Page 141 of The Manny

“Yes.”

“Why would he think he has the right to be upset?”

“Jack is… complicated.” I’d never told Aiden about how I’d slept with Jack. I hadn’t told anyone. I knew Aiden would think I’d lost my mind. But Aiden was observant and he probably could tell I had feelings for Jack.

Aiden sighed. “Look, I’m butting my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but that’s because I care about you.”

“I know. I don’t mind talking to you about this stuff. Frankly, it’s nice to have someone to talk to. The situation is kind of driving me crazy.”

“Maybe time will give you more clarity.”

I winced. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of time.”

He looked confused. “Meaning what?”

“I’ve been offered another position.” I swallowed hard. “In Germany.”

He bugged his eyes. “What?”

I flinched. “Don’t tell anyone. I don’t want Mia knowing yet.”

Blinking at me, he laughed gruffly. “Wow. Germany, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you going to take the job?”

I rubbed my face roughly. “God, I don’t know what to do.”

“I can imagine.” His gaze was sympathetic. “What would keep you here?”

I shrugged. “Mia.”

“And maybe Jack?”

I was embarrassed, but I didn’t bother arguing. “If he asked me to stay, I’d stay. But I don’t think he will. He has too much pride and too many trust issues.”

“Sounds like the perfect person to avoid.”

“I know.” I met his gaze, trying not to be annoyed at his comment. “I get why you’d feel that way.”

“You’re my friend. It’s you I’m worried about. Maybe a change of scenery would be good for you. It might remind you that there’s a whole big world of people out there, far more interesting than Jack.”

“There’s more to Jack than you see on the surface.”

“I’ll take your word for it. He’s never been very friendly to me.”

I laughed gruffly. “That’s because he got the wrong idea about you and me in the beginning. Before you got back with Barb.”

“Oh.” His cheeks tinted pink. “I see.”

“And before you start feeling sorry for me or something, I’m extremely happy for you and Barb. I think you guys are a perfect couple.”

His smile was painted with relief. “Okay, good.”

I moved down the steps of the porch. “Now, if I could just get my own love life in order, that would be great.”

He nodded. “I say go to Germany and forget about your dysfunctional mess of a boss. Barb, Percy, and I will be sure Mia gets tons of attention.”

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