Page 93 of Give Me a Reason

“Are you going back to that old apartment?” Iris asked.

“I hope not, but it’s all I can afford, especially if I lose this job.”

“I don’t need you to give me money. It’s appreciated, but I’ve wondered if you were living in an apartment like that so you can give us money.”

“It’s part of it. I was saving so I could get a nice two-bedroom apartment. I was hoping you could move in with me. I don’t want you to worry about paying rent.”

Iris sighed, exchanging a look with Mom. “There you go again, assuming that we come first. You need to take care of yourself and stop thinking of us. We’re still going to be here, whether you help us out financially or not.”

“I worry. I want the best for you.”

“I know you do, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But it’s time for you to do your own thing. I got some financial aid for living expenses, and they offered me free room and board.”

“They did?” At Iris’s happy nod, I got up and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.”

When I let her go, I felt a little freer. I’d probably always buy my parents groceries, but it was nice not having to worry about Iris. It sounded like she’d done a better job than me, applying for and getting financial aid. She was going to be fine.

When I finished, I rinsed the dish and washed it with dish soap. My dad had never bought a dishwasher, saying it was a waste of money when we could wash them by hand. I hadn’t missed this.

Dad walked in, looking hot and sweaty, so I filled a glass of water for him. He took it from me and drank. Lowering the glass, he asked, “You want to talk to me about what’s going on?”

“I’ll fill you in later. She has an appointment with her boss soon,” Mom said, her lips turned down.

“Well, whatever it is, I’m confident you’ll figure it out.”

I kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks, Dad. That means everything to me.”

Their opinion of me mattered the most. Not what Ireland or Gia thought of my relationship with Finn.

On the drive to the office, I wondered if I should have talked to Finn about how to approach this conversation with Gia. He worked for her too, although he was more of an independent contractor. She paid him by the job, whereas I was salary. I had the most to lose.

Finn could pick up extra gigs at a local bar, or maybe even consider touring. I had no doubt he was talented enough for it. He’d only stuck close for Paisley.

Paisley. I wouldn’t get to spend time with her anymore. My job as a sitter would be over. There was no way I could work for Finn or be around his adorable daughter and not have them. They weren’t mine, and it was stupid to ever think they could be.

I couldn’t help but think about the parallels to my relationship with Raymond. The only difference was I’d broken things off before Finn could. He wasn’t thinking clearly, but when he came to his senses, he’d realize there was no future for us.

I parked in one of the spots behind Happily Ever Afters, surprised to see Finn’s SUV. Maybe Gia was going to talk to both of us at the same time. I couldn’t even be upset about it anymore. I’d cried enough last night. I’d moved on to the stage where I needed to figure out a plan and make some moves. This meeting was just a formality anyway.

I wanted to get it over with so I could move on with my life. After this, I’d call around to my old schools to see if they could use any instructional assistants. Maybe I could substitute until a position in the media center or office opened up. It wasn’t as fun and exciting as being a wedding planner, but it was a solid plan.

I opened the door and walked down the hall to Gia’s office. The space was impressive with a large wood desk, plush leather chairs, and artwork on the walls. Several windows brought in light to counteract the dark wood floors.

Gia leaned against her desk, talking softly with Finn. Their expressions were serious.

“Aria, you’re here.” Gia rounded the desk and sat in her chair. “Have a seat.”

I couldn’t look at Finn although I sensed he wanted me to. What was the point? Whatever was going to happen would. I folded my hands. “First of all, I want to say how sorry I am for violating the rules. I totally understand why you did what you did. I’ll clear out my stuff and be on my way.” There was no point in prolonging the inevitable.

Gia frowned. “I’m surprised that’s what you led with.”

Should I have done what my mom said and stood up for myself, listing all the amazing things I’d done while I was here, and told her the rules were ridiculous?

Finn leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “I told Gia that I was the one who pursued you.”

“There were two of us, Finn. It’s not your fault.” I tried and failed to keep my voice even.

“You’re right about one thing, Aria, I do have rules, and I have them for a reason. Imagine what a guest would have thought if they’d caught you in a compromising situation?” Gia said.

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