Page 66 of The Probability of Us

Warren laughs and I can’t fight a smile as he raises his hands in surrender and says, “No complaints from me. I completely agree.”

I want to look at him like I was earlier—letting all that love shine through—but I know I shouldn’t do that here. His eyes flash to me for just a moment, but they darken just enough in that time that I know he understands what I’m thinking.

“Good, because I would like to offer her a new position,” Peter says and my jaw drops, but Warren’s smile only grows with pride. “We have some work to do to establish this parent company, but I want you in charge of our strategy, and I mean all strategy—for both companies.”

My mouth is open, my excitement is rising. This sounds like an incredible opportunity—too good to be true.

“We can work out the details if you’re interested. This is intended as a promotion so you can expect a pay increase, and I would like you to be in D.C., with the rest of the executive team, but that wouldn’t have to happen right away.”

This pitch just gets better and better, a real reason to move to the same city as Warren. I can practically feel the excitement radiating off of Warren too. This is perfect. This is everything I could’ve asked for.

“The position would report to Warren.”

I don’t breathe because it would sound like I’m dying if I did. Thisistoo good to be true.

This isn’t going to work.

I want to cry. I want to scream. But instead, I keep a smile on my face even as the sunshine fades from my eyes in time to the sun dipping below the horizon outside.

Peter and Mac are still smiling at me, and I don’t look away even though I no longer hear the words coming out of his mouth. I can feel Warren’s gaze on me, the intensity of the expression. I can feel the understanding radiating off him—that I was just offered a job that would put us back in the same position as the one that caused our downfall.

Under the table the heat of a hand rests atop mine, trying to comfort me, but it sends a shock through me that threatens to let the tears spill out. I have to pull away and I hate myself for it. I can’t think about this, talk about this right now.

“So, what do you think?” Peter says and I take a deep breath.

“It sounds incredible,” I say, too robotic, but only Warren notices the shift. “Is it okay if I think about it?”

“Oh, of course.” He laughs. “No rush.”

The waiter approaches with our food and I’ve never been more thankful for an interruption, even though my stomach is twisted in knots, and I don’t think I can eat a single bite.

I risk a glance over at Warren as we start eating and beneath his believably calm mask, I see the devastation etched across all his features. Whether it’s for me, or for the situation, or both. Or because I pulled away from him. No matter what it is, it’s not okay. I won’t let us make the same mistakes we made before. I won’t run away because it’s not ideal. We planned on long-distance before this and we can still do it.

I won’t lose him.

Under the table I reach over to give his knee a light squeeze and the instant relief that flows through his entire body lets me know everything will be okay. I love him and he loves me. The rest can be figured out.

Twenty-Six

AUGUST CURRENT DAY (THURSDAY)

The same man that’s been running trivia as long as we’ve been coming to The Dizzy Acorn is haphazardly getting everything set up. It looks like it’s his first time running this even though he should have it streamlined by now. Whatever works for him, I guess, but it’s not how I work and it gives me anxiety just watching.

Thankfully, Trent gives me the perfect out when he whispers, “Now.”

That’s my cue.

I get out of my chair, giving Warren a kiss on the cheek as he pulls his arm off my shoulders with a knowing smile. I know we’re both thinking the same thing—it’s about damn time.

“I need to talk to you,” I say, leaning down when I get to Ali’s seat. I don’t have to say anymore, she just stands and walks with me off to the back of the room.

The bathrooms are located down a skinny hallway on the side of the bar, far enough from the main room that the sound doesn’t travel here well. This has been our spot whenever we need to talk after a long day so it’s not suspicious of me to ask even though I have ulterior motives this time. I promised Trent I’d keep her out of there long enough for him to talk to the teams playing trivia tonight—most are also regulars like us so I have no doubt they’ll happily agree to his request—but I actually do need to talk to her.

“Did something happen?” she asks as soon as we’re inside and finish checking that we’re alone.

“Peter, the CEO of Warren’s company,” I clarify when she looks confused at the name, “offered me a job.”

Her eyes squint and her brows pull together. “Well, isn’t he your boss now too?”

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