Page 62 of Dream Chaser

Alejandro hadn’t turned up. Disappointment tightened its icy grasp around my heart as I checked my phone again. Not a single email or text from him, either. It was silly of me to care. He was likely swamped, and it wasn’t like we needed to talk all the time.

Besides, my complicated life would turn catastrophic if I lost my job at the agency. I wouldn’t be able to pay the lawyer’s fees, let alone afford to rent an apartment.

“We need to go out more often,” Levi said, cutting his steak. “Since the boss is paying.”

Another thoughtful thing Alejandro did.

“He’s generous,” I said.

Levi hummed, nodding. “He is. I joined the agency right before you. I don’t really know how everyone managed without me before, but…”

Eleanor’s laughter interrupted his dramatic sigh. “We managed just fine. It was only Alejandro and me at first. And then Miles.”

“You and Miles must know all the early-day gossip then.” Levi’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “I’m sure Nova wants to hear it.”

Usually serious and quiet, Miles smiled, swirling the wine in his glass. “Nope, Levi. I just stick to numbers.”

“I’m not really into gossip, either,” I said, scooping up the last of my salad with my fork. “I had my fair share of it back in my hometown.”

Miles chuckled. “Let me guess. Small town?”

“Tiny. Some people like it, but I’ve always wanted to live somewhere bigger.”

A text lit up my phone beside my plate. A rush of joy swept through me—Scarlett asking if I was free to chat. It was already late in France, and there was nothing I wanted more than to chat with her.

“Will you excuse me for a moment?” I gestured to my phone. “I need to take this.” I rose and went out through the sliding doors onto the restaurant’s empty deck. Impatiently, I dialed her number.

She cut the call and called me right back. “Happy birthday to you,” she sang in my ear.

“Thank you, Scar. How are you?”

“I apologize for being the worst friend. I should’ve called you sooner. How’s your new job? Are you enjoying your birthday?”

“I’m out with my colleagues. It’s been nice.” Donna and my mother aside, but I left that for another call.

“Isn’t your hot boss there with you?”

I bit my lip. “How did you know he wasn’t?”

“Duh.” She laughed. “If he was, you wouldn’t say the outing was just nice. You’d say it was phenomenal.”

I hated that she was right. “He’s just a boss, Scar. How have you been?”

“Swamped.” She sighed. “But I’ll be back after Christmas, and we’re going out, so pencil that in right now.”

“Already have.” I leaned against the wooden railing, gaze sweeping over the amber string lights decorating the restaurant’s facade. “Can’t wait.”

“I’ll leave you to your party, then. Have fun.”

“I’ll tell you all about it later. Thanks for calling.”

As we hung up, Eleanor stepped onto the deck, holding two champagne glasses. “I’m sorry for interrupting. Thought you’d want a drink.”

“It’s fine,” I said. “It was my friend. She’s in France now.”

“Lovely country. I went there last year,” Eleanor said. “Thought I deserved a solo vacation. It was glorious.”

“I bet. I’m enjoying being on my own,” I admitted, twirling the flute. “And I’m really grateful you let me stay with you. Getting back on my feet is taking longer than I hoped.”