Page 238 of Just for the Plot

“Yes. It might take me a second to adjust my mind when I see you two together, but you’re right, she did what I asked, she protected you and…your happiness matters most, and if you’re serious, if she’s the one, then…I guess…” Tears threaten to fall over. “Tell me how I can help you propose.”

I chuckle as her tears fall and I wipe them away for her. “I don’t think she’s there yet, even though I am. But when I think she’s ready, I’m coming to you.”

“You better.”

And then she pulls me into a hug once more.

CHAPTER 44

BOWER

“Adalade, I’m so sorry,” Isay as I shut her front door and move into her house. “It’s been a morning.” And that is an understatement. How I hated seeing Gabby’s crestfallen expression of betrayal and disgust. That’s so not her, and it hit me hard. But when I knew I had to turn around and go back, I’m so glad I got to hear Bennett’s words.

“Love is what I feel for Bower. It’s buried itself into the marrow of my bones, where I itch to see her, where I feel at ease when she’s in my arms, where I’m content and satisfied knowing that I’m the one she’s going to bed with and I’m the one she’s waking up next to. This is not a fling. This is not a one-night fuck. This is real. This is love, and she feels the same way…”

They gave me courage…because the man I love also stood up for me, showing memyworth in his eyes. How did I get so lucky?Even if I feel as though my heart has been shredded today.And I’m hungry. And without coffee.

I walk into the dining room, where Adalade is sitting at the table, looking over a menu. “What can I get started on for you?”

She looks up from the menu and says, “Bower, I believe it’s time I let you go.”

All the color drains from my cheeks. “Wait, what?”

She carefully sets the menu down and crosses one leg over the other as she looks up at me. “I’ve noticed that you’ve been distracted lately, and that’s when I came across this.” She pulls a folder from the chair next to her and sets it down on the table.

It’s my book truck folder. Shit, I must have left it here accidentally.

“I assumed this was something you wanted me to look through, but after I sorted through the papers, I realized it’s a business venture you’re currently pursuing.”

“Adalade, I wasn’t—”

She holds up her hand, silencing me as she stands. She takes a step forward and then takes my hand in hers. With a genuine expression of understanding, she says, “You can’t have this job forever, Bower. As much as I’d want to keep you forever, you need to grow and blossom and do something that interests you, not take care of a spry, yet older lady.”

“I love working with you,” I say, desperation clawing at me.

“We do have our fun, but there is so much more you can offer. This is not a goodbye right now. This is the push you need to pursue other things. But I will require you to offer me thirty days’ notice before you leave.”

“But you’re the one firing me,” I say, so confused.

“Not firing, dear, encouraging you to move on.”

“But—”

“You’re scared?” she asks, calling me out.

“Yes,” I say, my emotions starting to get the best of me, because this is not what I was expecting after the morning I had.

“It’s good to be scared. Without the fear, you’re never going to push yourself to work harder and accomplish your goals. I am where I am today because I lived in that fear for so long. It’s time you do the same.” She pats my hand and then walks over to the living room. I follow behind her. When she takes a seat on the couch, she pats the spot next to her, so I join. Is this some sort of nightmare? “You will land on your feet and succeed, I know you will.”

“I don’t understand. I thought I was doing a good job. I know I was late this morning, but Gabby showed up and it was a mess—”

“This has nothing to do with this morning or your work ethic. Frankly,you’re the best assistant I’ve ever had. This has everything to do with you and that folder you left behind. It’s a folder of ideas. I want it to be a folder of reality, and you can’t make it a reality by working for me.” She turns toward me. “I care about you enough to let you go.”

I know what she’s saying, and it’s incredible to have a boss so thoughtful, but it doesn’t make it any less scary.

“What if I fail? My dad failed spectacularly when we were young, so who’s to say I won’t?”

“If you fail…then you fail. And then you try something else. Just because you fail doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. But you will never know unless you try. For all you know, you could be opening yourself to so much more, and the fear is holding you back. Either way, you won’t be working for me, so you can either try achieving your dream, or you can go look for another job with a boss who isn’t as fabulous as me.”