Chapter 32
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
KEATON
I never thought I’d leave Spearman LP the way I did.
That place was like a second home. Sometimes even my only home. Aslan was…he’s the one person I spent my days with no matter how busy I was, and now it’s over.
All of it.
When I get home, Savannah is there washing the dishes. I’m a little impressed and concerned that she’s doing her chores. My sister never does anything without fighting over it.
“Hey,” I greet her.
She almost jumps out of her skin. “Why aren’t you at work?”
“I have a job interview in Seattle. I have a flight to catch.” So what if I’m omitting a few facts, like the fact I was fired. I called Ethan immediately before he found out that I had been terminated.
“Seattle?” She dries her hands and crosses her arms. “What happened to Arizona?”
“This is a better job.”
She nods. “You’re still leaving, aren’t you? For a second, I thought you were staying.”
I hadn't thought much about moving, except yesterday when I got the email from the realtor.
“What gave you that impression?”
“Aslan is here. You love him. It’s pretty simple.”
Everything about that statement is complicated.
Too complicated.
I love him.
He doesn’t care about me.
“Love shouldn’t be the only reason why a person decides what to do with their life.
Sure, you’re in love now, but what will happen tomorrow?
Nothing is permanent, but if the relationship is everlasting, you should be able to figure out a way to stay together.
Geography shouldn’t dictate your feelings. ”
She looks at me for several minutes and nods. “So, where am I going to live after you sell the house?”
I haven’t talked to Ethan about my salary or the benefits, but if housing is included, I can afford to pay the mortgage of this house. At some point, I have to figure out a way to pay back everything I owe to Aslan. Not today, but soon.
“We’ll keep it,” I assure her. “You shouldn’t worry about it. You can live here for as long as you want to. It’s your house.”
She gives me a sad smile. “I thought you would stay for Aslan.”
I don’t tell her that he kicked me out of his office—and his life—within minutes.
Savannah is probably staying for Lex. The kid is friendly, a hard worker, and he adores her, but love never lasts. Or maybe I’ve never found anyone who loves me enough to stick around for long.
“Some relationships only last a moment. Ours is over, and we’re both moving on. By the way, once I know what I’m doing, I’ll take Mom with me, so you don’t have to deal with her.”
She’s shooting daggers at me. I’ve never seen her this upset. “When I first met you, Mom said not to get attached because you wouldn’t stick around. I guess she was right.”
My head is about to explode.
That sounds like her, playing the victim so she can manipulate people.
“Is that what she said? That I left her?”
“You and your dad abandoned her, but she was lucky enough to find Dad, and then they had me. I was never as good as you, but I always tried to be like her Kitty.”
I laugh bitterly. “I can’t believe she twisted the truth.
I’ve been taking care of your mother since I was six when my father abandoned us.
Do you think her addiction began when your dad died?
Nope. It was way before. I had to deal with it at the tender age of six.
Social services took me away from her when I was thirteen. ”
This isn’t how I wanted her to learn about my childhood, but I guess someone has to tell her that maybe things aren’t the way our mother fantasized.
She wasn't the only one living in a different reality.
Until an hour or so ago, I lived in a dream where Aslan Spearman became my best friend, my lover, and I fell in love with him.
It was a fantasy.
A lovely fantasy I have to leave now because people like me can’t have the happy beginnings and the messy lives with loved ones and children, and…that’s not for me.
“If you think I’m going to believe you, you’re wrong. She’s not the person you’re describing. Mom was different.” She exhales harshly. “I won’t be back until you leave—and don’t come back. You’re not welcome at my house. Liar.”
I guess our mother sold her a solid story of loss and pain. It’s okay. There’s a place for me on this planet. I just need to look around and find it.
The following day, I’m at Ethan’s office looking at my offer. A mid-six figure salary, a three-bedroom apartment in Seattle, and some benefits I’ve never dreamed of having in my entire life.
“What do you think?”
“Who do you want me to kill?”
He laughs. “And you have a good sense of humor.”
“This is a lot.”
“My partners and I think that the COO should be paid generously. You’re going to be working long hours. Hannah and I have invested a lot in this company. We want it to continue growing, but neither one of us wants to sacrifice our family time for it.”
I nod, still staring at his offer. “Are you aware that I got fired for even considering this?”
“That’s sad. When I told Hannah that you were a good candidate, she warned me that you and Aslan were together. I still dared to put this in front of you because I think you’ll be a great asset to the company. If this created a conflict between the two of you, I apologize.”
I shrug one shoulder as if it’s not that important. Have I cried because I’m hurting? No. When one is rejected by so many people, one runs out of tears.
“This is a generous offer…”
“But?”
“When can I?—”
“We’re interrupted by a loud knock. Hannah strolls into the office. She smiles at me and waves. “Hi, Keaton. It’s lovely to see you. How long are you staying in town? I’d love to have dinner with you or something.”
I glance at the offer, then at her. “I’m not sure.”
“Eth, can I have a moment with you?”
“Can it wait?”
“No. This is important.”
They leave me for what feels like an eternity. When he comes back, he looks at the folder, then at me. “Why don’t you stay for a few days? We’re paying for your accommodations. You can think it over, and then when you’re sure, you can let me know your answer.”
“Can I take this with me so I can study it?”
He nods. “Thank you for considering us.”
Is he regretting the offer? I don’t know what to say, but maybe on Thursday, I’ll come back looking less depressed and convince him that I’m serious about my acceptance.