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“Good evening again, everyone,” I say into the microphone. “Thank you for coming here tonight and supporting the Roseanne for Resilience Charity.” I pause to let the guests applaud. “This charity will be focused on helping kids who are growing up in foster care. Some of the goals include improving their living conditions and funding their education.” More applause fills the room. “I appreciate all your generous donations, which will help do some good in this world.” I pause again to look at Jane. “I also want to say thank you to my beautiful fiancée, Jane, who helped organize this event tonight. She showed me that it’s never too late to change. Never too late to do what’s right. I’m a lucky man, because in a couple of weeks, I’ll be calling her my wife.” Claps and whistles echo through the room. But my eyes are still fixed on Jane. Her cheeks are now a deep crimson, and she’s swaying on her feet.
When I step down from the stage, she gives me her signature stunning smile. “That was a great speech,” she says. “But really, you don’t have to keep thanking me.”
“I know,” I say, taking her hand and drawing her closer to me. “But I wanted to.” I kiss her on the forehead, then freeze. That gesture was so natural for me, but I feel her body going rigid beneath my touch.
Thankfully, a series of clicks sound right behind me, and I turn around with Jane. The photographer just captured the moment. As soon as she sees him, she relaxes, and I pretend I noticed him the entire time.
“You already got me this,” she says, fidgeting with her necklace once the photographer leaves. My eyes fall on the pendant. When I first saw it, I instantly knew it was the perfect gift. Simple and elegant, but scintillating. It looks even better on her than it did in the store. I want nothing more than to shower her with gifts, but I know that’s not how Jane works. She needs to trust me, to let me in. And right now, the door has only just cracked open.
28
Abort
Colton
I’m screwed. Darting glances around the meeting room, I try to formulate an escape plan, but nothing comes to mind. I’ve pushed this meeting twice already, and now, here we are.
Scratching my forehead, I grab the manilla folder that’s lying between Max and me, opening it again. Inside is the final proposition of a partnership between the Dune Investment Group and Love Connected for our expansion to the Middle East. I feign reading it again, even though I could probably now recite the entire thing by heart.
“Have you dutifully reviewed all the terms?” I ask Mr. Abadi and Mr. Essa. They glance at each other, and Mr. Abadi’s frown deepens. Granted, it’s the third time I’ve asked that question.
“We have, Mr. Green,” Mr. Essa says with a curt nod. “Everything looks in order. We are ready to sign if you are.”
A lump forms in my throat. I glance at Max, who shoots me another questioning look. “And everything is good on our end too, Max? Did you—?”
“I checked everything with all the interested parties,” Max says with a slight scowl. Then, he gives me a little kick under the table.
I’m racking my brain for more questions to ask, all while scanning the document, hoping to find a misplaced comma. Anything that could delay this signing. But there’s nothing, and I’m left with no choice but to sign. Meaning my marriage with Jane is no longer necessary. The conversation I’ve been dreading has to happen tonight. And tomorrow, I probably won’t be marrying the woman of my dreams.
Mr. Essa and Mr. Abadi sign all the documents, and I do the same. As I sign my initials on the last page, the lump in my throat is almost preventing me from breathing.
It’s over.
Jane
My palms are sweatier than ever as I recite my last line. Finally, it’s over. No matter the outcome, I gave it my all, and I won’t have any regrets.
Amelia casts me a warm smile. “Okay. We’ll review the tapes and talk this over. We should have news for you in a few days. In the meantime, enjoy your wedding tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” I say, picking up my handbag from the chair next to me.
“And Jane,” she adds. “This was a really good audition. Don’t pack your suitcase for New York just yet, in case something changes, but we should have a positive answer for you, even if it’s for another part.”
“New York?” I ask, confused.
“Yes, this is for Broadway. Didn’t I tell you? We’re only here in LA to hold auditions.”
My stomach falls. “No. I didn’t know that.”
“Oh, dear. I guess that given the casual way we set this up, I didn’t send you all the details. But yes, this is for live theatre. You mentioned you had a part in a play, so I thought I had mentioned it. I’m sorry. Will that be a problem for you?”
I draw a shaky breath, turning it over in my head. What’s wrong with me? I should be jumping for joy right now. Broadway is my dream, and Amelia is serving it to me on a silver platter. “I haven’t thought about it, to be honest,” I say, just to buy some time.
“Well,” she says, taking her glasses off, “I understand, and I’m sorry I didn’t mention it earlier. We’ll let you think about it. Please, let us know.”
“Will do,” I say, forcing a smile. “Thank you.”
Once I step outside, I lean against the building window, closing my eyes. My heart races a million beats per minute as the realization hits me. I don’t want to go to New York because I don’t want to leave Colton. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’ve found my family. I’ve never been this happy. Plus, I have friends here, and Truffles has already gone through a big move. But though I’ve fallen for Colton, I know he doesn’t feel the same way about me. He said we were just friends. Then again, feelings evolve. I know mine did. Still, I could settle for being friends with Colton. And maybe, after a while, he’ll fall in love with me too . . .
