Page 77 of April

“And we’ll just see each other on those long weekends,” Linden commented, knowing it sounded petty.

“You’re not happy for me, are you?”

“I am. I… I want you to have everything you want.”

“Me too,” Asher said.

“And if this is what you want, then I am happy for you. I just wasn’t expecting it.”

“Neither was I. Honestly, I thought she’d hire outside for the role. I figured she might offer me a planner role there, but I would’ve turned that down because I can do that from here.”

“So, you want to run the business there?”

“I want my own business one day. This is good practice, right?”

“I guess. But you said you wanted one or two planners at most.”

“Yeah, but this is still good, Linden. It will give me big-picture practice, and if I decide to break out on my own, I’ll be prepared for pretty much anything.”

“You’d be in Dallas.”

“What’s wrong with Dallas?” Asher asked with a laugh.

“Nothing. But it’s not here.”

“I know,” Asher said.

“Would you build your business there later?”

“I don’t know, Linden. I’m just trying to deal with one thing at a time here. I thought you’d be at least a little excited for me, but you look pissed off more than anything, so I think I’m going to get to work. I came in here first to talk to you about this, but–”

“I’m sorry,” Linden interrupted. Then, she sighed and added, “Really. Iamhappy for you. I’m just in shock, I think.”

“Okay. Well, I need to get to work, anyway.”

“What about your date?”

“What?” Asher asked as she stood.

“You had a date with a famous person last night, right?”

“Yes,” Asher said. “And she’s nice. We might hang out again before she heads back to LA.”

“So, it went well, then?”

“Yes. She’s funny and sweet.”

“Good,” Linden said, looking away from her. “Good.”

“You don’t want any more details about my date with a supermodel?”

“Maybe later. I have to call a cake vendor.”

Asher nodded and turned to leave her office.

???

“Carolyn, can I talk to you?”

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