Page 93 of Fall With Me
What has everything been for? I’m miserable. This isn’t the life I moved Finn and myself from Tennessee for. Turns out, being with my son, dating Chloe, and working forty hours a week is what I want. I’m not quitting my job, but I refuse to bend over backward for unrealistic deadlines.
Going around checking on my family manning the stations, I grab some dinner with Finn, then mingle with my coworkers and other clients.
Someone touches my shoulder. “Dawson, it was lovely to meet you,” Annie says.
I spin around, facing her. Her smile is kind. “The kids and I had a lovely time. Really, you all did a fantastic job with this festival. Thank you for inviting us.”
“We’re incredibly grateful you came. Don’t forget to take home your thank-you gifts and a box of pastries.”
“We will. Have a nice evening.” She waves, walking to the exit.
“You too!” If only her husband were as pleasant as Annie.
“I’m afraid tonight did nothing to sway Greg to ease up,” Carter says, standing next to me.
“I’m sorry, man.” I run my hand through my hair. “From the moment he got here, he was demanding. Your response was amazing.”
“It was time we reminded him of the agreement we made. Let’s just hope he’s all talk and doesn’t go somewhere else.”
“What if he does?”
Carter looks me in the eye. “He’ll have to pay for the hours we’ve spent on his project, but we need this game finished and the full-contracted amount from him.”
“Is my job at risk? If Greg leaves, am I let go?” Is this why Carter’s been so adamant we keep them happy?
Carter shakes his head. “No. I’m sorry if I’ve made it sound like that’s the case. For the future of the company, we need this. If he dissolves our contract, your position is safe.”
I let out a nervous chuckle. “What a relief.” But what future is forcing us to keep Greg happy? What is Carter planning?
“I won’t agree to work with him in the future though,” Carter says. “He’s a scheming bully. No matter what he threatens, we’re done after this game.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”
Carter grins. “Glad to be of service, brightening your life.”
“Yeah, you did. Thanks, Boss.”
“You’re welcome. Now let’s get this place cleaned up and get outta here.”
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. Mom’s taking Finn home with her. I can’t wait to sleep in without worrying that I should be awake working on Greg’s project. I’ll complete his project by February first. For now, my focus is back to balancing my time with Finn, work, and hopefully Chloe.IfI can convince her to forgive me. She told me she’s afraid of people leaving her like her mom did, and at the first sign of trouble, I pushed her away. Somehow, I have to prove we’re better together and I won’t run away again.
Because my life is infinitely better with her in it.
Chapter 43
Chloe
My stomach is as tight as a lid on a sealed bottle. I’m dreading asking Dawson’s family how they’re holding up, but I had planned to check in on the teen volunteers manning the booths throughout the festival, so it’s only fair I do the same for our current volunteers though it scares me as much as a horror film.
Shaking out my sweaty palms, I head to the pin the smile on the scarecrow station. “Hey, guys,” I say, greeting a man and woman helping the line of children with the game. “Are you doing okay? Can I get you some water, or help while you run to the restroom?”
The woman, who looks a lot like Dawson with her full lips and brown hair, squeals. “Are you Chloe?”
Oh yay. Another overexuberant family member. “I am.”
The woman places her palm on her chest. “I’m Emma. Dawson’s sister. It’s so good to meet you.” She grabs my hand, squeezing tight. “And wow, you are gorgeous! Finn said Dawson lights up when you’re around, but they failed tomention how stunning you are.” Her jaw drops, and she puts a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. How terribly rude of me to only focus on looks. Don’t worry, we all know how kind and great you are too.”
Wow. This is a lot. I’m overwhelmed and flattered, and completely ready to move on from Dawson’s family. They’re way too sweet and kind, and if Dawson doesn’t want to get back together, knowing I lost Dawson and Finn, and now this amazing family as well? Yeah, my heart can’t handle another blow of this magnitude. Because after meeting his parents and sister for all of two minutes, I want to be a part of this family. I long to have more people to connect with and the Reed crew seems like my kind of people. People who care, are all in, will drop anything to help, and love with every fiber of their being.
