Page 100 of Someone to Tempt
“I have a lot of them these days,” I admit.
I should tell Sloane about my plans and the potential of moving to Seattle, but I don’t want this moment and tonight to be overshadowed by anything. Something else I’ve learned about true fun during my foray into it? Fun is easier when you stay in the moment instead of worrying about the past or the future. It’s not an easy task, but I’m getting better at it every day.
I walk Sloane out, then turn to Jodi, who’s staring at me from her desk. I can’t decide whether it’s judgment or empathy in her gaze.
“So…lunch with Daniel? That seemed cozy.”
She sniffs and pretends to examine her nails. “I see you trying to change the subject, but it was a business lunch.” She points to the brown paper bag on the corner of her desk. “He brought a sandwich for you as well.”
“I thought the two of you went on a date the other night?”
“Yeah, and it was amazing. But he didn’t kiss me at the end of it.”
“Maybe he was being a gentleman?”
“Maybe he realized he can do better.”
“I highly doubt that.”
“We’ll see,” she says with a flick of her wrist. Although she sounds casual, there’s something more in her eyes. But I’m in no position to judge somebody’s fears or insecurities when I’m full-up dealing with my own.
“Stop trying to distract me,” she says with a soft laugh. “Are you really going to pull out of the race?”
I nod. “It’s the right thing to do.”
Her eyes narrow. “For whom?”
“Me, I hope.” I can’t tell her what’s prompting this decision, but appreciate that she doesn’t probe for more, even though I can tell she wants to.
“I’ll miss you, Iris.” She shrugs. “I’ve gotten used to your porcupine energy.”
“I’ll miss you keeping me on my toes,” I answer with a smile. “Will you text me your cousin’s contact information? I want to talk to him before I make an official announcement.”
“Of course.”
“I’m sure this will make everyone in your family happy. Will you be okay working with your cousin?”
She makes a face. “I’ll be turning in my resignation when Joey takes office.”
“Seriously?” I’m shocked. “Why?”
“Me working in the mayor’s office is what my family wants—what my mom expects. Maybe it’s part of our family’s legacy. But it’s not my dream.”
“Whatisyour dream?” I ask, genuinely curious.
“I’m going to go to aesthetician school,” she answers, her voice an unexpected mix of nerves and excitement. “I’ve been thinking about it for years, and it’s time.”
“Good for you,” I murmur, a little bit dazed at this conversation. “Will your family support you?”
She laughs, but there’s an edge to it. “My mom won’t be thrilled, but I’m done letting other people decide what my life should look like.”
Her words reverberate through my chest, a warmth spreading outward until it pulses through my body like electricity. Me too, I add silently, not wanting to take anything from Jodi’s moment.
She doesn’t need my approval, but I’m proud of her—and a little jealous if I’m being honest. “Good for you.”
“You can do it, too,” she assures me. “Make whatever you want happen. You just need to figure out what it is.”
I’m not sure I deserve her confidence, but I grab hold of it like a lifeline. My heart beats faster—not in panic, but with yearning. And a flare of hope. If Jodi can fight for her dreams, maybe I can too.
