changed my mind. Who’s the friend you want to set me up with?”
“Well, that was a while ago. But Ithinkhe’s still available. He’s fun. Good-looking. Successful. And surprisingly nice. But he dates all the wrong women.”
“Okay. Sold. Who is he?”
“Simon Reeves.”
“Simon. Reeves?” I repeat, dumbfounded.
“What? He’s perfect.”
“He’s a movie star.”
“I know you swore you’d never date an actor, but that’s not all he is. He’s adventurous. He wrote that amazing travel memoir, remember?”
“I am not dating material for a movie star. Working for one has been hard enough. I refuse to fall for someone with no physical flaws. It would be too big of a blow to my ego.”
Olivia laughs. “I know just how you feel.All too well. Trust me. But you’re being silly. You are gorgeous. He lives in themoment, which I think would be good for you. And he loves smart women, which you are. Plus, he’s not perfect. He’s actually a bit of a mess since he basically lives out of a suitcase. You’dloveorganizing him. I think the two of you would have fun together. Besides, we’re not talking about you settling down and having babies.”
