AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I tap my fingertips to the steering wheel. “Yes, Layla, I know what you’re talking about. Why did you need me to call?”
“Why don’t you talk to your dad about working at the hardware store? You’d get to work with your dad and not be on your feet all day.”
Seriously? I roll my eyes and shake my head. “I don’t know a reciprocating saw from a drill.”
“But you know both things are tools.”
“Yes.” I settle into the seat. “I appreciate the idea, but it’ll be fine. I’m good working at the café for the time being. But I started applying for online personal assistant positions. There are better opportunities available than I expected. And with Mr. Burke’s reference, I should have a new position within a month.”
While Cole was at work this weekend, I scoured the web and found two perfect opportunities and a handful of ones that were somewhat a reach for my skill set, but I don’t back down from a challenge.
“That’s great. So, you’ve told Mr. Burke?”
My stomach twists. “No. That’s the only thing left to do. I’m on my way to work and putting in my two weeks’ notice. I feel awful about it, though. Mr. Burke has been the best.”
“Then, he’ll give you a glowing reference. The man is worth billions and could hire anyone. He’s not going to ruin your life because you fell in love. Besides, you said he liked Cole and is a sap when it comes to his wife.”
“He is, and he did.” I inhale and slowly exhale to steady my nerves. Why am I so worried? I’ve never seen Mr. Burke pissed, let alone angry. You can’t even call his irritation over the paparazzi as anger. He was more miffed than anything else. “You’re right. Everything will be fine. He’ll give me a glowing reference, and I’ll be on my way back home for good in a couple of weeks.”
“Is Cole excited?”
After taking a sip of my drink, I return it to the console. It’s time to get this over with. Now that I’ve made my mind up, it’s going to be easier than I expected. “As soon as I put in my two weeks, I’m calling to tell him.”
“Yes!” Layla squeals, causing me to smile. I’m as excited as she is. “I can’t wait. I’m so happy you’re moving home.”
“Me, too.” Warmth swells throughout my body. “I miss it. Not just you and Cole. I miss Mom and Dad and my annoying brothers. I’ve even missed waving at Nadine on her way to the bank.” Home. My smile widens. I’m almost home.
“Yes, I saw her this morning while I was rounding up Gertrude.” The humor and excitement still ring through the line. That I miss. I can’t wait to join Layla in duck wrangling. “I know it’s rushing things, but you and Cole need to start making babies. I want our kids to grow up together like we did.”
“You’re on.” I don’t even question if that’s what I want. I know I want to marry Cole and raise a family. I’ve always wanted that.
“Really?”
“Yep.” I make a loud popping sound when I pronounce the ‘P.’ He hasn’t asked me to marry him or told me to dump the birth control, but I don’t doubt for a second that he’ll not be on board. Excitement swells in my chest. “Hey, Layla, I need to go and get this done. I’ll call you tonight.”
The second I’m off the phone, it vibrates in my hand. Cole. Excitement swells inside of me.
I swipe the screen. Why wait? I’ll tell him now.
Mr. Burke: I have a proposition for you. Are you on the way to the office?
Shit and double shit.
Me: I’m about 30 minutes out, barring traffic issues.
My finger hovers over the screen.
Mr. Burke: Stop lollygagging. I can’t wait to tell you the good news.
Ugh. I drop my phone onto the passenger seat, back out of the parking space, and straighten my spine. Stay strong. You know what you want. Even if it’s the most amazing job ever–like he’s running for Senate or a Presidential bid. Doesn’t matter. Nothing is more important than Cole and I’s future. Together. In Meadow Bay.
Twenty minutes later, I’m stuck in a line of traffic that goes around a long curve and out of sight. The oncoming traffic continues at a steady pace, but I’ve been motionless for the past five minutes. Of course, I’m stuck in traffic. This is one of the reasons I can’t wait to move. And I guarantee it’s not a duck crossing up ahead that has everyone impatiently waiting for movement.
No. Someone would’ve plowed over the adorable animals and kept on trucking. There’s some kind of pileup that–
My vision goes black as pain shoots in all directions from my shoulders to my feet. I gasp as my head flies forward and then crashes back against the seat cushion. Only, it’s not a cushion. It feels like a bolder or a block of cement. Why is there cement in my car?
Loud screeching and shattered glass pierces the fog in my head, but I can’t get the….
