Page 89 of Between Here and There

And it terrifies me.

It terrifies me because I know how dangerous this is—how easy it would be to let myself fall completely into this. Into her. Into the quiet moments where her laughter feels like sunlight and her presence feels like breathing. But wanting her this much feels like trying to hold a flame in my hand. The closer I get, the more certain I am that I’ll burn.

I glance at her again. She’s leaned back against the couch now, her legs tucked beneath her, her head resting against the cushions as she watches the TV, eating chips. It’s such a small, simple moment and yet it feels transformative.

Because I want it. I want this. I want her.

And that’s the problem, isn’t it? Because if I let myself believe, even for a second, that I deserve this—that I deserveher—what happens when it’s gone? When the warmth she brings seeps out of my life? What happens when I’m left with nothing but memories of the laughter and the care?

I don’t think I’d survive it. I’m not sure I’d know how.

Looking at her again, I feel the pull. The undeniable, all-consuming pull to lean in, to take her hand, to make her laugh just a little longer, a little louder.

Because for the first time in a long time, this doesn’t just feel like home. It feels like something I’ve been searching for my entire life.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Emily

It’s my fifth day here in Joshua’s apartment, and so far, I’ve managed to add a plant and three throw pillows. No, I’m not just leaving marks here, he literally told me to treat this place as I would treat my own, and he insisted that I add anything to make me happy.

And, yes. An indoor plant and white throw pillows with a floral accent make me happy.

I’ve already resigned from the club. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew it was the right one. I’m on my way home from dinner with Claire, my heart still racing from the conversation we had. I had an idea to ask for her help in setting up our own firm. At first, I thought she’d hesitate. She’s always been the more cautious one, the one who loves her stability. But, much to my surprise, she didn’t just go along with it—she was on board. She saw the potential too.

At first, there was hesitation in her voice, but it melted away when she agreed. She agreed that it’s about time women in finance have a place where they can feel safe, supported, and valued.

She’s going to be in charge of the legal stuff, since I can’t technically own anything as a non-citizen here. But we’re working to make it a partnership soon. In the meantime, I’m going to handle operations, source clients, and find the right team. I can’t wait to steal Ben’s clients. She’ll make sure the legal side of things is solid. Together, we’ll build it from the ground up, and for the first time in my life, I can see the future clearly. It’s mine to shape.

So, there’s my career. Finally something I can be proud of.

And I’m also proud of myself. I took the first step. I took control. I didn’t wait for permission or for some magical moment when everything aligned. I did it. I made the decision to build something for myself, something that belongs to me and me alone.

And that thought, more than anything, fills me with a sense of peace. A calm that I haven’t felt in a long time. Maybe it’s my time now. And I’m excited to see where it takes me.

I return to the apartment practically skipping, my mind still racing with the conversation I had with Claire. My heart feels lighter than it has in weeks, and I can’t wait to tell Joshua about the new direction I’m considering. But before I even get the chance to drop my things by the door, Joshua comes rushing toward me, his eyes wide with an urgency that’s hard to ignore.

“My uncle’s here,” he blurts out, his voice pitched higher than usual.

“Okay…” I trail off, looking at him, confused. What is so urgent about that?

“He, uh, still thinks you’re my girlfriend,” he adds quickly, running a hand through his hair like he always does when he’s frazzled.

I blink, trying to process the words. “Oh,” I say, arching an eyebrow. “One more for the road, I guess?”

“You’re fine with that?” he asks.

“Sure,” I say. I sneak past him and turn around. “You ready, baby?”

He just blinks, and for a second I freeze. Was I being too callous with this? But then, Joshua’s grin widens. “Yeah, give me a sec.” He puts his arm around me, and we walk inside.

I follow him into the living room, where his uncle is already lounging on the couch, looking at us expectantly. His eyes light up when he sees us enter.

“There you are!” he exclaims, standing up and offering his hand to me. “Emily, so good to see you!”

I shake his hand, a polite smile on my face. “It’s great to see you too, sir.”

“Sir?” He chuckles, shaking his head. “Please, call me Tito Luis. You’re practically family now, aren’t you?”

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