Page 112 of Your Second Chance
“We’re not rescinding your offer, Mr. Stone, but immigration processing is outside our control. We assure you, we’re doing everything we can,” the voice on the other end said.
I gripped the edge of the desk until my knuckles turned white. “My visa application’s been sitting for weeks. Mydaughter starts school after the break. We moved early to settle in before the new term.”
“The delay is due to a seasonal backlog in document verification,” the agent said, tone clipped with forced patience. “It’s not uncommon during the holidays. But your case is flagged for priority review.”
A backlog.Like this was some minor hiccup. But it wasn’t. It was a wrecking ball to the life we were trying to build.
“Do you have an estimated timeline?” I pressed, my voice sharp.
“We’re projecting a delay of four to twelve weeks, but it could be resolved sooner,” the person answered. “I’ll send over a list of additional documents you may need to provide in case we can fast-track the process.”
I exhaled slowly, jaw tight. Four to twelve weeks. I’d known this was a possibility—we’d talked about them going ahead without me—but hearing it out loud made it real. They’d be leaving mid-fall. It made more sense for Scarlette to start fresh after the holiday break, but the thought of missing those first days with her still gutted me. Nova would be juggling everything alone again.
“Alright,” I said, forcing my voice steady. “If there’s anything I can do to speed this up, please let me know.”
“Will do.”
The person hung up, and I stuffed my laptop in my bag and went to get the rest of the stuff from my office. I was moving out... officially. It wasn’t the best move to move out mid-season, but because the rugby season in America didn’t start until February, I needed to get out there for December training.
I’d helped the new coach transition at the start of the season, and he’d taken on his official role... well... today.
Will stood by the door. The coaches rarely used this building—most of us kept our gear in lockers at the training grounds—but it was no surprise that Will knew I was leaving.
“You’re looking better today,” I said, giving him a pat on the back as I walked into the office.
He trailed behind me.
Since the breakup, Will had been a wreck most days. He’d invested so much into his relationship with Luna, only to be crushed when she decided to end things and move to America.
“How is she?” he asked as I grabbed a few binders and shoved them into my bag.
“She’s...” How was I going to tell my best mate that Luna was fine? She was excited for the opportunity to go to the States. “She left a few weeks ago. I wasn’t sure if you wanted to know.”
Nova had found a house in the suburbs, close to Aunt Mae, with a great school system, but mostly, the house she found had a huge guest house on its property. Luna had upgraded to her own driveway because the two of them couldn’t be far away from each other.
Luna had gone out to the States to finalize the paperwork on the property earlier than expected, but mostly because I think she was missing her ex.
Will looked down. “Are you excited to go?”
I shrugged. “They fucked up on my visa, so I’m delayed for up to three months, possibly.”
“Shit. What’re you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I’ll stay here, hoping I can get out there as fast as I can. I’ll go stay with Mum in the countryside to pass time.”
Will shook his head. “I don’t know why you two won’t get married. It’d iron out all the visa issues.”
“I know.” I still had no idea why we weren’t getting married aside from Nova’s fear of her marriage ending up like her last. “She promised me a year. In a year, she’ll marry me.”
“I’ll save up for my best suit, then.”
“You better.” I nudged him.
“Is this goodbye?” he asked, and I shrugged again.
“Nah mate. We’ll be back in a few months.”
“Maybe we can have a stag night when you’re in town.”
