Page 122 of See You at the Finish Line

“No, but—”

“Then that shouldn’t matter to you.”

“Isn’t there some form we can fill out with HR? This isn’t a casual thing.”

“But you aren’t getting married.”

“We just started dating—”

“You said it wasn’t casual.”

“If you’d let me—”

“My decision still stands. You’re fired.”

I stand and storm out of his office. The grey and blue halls that welcomed me only months ago now feel like they’re closing in on me. I don’t want this one moment to taint the amazing experience I’ve had working for the Whales. Adam is waiting for me at the end of the hall, and I shake my head before he can ask.

He takes my hand. “We’ll figure this out.”

How can he be so calm? I meant what I said—I’m willing to give up my job for him. But damn, I thought that I had a shot at keeping it. Without it, I can’t move here. Like, legally. I need a work visa. Or a marriage. And I can’t ask that of Adam.

“Ashford.” Coach Whyatt’s voice booms down the hall.

“You’d better go.” He kisses my forehead and follows Whyatt down the hallway to the head coach’s office.

Making my way into the dreary parking lot, I take stock of how far I’ve come. I don’t get panic attacks on my runs nearly as often, and my communication skills are getting excellent. Speaking of which, there’s a certain someone I may or may not have been ignoring by accident.

Or on purpose. Once I’m inside my Jeep, I take out my phone and call Leah.

She answers on the first ring. “Oh, look who it is. I thought you forgot about us.”

“Sorry, Leah, I’ve been busy.”

“Busy like, cleaning-up-after-I-burned-my-life-to-the-ground busy or like I’ve-been-having-so-much-sex-I’ve-lost-ten-pounds-because-I-forgot-to-eat busy?”

“I’m not sure that’s ever happened but the second one, for sure.”

“Tell me everything.”

“Leah, I love you, but there are some things I don’t think you want to know.”

“You saw me poop on the delivery table, we are as close as close can get.”

“That’s true and I’ll never forgive you for telling me to look.”

“And miss the miracle that was your favourite nephew’s birth? You’re making me lose my concentration. So the sex is so mind-blowing you forgot about your sister?”

“The sex is so mind-blowing I forgot about my life,” I correct her.

“Damn. I don’t think I’ve ever had sex that good.”

“I’d say you should try it but I think it’s a me and Adam thing.”

“Cocky is not a good look on you.”

“Adam is a good look on me.”

“Gross.”

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