Page 41 of My Ex for Christmas
You've got this! You deserve this job.
Although I’m wary about believing her too wholeheartedly, her words are a comfort.
I won’t deny I have worked hard these past five years. If I’m ever going to grow, I need to challenge myself. More than that, I need tobelievein myself. I’ve gotten comfortable in my assistant role, but I want to be brave. I want to be that girl who moved to a different country at eighteen with nothing but a desire to see what happened.
Thank you! Love you the most.
Sister Sam
Love you the mostest. Now go kick ass!!
With a small laugh, I tuck my phone into my bag as I head into the back office I’ve made my home here.
The picture Brooks gave me on Christmas sits on the desk beside the computer, and the younger versions of us stare at me as I get settled. Seeing that picture was the moment everything truly clicked into place for me.
I glance at the clock and instantly regret it. I still have five minutes until he gets here.
I had to be strategic with his schedule this morning. Thiago has been extra busy lately, and I’m sure it has everything to do with the baker he has developed feelings for. I’m happy for him, but it makes scheduling things harder when he’s constantly juggling responsibilities.
My nerves fully set in as I pace the small office, waiting for him to arrive. I haven’t been this anxious about speaking with my boss since I was initially interviewing for my internship. But asking for this new role feels like I’m letting him down, in a way, and I hate that.
Thiago took a chance on me all those years ago, and I showed my gratitude by being loyal and working my ass off. But…I want more. Ineedmore.
As my decision solidifies in my brain, I hear the door swinging open. My stomach tumbles.
“Hey,” Thiago says as he enters. “You wanted to speak with me?”
“I did,” I reply. “Ido.”
He moves into the room, leaning back against the desk and facing me where I stand in front of it. “What’s up?”
I cross my arms, then immediately uncross them. “I wanted to talk to you about the manager position,” I say.
“Do you have a new candidate to interview?”
“Um.” I wring my hands together, nearly rubbing the skin raw. “Sort of.”
He chuckles. “Okay, who is thissort ofperson?”
I take a deep breath.Be brave.Be that girl again. Hell, be the woman who made out with her ex in this very office.
“Me?”
Silence settles over the room, so quiet I wouldn’t be surprised if you could hear the snow falling outside. My heart thumps in my chest.
He’s going to laugh. He’s going to laugh and say no.
“You?”
I nod with a grimace. “I know it wouldn’t be ideal for you, but I think I need to try something new. Not that I haven’t loved being your assistant! I have. But I?—”
“Hadley, slow down.” He cracks a smile. “It’s alright.”
My words dry up. I didn’t think he would yell at me or anything, but I also wasn’t expecting so little of a reaction. My body was prepared for a fight, but now that I’m not getting one, I’m at a loss.
“It…is?”
He nods. “Yes, of course. I’ve always known you weren’t going to be my assistant forever. I consider myself lucky you’ve stuck with me as long as you have.”
