Brynlee rolls her eyes. “You own how many businesses? Of course they’re in other locations.”
“That’s the thing, I believe that good people are worth more than a location, no matter what company they work for me under.” He looks back at me. “I apologize for interrupting. Anyway, it’s great to meet you.”
“You too.”
He turns to his wife. “I’ll take him so you can work.”
Brynlee grins. “Uh-huh. I’ll bet that’s why you’re taking him.”
Crew shrugs and lifts Jameson into his arms. “Daddy’s got you, buddy,” he says as he walks out.
Brynlee watches him with a wide smile. “There’s something about a man and a baby.” I laugh softly, and then she turns back to me. “You know, something Crew just said really hit me. He’s right, it’s about good people. While I don’t like that you broke the company policy regarding relationships with clients, I also know what it’s like to have feelings for someone you shouldn’t. Are you hoping to still have a relationship with Killian?”
My heartbeat picks up, and I nod. “Yes. I know I don’t have any right to ask this, but…I’d like to ask to work remotely, from Ember Falls. It’s not just because of Killian—I want to make that clear now. All of my clients are in Ember Falls and there is going to be a lot of travel back and forth. It would be best for the clients and for the company.”
“I was afraid you’d say that,” she says with a laugh. “I’d like to talk to Thea about this first and see how she feels. I don’t want to lose a competent employee, and I understand your reasoning in being closer to your clients. It’s just something we need to discuss.”
That’s really all I can ask for.
thirty-three
Tessa
“Ican’t believe you’re going to give all this up,” Brianna says as I’m packing up the remainder of my things.
I smile at my roommate who truly made my transition into living in New York seamless. Brianna made sure I never felt alone and always made me smile. I’m going to miss her a lot.
“In a way, I really can’t believe it either.”
“The food, Tessa. Think of thefood.”
I laugh. “Hence why I ordered a bunch of things I know I won’t get in Virginia,” I tell her.
“At least I’ll have leftovers,” Bri says with a grin.
Yes, she will. When I got home from work, the two of us placed orders from four places. She demanded I spend the rest of my night eating all the things I won’t have again. Of course, Brianna won’t be here to eat with me since she has a fashion show she’s working, but I’m going to have a bite of all my favorite dishes.
“You know I’m going to miss you, right?”
She moves the packed box on the floor so she can plop on my bed. “How could you not? I’m the best roommate who ever lived in the big city. Tell me again why you’re moving? You hated small-town life.”
“I thought I did,” I admit. “Well, I know I did, but it’s different in Ember Falls. It’s not like Indiana. I don’t hate it there. The people are kind and…there’s him.”
Brianna grins. “He must be something special for you to be giving up your dream here.”
He is. He’s very special.
“I’m not giving anything up,” I tell her. “I’m keeping my job. I’m just moving where I want to be.”
A week ago, Thea and Brynlee called me into the office to let me know that they made a decision. I’ve been given three months in Ember Falls and then we can reassess. If it’s working out, with both my relationship and with Hazel and Penny, then we can extend the trial period or make it permanent.
The other part of the agreement is that I need to bring on at least four more clients in the south to make it make sense for me to be in Virginia.
I’m excited and eager to prove myself.
“If you say so, babe.”
“Killian is really great. He’s beyond excited that my bosses signed on to this. Even if it’s just a temporary agreement for now.”
