Page 85 of Choosing Us

I laugh at the random numbers. “Okay, I think I could make that work. I still want to see a formal offer and benefits package before I make any final decisions.”

“Wait—you’re serious?” Jack’s voice is in awe. He’s been trying to recruit me for years, but we’ve never gone this far in the what-if scenarios.

“Let’s take this one step at a time, but I told you I would think about what it would take to seriously consider your offer, and here we are.”

“Yeah? Alright, this is fantastic news, Ryan. You won’t regret it.”

“I haven’t committed to anything, Jack. Slow down.”

“You agreed to hear my offer, Ryan. That’s all we needed because once we got our foot in the door, Wells and I both knew we could make an offer you couldn’t refuse.”

“It’s not just about the money, Jack.”

“I know, Ry. But don’t you see? That’s what makes it even better for us because I know what you want in a job, and what you value in your life.”

“And you are going to extort the shit out of that information?” I laugh.

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

“I look forward to seeing what this amazing offer looks like, Jack. Thanks for being patient with me.”

“I didn’t want you to join until you wanted to come over, but now that you’ve expressed legit interest? Let’s fucking go, man. Wells is going to be pumped.”

“But is he going to be so pumped that he does his signature fists-raised-over-his-head dance move?”

“Ha! I’ll even do it with him if you actually join our team.”

And we both know I’ll hold him to his word.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

The Pemberley Club is every ostentatious detail that I loathe, but my parents both crave and delight in.

Servers with white gloves and coattails? Check.

Security guarding the doors as though the Pope is expected any moment? Check.

People simultaneously complaining about the press being here, while also choosing to arrive at the entrance that walks them right past the photographers? Check.

I refused to stay at the hotel where my parents had a room under my name. I agreed to attend this event—despite not even knowing what the gala is for—but I refuse to spend any more time with my parents than what is required to uphold my end of the bargain.

What do I get out of it? My mother hasn’t called me once since I agreed to attend, and four weeks of silence from her is a gift all in itself. Of course, her personal assistants have contacted me almost daily, but they are not nearly as well-versed in guilt trips as Astor Morgan-Lane. Plus, the assistants all became very good friends with my voicemail, so it was a win for everyone.

I smooth the front of my dark navy gown as I wait for my car to take its turn at the front entrance. I know there’s a side entrance I could have used, but I was given explicit instructions on my voicemail that I was expected to use the front, only the front, entrance.

I’m nervous, which is strange for me, but I know the cause. I miss Ryan.

“How is it that the one evening you need me out of town is the same one as the hospital’s annual board meeting?” Ryan asks as he runs his hand up and down my back. I’m sprawled on top of him like he is my body pillow, which, he kind of is.

“Fate is funny like that.” I turn and place a kiss on his bare chest. “It’s fine, though, I’ve gone to plenty of these things, and I am more than capable of going solo to one more.”

“I never doubted that, but I would prefer to be there with you. You know that, right?”

I nod. “Yeah, I know. And I love that you meant it, too.”

“Of course, Lo. Always.” He kisses my forehead, and I melt a little more into his arms.

I wish I was back in his arms right now. Plus, this strapless bra is extremely uncomfortable. I roll my head from shoulder to shoulder as I exhale deeply. This is not new territory for me, but I’ve never had someone like Ryan in my life to miss like this, and it’s making me feel off kilter a bit.