AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You never would’ve said that six months ago. Austin has changed you.”
“In a good way. I still have my business sense, but I have him to consider now.”
“It’s a four to six-month commitment. Bicoastal and then once you have your staff trained and set, you can go to New York once a quarter or as you see fit.”
“I need to speak with Austin. What are my other options?”
Hassan signaled the waiter. “I need you, Samantha.”
“So there are no other options. I take this or what?”
I waited while he ordered another martini. “It’s not like that though I’m not the only one on the board who makes decisions.”
“Is my position in jeopardy?”
“I highly doubt it, but I prefer you work with us rather than give an ultimatum.”
“I’m not giving you an ultimatum, but Austin might.”
“Will you speak with him tonight?”
“I think I should speak to him when I get back to the office. He’s working around his yard today.”
“Very good. Let’s have lunch.”
I couldn’t eat because my stomach was in knots. I forced down a few bites, but that was all I could stand. When we were done, I had Antonio pick me up and went back to the office. Marina gave me my messages as I passed by her desk. I needed to call Austin and get this out.
He sounded out of breath when he answered. “Sammy, my love. How are you?”
“I just had lunch with Hassan.”
Austin’s lowered his voice. “Why is it that I’m not going to like what you have to tell me?”
“New York. It’s a reality.”
“And if I don’t want you to go?”
“It might mean my career.”
“How does that make you feel?”
“Not good, but you’re involved now that we’re engaged.”
I heard the bang of the glass slider. “I have a choice. Either you do this, or you end up resenting me because you lost a job you love.”
“I didn’t say I would lose my job, but they might demote me. Hassan said it’s not entirely up to him. The board makes the final decision.”
“That’s fucking crap. You’ve given your life to Spotlight, and they would dump you because you didn’t want to be transferred?” he growled.
I scribbled on a yellow sticky, not as I was wracked with anxiety. “I agree. It would be temporary. Hassan said four to six months of bicoastal.”
“It sounds like you already made your mind up.”
“I haven’t because it means I’ll be away from you.”
“When does this reality take place?”
I hesitated because I knew it would be the final straw and Austin would explode when I told him.
