Page 14 of The Wrong Promise

So, the game is similar to the NFL.

“Is this your team?” I ask because she barely cheers when another goal is scored.

She shrugs. “I’m here for the beer.” She drains the last mouthful, so I join her at the bar and order for both of us. “Thanks. Are you enjoying your new job? I mean, you’re with all of us, so how can you not.” She grins at me.

“True.” I smile. “Although it’s different, I’m adapting. Everyone is nice enough, and I’m not stressed, so that’s a bonus.”

She toys with her long, straight, blonde hair that is almost to her waist. “A nice way to say you’re bored.”

“Not bored.”Yet.My extra work in the evenings is enough to keep me engaged for now. “I’m adapting and learning company protocol. Though career progression should be on all our radars.”

“Not all. Some of us are working until we finish our degree.”

I stare blankly at her.

“We’re studying part-time. Work full-time to make ends meet.”

“Oh, I get it.”How old are you?I don’t come right out and ask.“Is George also studying? He looks like he’s around thirty.”

She choke-coughs. “He’s twenty-seven and acts twenty.”

“What about Anna?”

“Twenty-five.”

God, I’m ten years older than her.

“Anna and I are studying law at the same university, although she is a year ahead of me.”

It’s my turn to choke on my drink.

“Lydia is married with kids and is mid-thirties, or is it forty? She comes out with us once a month, if that.” Shetalks as though Lydia is old. Jesus, what the hell am I doing with my life?

My cell dings in my hand before I get a snap of my friends screaming at the screen. It’s Jobe, and I don’t know whether to be happy or not.

Do you want to meet for a drink tonight?

I should type,No.

I was hard on him last night. I should show some gratitude for helping me to break into a new career in another country. Not contacting me after that night meant I really did achieve it on my own without his assistance. It feels good to be in charge of the next chapter of my life, even if it means hanging out with thesekids.

Sorry I was short with you last night. How long are you in London? I’m with work friends watching the game and might not make it back to my hotel in time.

Where?

Notting Hill. Maybe tomorrow night?

“Your boyfriend?” Piper assumes.

“Far from it.” I pop my cell in my bag. “My friend’s brother-in-law. He travels to London for business and checks in on mefor her.”

Piper frowns. “Checks on you.”

“Yeah, like I haven’t been mugged, and I’m… I don’t know… not ruining my life somehow.”

“It’s rather odd.”

Tell me about it.

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