Page 95 of Just Friends Forever
“Rocco,” I say, feeling the fire of protectiveness light me up, “I’m sorry things didn’t go as you’d hoped, but Troyisprofessional. He had a prior engagement with a client, which he honored. If the situation had been reversed, I’m sure you would have appreciated his integrity.”
“I need someone who can do what I’ve hired them to do, and Troy didn’t do that. I’ve gotta go. I’ll see you around, Stephanie.”Click.
I pull the phone from my ear, feeling like I just got ambushed. My heart needs a few minutes to settle down and process things.
Rocco is upset because Troy chose Evelyn over him. From what I can tell, though, it sounds like Troy might’ve considered doing the opposite first. Until his conscience kicked in. That can’t have been an easy decision. He sacrificed a lot of money and future business for Evelyn. He sacrificed the future he’s been working toward.
And it doesn’t even surprise me. That’s Troy.
It’s not a miracle I didn’t mess things up by rejecting Troy years ago. It’s just Troy.He’sthe miracle. He’s loyal and steady and reliable—and the best thing about my life.
Austin’s right. I’ve been thinking about things the wrong way. I can’t save a relationship on my own. Of course not. It takes two people to make a relationship work, and like Austin said, Troy has shown me time and again that he will put in that work. And so will I.
32
TROY
I blowa big breath through my lips and slump down into the swings at the elementary school near my house. It’s been a really long day, but I’m not quite ready to go home yet. I haven’t really had time to think through things, and there’s a lot to process.
From where I stand, this is what I’m working with: I turned down the biggest career option of my life to help Evelyn get an apartment there are at least four other offers on. Meanwhile, Stevie is currently trying to figure out whether a relationship with me is truly something she wants.
If Evelyn doesn’t get this property, I don’t even know how I’ll handle it. At the same time, I know it was the right choice. The most expensive right choice in history.
I check my watch, which tells me it’s 8:50. The listing agent for Evelyn’s dream apartment told me she’d have news for me at nine sharp, so I pull out my phone. In the chaos of the morning, I forgot my car charger, which means my phone is almost out of juice, which is why I’ve had it turned off the last couple hours.
A text from an unsaved number comes in as soon as it’s fully powered on.
Unknown
Hi Troy, it’s Janine. Just wanted to let you know unofficially that your client got the apartment. Her offer was selected. I’m working on the acceptance letter right now.
I clench my fist and breathe, “Yes!”
Troy
Thank you! She’ll be ecstatic. I appreciate your client seriously considering her offer.
Unknown
The cookies didn’t hurt ;)
I laugh and dial up Evelyn as fast as I can to tell her the news.
I have to pull the phone away from my ear as she cheers and screams with joy, but I can’t help grinning ear to ear. This feeling? It makes the sacrifice worth it. Rocco might’ve gotten that $20 million property in Malibu without sounding anywhere near this happy.
“You deserve it, Evelyn,” I say. “Your cookies were definitely part of the equation, but I could tell how much the agent loved you. Just think. In a little over a month, you’ll be in your very own home.”
She squeals like a little girl. “You and Stevie will be the first people I invite for dinner.”
My smile wavers slightly. “I sure hope so.” I mean it more than she knows. I have no idea what, if anything, will be happening between Stevie and me in a month. “I’ll send over the signed contract when I have it, okay? We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
We say our goodbyes, and I end the call with a smile.
It feels right. A choice that lets me live with myself. That counts for something, right? I don’t want to be the kind of person who thinks about my clients as dollar signs rather than people, just like I don’t want my clients to think of me as a servant who should only keep my word when it serves them.
I glance at my 1% battery as a text comes in. My heart revs at the sight of Stevie’s name.
Stevie
