Page 108 of Final Proposal

But he didn’t leave me.

He didn’t walk away.

Tears of relief fall while I’m in the shower. It’s the only moment of weakness I allow as I reassure myself that he’s coming back.

That he’s still fighting for us.

I spend the next hour getting ready because even though Ford and I had a fight, the show must go on here. Contractors need to be directed. Problems need to be solved. The day must move on.

Maybe he drove to Sag Harbor for the night. To gain that same distance I did.

But when I’m outside showing Roddy how the awnings need to be fixed over the café’s door, we’re all distracted by the sound of a helicopter.

It’s a common sound out here in the playground of the rich, but this one is especially low.

And when I look up and see the black chopper with the gray letters S.I.N. fly overhead, I know Ford is showing me that he’s keeping his end of the bargain. Just like that. No additional discussion. No negotiations. No final proposals. He did what he said he was going to do. He’s keeping his word.

He’s also warning me that when he returns, I’m going to have to keep mine.

Ford

She’s tiny as we fly over.

Her hands over her eyes as she looks up and takes in the chopper.

As she realizes I’m keeping my word.

I watch her until I can’t watch her anymore because I fear this might be the last time I ever see her.

I worry that whatever she’s scared of is stronger than the love I see in her eyes when she looks at me.

And hasn’t that been the crux of the matter this whole time?

Ellery

“You expecting good news or something today, boss lady?” Roddy asks as he walks by me.

“What do you mean?” I ask, turning to look at him.

“You’ve been checking your phone every ten minutes today like you’re expecting your sister to be having a baby or something.”

I laugh. “Considering I don’t have a sister, that might be a long wait.”

“Touché.” He stops and narrows his eyes. “But all is good? No problems with the project or permits or shit?”

“No. Nothing like that. Just waiting for an email to come through on the canopy deliveries for the café,” I lie, suddenly feeling ridiculous that I’ve checked my phone enough today that someone noticed.

“They have my number too. That’s not something you should really have to deal with. You’ve got enough on your plate as it is. Let me handle that.”

So much for that lie.

“There. No more distractions.” I make a show of taking my phone out of my pocket and turning on Do Not Disturb. “If I’m going to preach about being attentive on the job, I guess it’s only right that I do the same.”

He laughs and winks before getting called into the café to help with something.

I sigh and lean against the wall. Despite my lack of sleep last night, today has been a good day.

Am I still hurt and confused about the things that were said last night? Of course, I am. I’m not a robot.