AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She nodded. “When do you have to let him know?”
“I have forty-eight hours to get back to him.”
Tiffany’s expression fell. “Ivan, that doesn’t give you much time.”
“I agree, but what I really need to know is what you think about the offer. Where are you on this?”
Tiffany was thoughtful for a moment. “Honestly, I think it sounds like an incredible opportunity for you and your company, Ivan. I think you should seriously consider it.”
He placed a hand under her chin and tilted her face to meet his. “Even if it would mean leaving you?”
She nodded. “I don’t like the idea of you leaving, whether it’s a short or long-term assignment, or the possibility that you’re in mortal danger,” she admitted. “But I will support whatever decision you make. I told you before, we’re in this together, Ivan. No matter what you choose.”
Somber, they both agreed to set it aside for the night.
Troubled, Tiffany called Milán the next day and told her about Ivan’s job offer. She immediately instructed her to come over.
When she arrived, her friend hugged her. “I’m glad you’re here. Jeannie is here, too,” she whispered. “Don’t worry, I’ve made a pitcher of margaritas, and Adrian’s at Justin’s watching a basketball game.”
“Hi, lovebug,” Norma Jean said when Tiffany came out onto the patio. She pulled Tiffany into her arms. “Milán told me what’s going on.”
“I figured you didn’t want to repeat it again,” her friend said, by way of an apology.
“It’s fine,” Tiffany told her.
They had already told Norma Jean that they were dating. She had taken it well, even the part about being kept in the dark for a while.
The group stretched out on lounge chairs while they sipped their drinks.
“The biggest question is whether you can be without him for several months. It may start out as two to three, but what if it goes longer? Would you be okay with that?” Milán asked.
“I agree that it would seem like forever, but in reality, his being away wouldn’t be any different than if he were still on active duty in the army. Both would mean a long separation, and Ivan being in harm’s way.”
Norma Jean observed her for a minute. “You really do care for him, don’t you?”
Tiffany replied instantly. “Yes. Ivan means the world to me, Jeannie. I can’t imagine my life without him.”
“Then don’t despair, honey. It will work out. Remember, the heart wants what the heart wants. You should always listen to what it’s telling you. Most people run into trouble when they don’t follow that simple tenet. You’ve got a great man, Tiffany, and he would do anything for you. That isn’t something people find every day. You’ve got to hold on to it—and cherish it.”
Tiffany wiped the tears from her eyes. “I know.” She got up. “Thank you both for being here and listening to me. I’m sorry, but I have to go. I’ve got something I need to do.”
“We’re here anytime you need us, chica. Te amo.”
“I love you, too, Lani. You, too, Jeannie.”
In the car, Tiffany called Ivan and asked him to meet her at Buckingham Fountain in an hour.
Arriving early, Tiffany had a chance to watch the water show that occurred every twenty minutes. She tilted her head back to see the center jet shoot water in a one-hundred-and-fifty-foot vertical line.
She sensed Ivan before she saw him. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s one of the things I love most about the city.” He observed her profile. “How’s your day been?”
“About as good as yours, I suppose,” she replied.
Taking her hand in his, Ivan began walking. “So what’s on your mind?”
She got straight to the point. “Ivan, I think you should take the job.”
