Page 142 of Playing the Game
“That’s all he said?”
“Yes.” She squares her shoulders. “I don’t even know why you made me call him.”
“You know why.”
“No, I don’t. It’s like you want to put this barrier between us, so I’ll stay here.”
I toss the dirty towel into the sink. “That’s not what I’m doing. I want you to move with me.”
“Really? Because it doesn’t feel that way.” She turns and mopes to the couch. “If you’re having doubts about us, just tell me.”
My insides collapse.
How do I keep this from her?
She deserves to know she’s been reinstated. And I’m not dumb. Hunter may be telling me he’s not going to tell her, but I know the second I’m gone and she’s safe, he’ll jump at the chance.
How would she feel about me, knowing I kept something this important from her?
She pushes into the corner of the couch, hugging her knees. “See, you can’t even tell me you’re having second thoughts.”
“That is so far from the truth.” I slowly walk over to join her. “I’m not having any doubts about you moving to Miami.”
“Are you sure? Because you’re acting like you are.”
I sit in the chair across from her so we keep eye contact. “The only reason I keep bringing this up is because I believe your job is waiting for you. I don’t want to be blindsided.”
“How would you be blindsided?”
“Say you get your job back, and I’ve already moved. I don’t want to get a call from you saying you’ve changed your mind.”
“I’m not going to do that, Jami.”
“But let’s say it does. Then what?”
“It hasn’t happened, so why keep bringing it up?” Her eyes fill with tears. “Did Aiden change your mind about us?”
Fuck, I’m screwing this up.
I sit straight. “No. Aiden isn’t going to get me to change my mind. No matter how angry he is, I’m not willing to give you up.”
“Then let’s drop this.”
“I’m sorry, Dori. I can’t let this go.”
“Why? You can see it’s frustrating to me.”
I get up and move next to her. “Can you please work with me for just a minute?”
A tear falls down her cheek. “Why are you doing this? I’ve told you I want to be with you, and you’re giving me pushback.”
“That’s not what I’m trying to do. I just want you to consider the possibility so we can have an honest conversation about it.” I wipe her tear from her cheek with my thumb.
She leans into my hand. “Can’t you see you’re more important to me than my job?”
“I want to believe that.”
“But you don’t.”
