Page 44 of Love, Rekindled

I’ve been a workaholic my entire life, I can’t imagine having an extended time off.

“Oh here we fucking go,” Ashton mutters while rolling her eyes.

“What?”

“The life list. Number one, be married and have the perfect life. Number two, stab Gretchen in the eye with her stupid list. Number three, burn the list and remind Gretchen that living isn’t a science.”

“Ash.” Catherine tries to mollify her. “You and I think the list is…extreme, but Gretchen likes it.”

“Yes. I do. I need lists to keep things in order. Besides, my mother always said a dream isn’t a plan until it’s written down.”

There’s nothing wrong with keeping things in order. I feel like having a life list has ensured that most of my plans, though not all, have worked out the way they should.

Sure, all the things that I believed I could check off on my list have now gone to shit, but at one point, they almost came true.

“Oh God!” I say with tears in my eyes.

“What?” Catherine rushes over. “Are you okay?”

I look at my best friend and shake my head. “He ruined everything! My entire life list is now gone!Noneof it is even possible. There’s no way I’ll even have kid number one by the time number two was due!”

I had a great job, that’s gone. I was getting married, that’s not happening. I was in my dream condo, which I can’t afford to keep now even if I did pull the sale. Everything all because of stupid Harold.

“Then it’s time for a new list.” Cat takes my hand. “Life is about adapting and now it’s time to do that.”

“I hate him.”

“As you should,” she agrees.

Ashton sighs. “Body parts in a box anyone?”

I let out a giggle and wipe the tears. I have the best friends. Catherine cancelled her trip back to California to see me through this. Ashton called out of work, and Jackson has...well, offered his services. I know it all feels so bleak right now, but with them on my side, I’ll be okay.

“My offer still stands to break his kneecaps,” Jackson attempts again.

“Now that I may change my mind about.”

He laughs. “I do have another option if you’re open to hearing me out.”

“Really?”

Now I’m intrigued.

He nods. “First, how do you feel about moving to Virginia Beach?”

* * *

“I can’t believeyou’re leaving me, too!” Ashton bitches as she helps me pack another box. “First Cat, now you?”

I can’t believe I’m moving either. I never imagined I would be going to work for Jackson. I’m not exactly an expert on anything military, but he swears there’s a case that he could really use my help with.

I’m pretty sure it’s a pity position, but right now, I’ll take it.

Not only do I get to get the hell out of here, but I’ll be surrounded by hot guys with guns. This might just be the best job ever.

“You spend half your time in Virginia Beach when Quinn is around,” I counter.

“Yeah, but he’s gone and I spend that time with you.”

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