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Finn did as he was told. Was it just him, or did the mood feel significantly lighter than Monday?

As he sat down, and Joshua smiled at him, Finn allowed his hope to flourish brighter.

“Thanks for bein’ patient with us, Finn,” Joshua began, leaning back in his leather office chair. “I know it can’t have been an easy week for you.”

Finn nodded, clenching his teeth to prevent himself from speaking. He’d hate to say something to jeopardize whatever Joshua was going to tell him.

“I’m sure you’re wantin’ to know what we’ve decided,” Joshua said, “so I’ll just get right to it. We were able to comb through the statements given to us. Mrs. Waterstone gave substantial accusations but was unable to prove any of ’em. But with Miss King’s thorough statement given with evidence, photos, timestamps, and screenshots, we’ve concluded that the only rule broken was that you began a physical relationship with a passenger.”

Finn breathed a little deeper. He’d known Maisie was going to be asked to give a statement to the company, but he didn’t know how thorough she’d been. His heart swelled at the thought. She’d done that for him.

“As for the broken rule,” Joshua continued, “we, as a company, have come to the conclusion that your contract didn’t state clearly enough that physical relationships are not allowed with passengers during off-duty hours, as well.”

Finn nodded his understanding, forcing himself not to bounce his leg in his chair with half-stress, half-delight.

“Movin’ forward,” Joshua said, “the rules will be clearer. And if agreed upon, we’d like to reinstate your position as full-time bus driver and tour guide as of today, upon completion of the new contract.”

Finn let out a silent but heavy sigh, the weight from his shoulders lifting. Aye, he’d lost his flat. Aye, he’d be living with his parents for the foreseeable future. But his family would have their home for another month, and that was reason enough to celebrate.

“Cheers, mate,” he said. “Really, I’m grateful for the fairness of your conclusion.”

Joshua nodded, sliding over a stack of papers for Finn. “Feel free to take your time goin’ through these, but we’d like you to sign before Monday, so you can take on the next tour.”

Finn gathered the papers in his hands, thumbing through the new contract.

“Any questions, feel free to shoot them me way,” Joshua said. “It’s fairly straightforward. They’re clarifications more than anythin’. No physical relationship with any passenger, past or present. No deviatin’ from designated stops, no…”

Finn frowned, tuning out the rest of Joshua’s words. “Past or present. Meanin’…”

“Meanin’, you can’t have a physical or romantic relationship with passengers while they’re on your tour or if they’ve ever been on your tour.”

Finn stared. “So your only new rule is to ensure I don’t pursue a relationship with Maisie.”

“Well, it’s not the only new rule…” Joshua said, averting his eyes.

Finn couldn’t believe it. They were really trying to dictate who he dated now? Surely that had to be illegal. But then, he didn’t have the money to challenge it with some lawyer, did he?

“Surely you can understand, Finn,” Joshua explained, seeing Finn’s frown. “We have to protect the company’s image. I fought for you to stay on, and this is the only way they agreed to keep you. If you carry on with this relationship and things went south, what if Miss King decided to sue the company⁠—”

“She wouldn’t do that,” Finn interrupted, his frustration growing.

“You can’t know that for sure, mate,” Joshua said. He lowered his voice. “Try to see reason. It’s for the better of the company. To keep it sustained for longer. We can agree we all want that.”

Finn clenched the papers in his hands, looking away from Joshua. Truth be told, he could see the company’s reasons. But that didn’t make them any easier to accept.

“Can I have a day or two to think on this?” he asked, raising the contract.

“Of course,” Joshua said. “Just don’t take too long. Like I said, we want you startin’ on Monday.”

Finn nodded, then left the building in silence, wishing to Heaven he felt any lighter than he had that morning.

If he signed these papers, his family would be safe. But then, he’d never see Maisie again. And that thought bounced around in his mind until he thought he’d go mad.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Maisie stepped off the bus, embracing the Englishwomen and waving to the Schäfers and Dünsers as they walked away. It was a strange feeling, saying goodbye to people she’d known for only two weeks, as she felt almost sorrowful at the fact that she’d never see them again.

“You be sure to text us, alright?” Joyce said, patting Maisie’s cheeks. “I’ll have my granddaughter respond, as I can’t figure out this texting hubbub.”