Page 112 of The One I Need
“Nope,” I say. “Never going to happen. That is a date I’ll remember forever.”
Izzy gives me a head tilt that clearly says she’s not buying what I’m trying to sell. “Oliver, we barely remembered doing it. Cut the crap.”
“We now remember because we finally got the video,” I say. Though judging by the look she’s shooting me right now, I need to stop trying to alleviate this situation with humor.
“Fine, is this going to suck? Yes. Am I going to miss you every day? Also yes. There, happy?”
Izzy looks so defeated right now. I hate I can’t make this go away.
“No,” she says. “I’m not happy. On one hand, working in London is something I’ve always thought about doing. Until you, I had nothing keeping me here, so why not go work in a different country, travel, and live life? Hell, I even joked with Hazel a few times she should have sent me out there to do exactly what I’m about to go do. Well, without the whole possible lawsuit and harassment thing.”
“Working in London could be great,” I say.
“But you won’t be there.”
I didn’t know when your heart broke that you could actually feel it. But I can, because Izzy’s words just hit me harder than anything ever has in my life.
“I know,” I say, bringing her back close to me. “I wish I could come with you, but football is starting soon, and I’m covering for Wes the first few weeks.”
“I’ve always hated football.”
“Well, then, it’s probably good you won’t be here for the season. Things get a little intense.”
She doesn’t laugh at my joke. I mean, it wasn’t that funny, but I thought it could lighten the situation. I take a second to look down at Izzy, who’s now aimlessly drawing circles on my chest.
“Are we going to be okay?” she asks with a sniffle.
I kiss the top of her head. “Of course we will. You’re going to go live your dream of working in London, fix up the shit that an idiot caused. You’re going to take five of my T-shirts to sleep in and I’m going to keep a bottle of your perfume because I’m weird like that. We’re going to FaceTime and talk and text every day. If it lasts longer than planned, I’ll come visit during fall break. Either way, before you know it, we’ll be back here trying to figure out what’s next.”
Izzy sits back up, but doesn’t let go of my shirt. “I’m sorry this is happening.”
“Oh no. We’re not doing this,” I say, tipping her chin up. “I told you when we first met to not apologize for who you are or what you wanted, and that doesn’t change here. Does it suck? Yes. But also you should be proud that out of all the people at Hazel’s disposal, you’re the one she trusts. You’re the one to get the job done. And you’re going to kick ass. So don’t apologize because we’re going to miss a few months. We still have many ahead of us.”
Izzy cups my face with her hands, bringing me in for a slow, yet emotional, kiss. I feel a tear of hers hit my skin, which sends me over the edge as well. I’ve been holding it in, figuring I could let it all out once she got on the plane, but what’s the use?
I need to keep reminding myself that this isn’t forever, it’s just for now. Because it can’t be forever. Izzy and I fought through too much for this to be the end of the story. And like hell I’m going to let it end like this.
Chapter39
Izzy
“Juliet!Confirm the interviews for tomorrow! And please can someone get me a coffee and a sandwich and a water!”
“Got it boss!”
I sit back in the chair that should be occupied with the head of the London division. But in the meantime, that title belongs to me. I’ve been out here for a month now and we’re no closer to finding people to run this ship than we were when I got on the plane in Nashville.
“Here’s your water, ma’am.”
I look up to my assistant, who’s coincidently named Juliet. She’s my British Jules. “What did I say about ma’am? Izzy is fine.”
She nods, still not sure if I’m serious about that or not. “Yes, apologies.”
“No need to be sorry,” I take a sip of the water when I get an idea. I grab my phone and take a selfie with me holding up my water bottle. Look at me growing, I’m taking selfies to send to my man and staying hydrated.
“Your lunch will be here soon, ma—Izzy.”
“Thanks. Go get yourself something to eat. We have an advertising meeting in an hour, and I’ll need you with me.”
