Page 67 of A Mutually Beneficial Proposal

It’s late and I should go home, but I’m not ready. At least, I’m not until the rain starts. Though, even now, I’m not in a hurry to take cover from the weather. I let the droplets come down on me and wash away the dirt from the day, hoping it will take away a few other things at the same time.

Ten peaceful minutes later, my clothes are soaked through, but my smile has grown even bigger than before.

Only then do I get back in my car and head home.

Today was a good day. Today was exactly what I needed, but I know I’m not done with my soul searching. I want the adrenaline rush I had on the water back in Saint Lucia. I want to feel like I’m flying and free from all my worries, even if it’s only for a few seconds.

* * *

“You are goingto get yourself killed, Ella. I won’t allow it,” Kenzie says with a glare through our video chat.

“No, I’m not,” I reply when I set my phone on the counter so they can still see me while I finish getting ready.

“As much as I hate this idea, I have to agree with Ella. Only 1-in-500,000 people die from bungee jumping, and there have only been five deaths in the last seven years,” Piper says.

I grin at my data-obsessed friend. “Thank you, Pipe.”

Kenzie talks over me. “Yeah, five people that have been reported. Who knows how many deaths were covered up to prevent lawsuits?”

I shake my head. “Always the lawyer’s daughter.”

“Damn right, but I’m smarter than all those suits because I didn’t become one, much to my father’s dismay.”

I grab two bottles of water and toss them into my small bag. “You guys are just jealous I didn’t invite you.”

Kenzie barks out a loud laugh. “Hard pass, bro. Bungee jumping, sky diving, or anything else idiotic that includes some sort of free fall that you might get a hard-on for you won’t ever find me doing.”

Piper tilts her head. “I might do skydiving. If you become an adrenaline junkie, I expect to at least be invited to the next big thing.”

“You got it, but honestly, I was in more danger on the trails yesterday than I will be today on the bridge. I promise.”

“Famous last words,” Kenzie mutters.

I chuckle. “Always so dramatic.”

“Just wait until you see what I put on your headstone if you die today,” she retorts.

Piper waves her hand in the screen. “No more talks of death and headstones. Ella is going to do something wild and crazy, but she’s doing it for her and that’s important. Supporting her asinine choices are what best friends are for.” Piper pauses and bites her lip. “Though, as much as I want to stay on the phone until the last minute with you Ella, I need to call my boss. I got an email from the moving company that the truck was canceled. I know it’s still supposed to be several months away, but I don’t know why they would have canceled.”

“Maybe the construction for the building you’re waiting on to be finished was shut down. Happens all the time,” Kenzie says a little too excitedly. I want to echo that hope, but I know that’s not what our friend needs.

“Let us know if something happened. If the date has been moved up, we need to know right away. If it’s been pushed back, then hopefully your work has a backup plan for you,” I say, trying to be optimistic for Piper.

She’s been looking forward to this promotion as editor for weeks. As much as I don’t want Piper to leave us, I would never want to hold her back from her dreams.

“I wish I didn’t agree with Ella, but please know that I do, Pipe,” Kenzie adds.

“I love you both. I’ll let you know what I find out. Ella, I expect a video from you as soon as you have it. Don’t be a cheap ass and not pay for that footage,” Piper says and points at me through the screen.

I nod. “I promise there will be proof provided.”

“Talk to you crazy bitches later,” Kenzie says and blows us kisses before ending the video chat.

I take a deep breath and head for the garage. It’s time for me to leave anyway, because if I wait around any longer, I might just chicken out.

I toss the small bag I packed with waters and granola bars into my front seat before opening the garage door. My fingers grip the keys to start the car when I see Gavin walking into my garage.

“Can we talk, please?” he asks.

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