Page 150 of The Bonus

“Here?”

“There was nothing suitable to buy at the moment, but I’m on the lookout.”

I feel faint.

“You’re actually…moving here?”

“I’ll be splitting my time evenly between here and New York. I’m setting up a second office here and can do everything else by Zoom.”

What the hell?

“I have an opening for a PA if you’re interested in the position.” He winks.

“I’m good.”

“I hear the Christmas bonuses are worth it.” He smirks.

“Hard pass.” I snatch my coffee cup from him. “When are you going back?”

“This morning.” His eyes hold mine. “Just waiting for them to wake up so I can see them before I leave.”

I sip my coffee, unsure what to say next.

“What are you doing today?” he asks.

I shrug. “I have the week off.”

“Oh.” He thinks for a moment. “I would ask you all to come to New York with me, but…”

But what?

“I’m in the middle of a situation in New York and now is not a good time.”

His mother.

“I wouldn’t go anyway. Did you think about what I said last night?” I ask him.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’ve already made my decision.”

“It’s not too late, Gabriel. You can still have it all.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning that I want you to be happy, you can still be a father, see your children and marry Ariana.”

“That’s not the all I want, Grace.” His eyes hold mine.

“Gabriel… It’s not going to happen between us.”

“Not now.”

“Not ever.” I glance down to see the ripples on his stomach, and then, remembering where I am, I snap my eyes back up to his.

A trace of a smile crosses his face.

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