Page 122 of February

Monica nodded hopefully and said, “One more thing.”

“There’s more?”

“I have to go back,” she revealed.

“I know.”

“No, I mean, soon. Maybe even tomorrow or the day after.”

“Why? You said he wanted you to take time off.”

“He did. But now, he’s retiring and calling a board meeting. My mom finally convinced him.”

“Okay. So, you’ll go for the board meeting and come back?”

Monica cupped her cheek and said, “No. He’s naming me as his successor. The board still has to approve it, but they will, and when that happens, I’ll need to get to work.”

“You’re leaving?” Bridgette asked, stepping back again.

“Yes. But we’ll figure out when you can visit. I’ll show you around New York; anywhere you want to go.”

“While you’re so busy as a new CEO and I’m so busy down here taking over a company?”

“Bridge, I’ll make time for you. My family has a private plane. I’ll send it for you. You won’t have to book flights and wait in line at security. We’ll have more time together that way, and I’ll come back for the weekend as soon as I can.”

“It’s starting too soon,” Bridgette said softly.

“What is?”

“We just made love for the first time…” Bridgette said almost to herself while she stared down at the bathroom floor. “We were supposed to have weeks, but it’s starting already.” She looked up at Monica. “Long-distance. You’re leaving already.”

“I know. But we’ll make this work, I promise.”

“Can I maybe have some time alone?” Bridgette asked.

“What?”

“I just need to process all of this. I was so excited, Monica. I finally got them to agree. All I wanted to do was come in here and kiss you and maybe go to your hotel for lunch and make love again. I was hoping for a date tonight and time back at my place, and now, you’re leaving.”

“Not today, though. We should spend as much time as possible together while–”

“While you’re still here? You said you were staying, and we had sex, babe. I… I just need to be alone right now.”

“Bridge, this morning you asked me to be your girlfriend.”

“I know. And I’m not mad at you; this was always going to happen. I just wasn’t expecting it to happen today. I think I’m going to take a walk.”

“Can we please keep talking?” Monica pled.

“Yes. Just not now, okay?”

Monica stood there while Bridgette moved past her and pulled open the bathroom door. When Bridgette disappeared behind it, and the door closed, Monica rested back against it, wishing she’d handled this whole thing differently.

CHAPTER 29

“Honey, is everything okay?” Bridgette’s mom asked.

“Not really, no,” she said as she sat down in the conference room after a long walk around the block.

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