Between sobs, she tells me about her conversation with Shelby. I want to ask her what she wants because what if she just wants to quit, I’m just spending a lot of money on something that it’s not even her dream. But after letting it all out and me asking some questions, I think I understand what she needs. Before I can offer it to her, I have to make sure it’s mine.

Devon texts me; we have a conference call with a few of my best friends. Also, Thomas says, everyone is waiting for me at the bar.

“Hey, I have to go, but don’t forget that I love you.”

Her lips twitch slightly but she can’t form a smile. I yank her to me and kiss her hard because I might not see her for a couple of days. If I could, I’d take my time to make sure she understands how much she means to me.

I cup her beautiful face and find her gorgeous dark eyes, “I love you more than anything. Do you understand?”

She doesn’t answer, and I kiss her one more time before I leave.

Forty-Nine

Claire

The call arrives on Tuesday. It’s almost noon when Danielle announces that Shelby is on the phone.

“We think it’d be best if you move to London,” Shelby says when I answer the phone. “Denver might be closing.”

“We just started,” I say, trying to keep my cool. “What’s going to happen with the employees?”

“We’re working on it.”

“Shelby, you can’t do that, I’m also a partner and we have to vote.”

“You only own five percent of the company,” she reminds me. “Your vote isn’t really important, dear. I like you and you’re a rising star. We want you in London because Edith is hoping to sell the agency to a British company. The few we’ve approached in the United States have turned us down. As the head of the London branch, I think your job will be safe for a while.”

“Sell it to me,” I offer.

“We both know you don’t have the money to start your own company, where would you get the funds to acquire a prestigious company like Blend?”

“I’ll figure it out,” I say and hang up.

I stare at my screen, not knowing what to do when Miller enters my office.

“Babe.” He takes me into his arms and I just start crying, I can’t hold the tears.

“Talk to me, Claire.”

“They are sending me to London,” I say sobbing.