Page 129 of Twist of Fate
There are only two weeks left before our three-month timeline is up, and neither one of us seems to be able to bring it up. It’s like there is this giant elephant in the room, and it’s just getting bigger and bigger.
To make matters even more tense, Ash’s work situation is still up in the air. From what was reported to me by Nora’s superior, the team will likely be downsized after their six-month contract ends. They were brought on to lay the groundwork, and they have achieved that. Now that the new tours have been created, we have in-house staff ready to implement them. From this point on, Nora mainly requires a team member to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
My phone buzzes, and I grab it, assuming it’s a text from Ash. It’s not. Just an email, but as I attempt to lock my screen, I can’t help but gaze at the photo of Ash and me staring back at me. It’s one from our weekend in Clare, where I managed to get someone to snap a photo of us in front of the river she became so enamored with. Her arms are wrapped around mine, and we’re both grinning from ear to ear.
I open my phone once again, go to my photos tab, and scroll to the folder I have yet to unlock. I don’t know why I haven’t asked Rian for the password yet. Maybe I don’t feel like I deserve the memories hidden within it. Maybe I’m worried seeing them will only make it hurt all the more…
“Hey, Finn—” A knock echoes at my open door.
My eyes dart to see Nora standing in the doorway. I blink twice, surprised that anyone is still here. I put my phone down on my desk. “Uh, hi.”
“Sorry,” she said, blushing as she realized she had caught me off guard. “Sorry to startle you. I thought you might be up here, and I wanted to chat before heading to the site visit.”
“Yeah, sure. I didn’t realize there was anyone else here,” I reply, feeling uneasy. I can guess what she’s coming to talk about. “Take a seat.”
She does, and I notice for the first time that she’s dressed casually in slim jeans and a black jumper. She must have already changed for the event.
“I’ve been staying late for the past few days to finalize plans for my development team. As you probably know, their six-month contract is almost up.”
Of course, she knows that I’m aware. Everyone in the company knows that I’m dating an employee who is also a member of that team. You’d think Prince Harry himself was working here with how much they all gossip about us. “Yes, of course.”
She shifts in her seat. “Moving forward, we don’t think—” She pauses and swallows audibly. “That is, the team has done such a tremendous job that?—”
“Nora?”
“Yeah?” God, she looks like she’s going to hurl.
“It’s okay. Just say what you’re going to say,” I tell her gently.
“We’ve decided to downsize the team.”
I nod. I knew this was coming. “All right. So, I’m assuming you’ve chosen your person? Or persons?”
“I have.” She gulps, and I feel my stomach tighten. The fear in her eyes is all the answer I need. “I’ve decided to go with Shea and Niall. They’re?—”
“The logical choice,” I finish, trying to maintain an even tone. “I understand. From a financial standpoint, it makes sense.” While sponsoring a visa isn’t exorbitant, it’s still a cost. Add in the paperwork and the loyalty she probably feels to keep two Irish citizens employed, even I can see why Shea and Niall are a better fit.
It doesn’t mean I like it.
“Do you—” She pauses again. “I mean, is that all right? I haven’t told anyone. I can make adjustments if you?—”
“No.” I raise my hand, understanding what she’s trying to convey. “I would never ask you to do something like that. I appreciate it, but Ash and I will figure something out. It’s not your responsibility to keep my girlfriend in the country.”
She lets out an audible sigh of relief. Does she really think I would pressure her into choosing Ash for my own benefit?
Because I absolutely would.
The realization hits me as we wrap up, and she lets herself out.
If it weren’t for the fact that those jobs were going to two of Ash’s closest friends, I would have done it. I would have asked her to fire someone else to keep Ash in the country.
I don’t care if it’s wrong or makes me a bad person.
I would do anything to keep her here.
Because she will always come first.
I spring up from my seat and grab my coat. As I’m headed out of the door, I send Ash a text.
