Page 83 of Until You

After Stephanie left, Lanie took a few minutes to pull herself together. She felt like she was losing her best friend. She told herself that she’d still be in contact with Stephanie, but deep down, she knew it wouldn’t be the same.

She sent an e-mail to a headhunter who had contacted her multiple times over the last three years, trying to lure her away from Montgomery Enterprises. Aiden was right. She should explore her options, especially in the Kansas City area. Britt would be thrilled if she found a job here, and Lanie couldn’t ignore the part of her that wondered what would happen with her and Tyler if she stayed. Would it freak him out? Would he be willing to give them a chance at something long-term? Would she?

She glanced down at her phone and realized he’d sent her a text.

How are you doing after turning in your notice? If you need to talk, give me a call. I’m free all morning.

Her heart skipped a beat, then she felt stupid for getting so excited. She was thirty-two years old, not twelve.

Before she could change her mind, she called him.

“Hey,” he said softly.

Something warmed in her chest. “Is this a bad time?”

“No. It’s a perfect time. I’m looking over a contract that’s about to put me to sleep. How was the barbecue?”

Guilt washed through her, but she decided to play it light. “It wasn’t nearly as fun as hanging out with you in the garage at the shower.”

He released a low chuckle. “It looked like you made a good stab at it.”

“I’m still waiting for Randy to notice he’s missing all those Stellas.” She paused. “I’m feeling guilty that you missed the party.”

“Lanie. It was no big deal. I promise. I went to a movie with Eric, and then we went out for dinner. I’m glad I spent the day with him.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m going to be honest, okay?”

Her pulse sped up. Here it was, the big but…She swallowed. “Yeah.”

“I’ll admit that I wanted to see you last night, but I agree that we would have done a poor job of hiding it from Britt. Besides, I really did enjoy hanging out with Eric.”

So he wasn’t dumping her. Yet. “I need to talk to you about something else.”

“I’m listening.” He sounded guarded.

“I contacted a headhunter this morning.”

“I thought your friend Aiden offered you a job.”

“He did, but…” Her stomach twisted with nerves. “Randy says Britt really wants me to stay here, so I asked the headhunter to look for jobs specifically in Kansas City.” She took a breath. “I know I told you I wouldn’t look for a job here, but I need to do this for Britt. And me.”

“Lanie. It’s okay. I know you’re nothing like Celesta or Nina. You need to find the best job that works for you, and if it happens to be in the Kansas City area, I know that has absolutely nothing to do with us. Don’t worry about me.”

“Thanks.”

“You were really worried?” He sounded surprised.

“Well, I did tell you I wouldn’t look here. I just don’t want you to think I’m like…”

“The other women in my past? I know you’re not. Relax.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

“Have you heard from your boss since you sent your resignation?”

“No, but she’s on the West Coast. I know it’s coming.”