Page 45 of Something New

I sigh and squeeze my eyes tight for a second, then nod. “Yes.” I blurt out. Surprising myself because I was dead set on not seeing him again.

Today was - it was a decision made in a moment of weakness. I was down, and I agreed to see him. But it’s been too much fun, and I can’t be having fun with a guy like Tuomo.

“Yes.” He chuckles, grabbing my jaw and pressing his lips against mine.

His tongue tastes of vanilla and chocolate and his lips taste salty from the ocean spray.

He slips his arms around my waist and holds me tight as though I am with him.

I lean into him, standing on my tip toes to deepen the kiss. Flashes of the other night taunt my mind. My heart races.

Why does he feel so right for me?

I push away from him, my hands against his solid chest.

“I - I should get back home.”

“Are you sure? We can get a bite to eat if you like?”

“I need to send my resume out to other law firms.” I say, hit by the pang of sadness again. I really wanted that job. But if I can’t have it, I will keep trying. I’ll find something else. There are several law firms in this city, and I will apply to every single one of them if I have to.

“Alright, little bird. I understand. But keep Wednesday night open. I’ve planned something very special for us. A night you always remember.” He kisses me again, a soft, tender kiss. Then he takes my hand, and we walk back towards his car.

My thoughts are full of warnings, red-flags, and concern about how quickly I am becoming entangled with him. When my head is cleared, I’ll cancel our date. Over text it will be easier than face-to-face. When he looks at me with those dark eyes, I can’t seem to say no to him.

I’ll pull myself together, and tomorrow, I’ll send him a really polite cancellation.

Monday morning rushes by so fast I can’t believe it when I look at the time and see it’s three o’clock. I haven’t eaten yet, I haven’t checked my phone in hours - but I have sent my resume out to five law firms with a great covering letter tailored to each one depending on the position I am applying for.

It will take a few days, even a week, for them to get back to me - but it’s done, and I’m optimistic about it.

I’m too tired to think, I still need to message Tuomo and cancel our date, but I am going to leave it till tomorrow. He’s going to be annoyed if I do it now, or wait. But at least tomorrow I’ll be able to deal with it better.

I stand up and stretch my arms above my head. Sitting for so long is bad for me. My body aches. I should grab my yoga mat and go down to the park for a bit. That will help me clear my head.

My laptop chimes, indicating I have received an email.

I open it, expecting a generic ‘thank you for your email, we will get back to you’ vibe. But as I scan it flop back down into the chair.

It’s a decline.

Straight away.

How could they even have had time to go through my information? Did they read the covering letter? Another email comes in - another decline. My heart sinks.

What is going on?

By Tuesday morning every single application has been declined and none of them have given me a logical reason. I feel like my life is falling apart and I don’t even understand why. What did I do wrong?

When Tuomo messages me to confirm our date, I reply yes.

I need the distraction.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Tuomo

Nerissa steps onto my yacht and her pretty floral blue dress floats up in the cool afternoon breeze. I told her to wear flat shoes, and she has her colorful sneakers on with the short flowing dress and I can’t stop staring at.

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