Page 25 of A Win-Win Situation
She lets out a shaky breath. "I . . . I have some conditions."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Of course she has conditions, and they probably have everything to do with money.
My fingers drum on the table, voice curt and clipped. "And what are they, Leora?"
There’s another pause on the other end of the line before she speaks again. "Could we meet up and discuss this like civilized people?"
"Very well," I reply, my voice still controlled. "How about you come up to the office?"
"No, not the office. There’s a café close to the hotel. Let’s go there."
I agree, and we set a time for later in the day.
Maybe I can reason with her and negotiate some terms that work for both of us. Whatever happens, I know I can't afford to mess this up. The fate of my family’s hotels rests on my shoulders, and I'll do whatever it takes to save them, even if it means marrying Leora.
TEN
LEORA
Adeline's face contorts with disbelief. "I'm sorry, back up, they didwhat?" she asks, her voice high-pitched and incredulous. I chuckle nervously, feeling the weight of the situation.
"They offered me a jobanda marriage proposal," I repeat, my voice trailing off at the end. "And I think I might say yes."
Adeline's eyes widen in shock, and Sophie's jaw drops in shock.
"What?!" they both exclaim in unison.
"Are you insane?" Adeline adds, her tone bordering on hysterical. I can't blame her for her reaction, I'm still processing the proposal myself. But the job offer is too good to pass up, and the idea of a fake marriage doesn't seem so insane anymore. Besides, after hearing that they might lose the hotel I can’t possibly say no now—I’ll look like an asshole. The look on sweet Antoine’s face broke my heart, and I’ll get a chance to try out marriage before I do it for real. A test run of sorts. Guys always talk about testing a car before they buy it, why can’t I do it for marriage?
Who knows, maybe I’ll hate it and never want to get married again. I’ll become one of those aunts who travel the world, drink a lot, and have the best stories for her nieces and nephews.
I let out a sigh. "I know it sounds crazy, but think about it. I lost my job, and the ones I’ve applied for haven’t responded. However, now I know Agnes might be the reason for that. I can’t believe she would sabotage everything for me. This is my opportunity to get my life back while saving their business. I can’t say no to that."
"Leora, if you say no, they’ll find another bride. Don’t put that much pressure on yourself," Adeline says reassuringly, and she has a point. They’ll probably find another woman, but then I’ll still be unemployed.
"This is also my chance to start fresh in a new country, with no cheating ex-boyfriend around, and a job that will give mesomething." I try to reason with them, hoping they'll see my point of view. I don’t know why, but I need them to support my decision. I need them to be on my side because if they don’t agree, I can’t do it.
I might be weak for it, but Ineedthem to sayyes.
"But Leora, marrying someone for a job is insane!" Adeline exclaims, shaking her head.
"Addie, you’re usually the superstitious type. Don’t you think this is a sign after all that has happened?"
"I’m not superstitious."
"When we were younger, you didn’t allow me to step over you because that meant you would stop growing, and every time a shoe is upside down you have to flip it around."
Adeline crosses her arms over her chest, looking offended, with her brows furrowed and lips pressed into a tight line. "I’m not superstitious enough to let you marry a stranger.Anda shoe upside down brings evil and bad luck, that’s different."
Sophie, who has been quiet up until now, speaks up. "Girls, back to the subject. I see where you're coming from, Leora. It's not ideal, but it could be a good opportunity for you. You just have to think it through and make sure it's what you really want."
Adeline turns to her in surprise. "I’m sorry, have you two been taking the same crazy pills? She wants to marry astranger. Not only that, but a guy that has been nothing but an ass to her!"
I roll my eyes at Adeline's comment and turn to Sophie. "Thank you for being the voice of reason here," I say with a grateful smile.
Sophie ignores Adeline and returns my smile before she continues with, "I mean, it's not like you're being forced into anything. You have a choice in the matter. You’ll both have to sign a contract and have your own conditions, but what’s the worst that could happen?"
Sophie's comment prompts Adeline to chime in, her tone sharp with disbelief.
