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“I’m sorry about what I said. That was unfair to you,” Desiree said.
Montez shrugged. “You spoke the truth. I let some crap from over a decade ago dictate how I move through life. Can you forgive me for what I said?”
“Only if you forgive me, because you were right. I need to live my own life.”
“Of course I forgive you.” He leaned down, and they shared a kiss.
Desiree wound her arms around his neck. “We had our first fight.”
“It sucked, didn’t it?”
“I hated it so much. I was worried we might not… that we were over,” she whispered.
He raised his eyebrows. “We both touched on sensitive topics, but you can’t get rid of me that easily.”
She laughed. “Good.”
He lowered his head and kissed her again.
Someone cleared their throat, and they pulled apart immediately.
Gertrude hovered in the doorway. “Excuse me. Congratulations, and HR says they need to see you today, as soon as possible, to fill out paperwork for your new perks. I also need to know where you want your celebratory dinner to take place so I can make reservations.”
“I’ll get right on that,” Desiree said.
Gertrude was about to walk away when Desiree called her back.
The older woman lifted her eyebrows in inquiry.
“Thank you,” Desiree said.
“For what?”
“For saying what I wasn’t brave enough to say about what you-know-who did.”
She needn’t say anymore. The light of acknowledgment filled Gertrude’s eyes. “No one should take credit for someone else’s work, and besides, us girls gotta stick together.” She winked and walked away.
“What was that about?” Montez asked.
“I’ll tell you later. Come on. You’re taking me to an early lunch.”
“But Gertrude said—”
“I can do all that after lunch.” Desiree took his hand.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, and they walked hand in hand out the door.
22
Desiree pulled up outside the small house on Mitchell Avenue, a smile already broken out on her face at what she was about to do. Today was the day.
Eight months ago she took on the role of senior vice president of marketing, which so far had been challenging but exciting. Thirty days ago, she received a huge bonus, her second in the position. When she added her bonus to the other funds she had saved, she had enough to pay off her parents’ mortgage, and that’s exactly what she did. The best part was, they had no idea. All they knew was that she was coming for a visit.
She strolled up the walkway and saw the neighbor sitting on her porch across the street.
“Hello, Mrs. Foster,” she called with a wave.
“Hello, Desiree. How have you been?”
