Page 50 of Diverge

He made life fun, exciting. Every day was a new adventure with Finn by my side.

“Sorry, Dad!” Finn says as he grabs my hand, and we rush past our fathers and into the backyard. We were both playing with Grace in the sandpit, building sandcastles when Grace walks over to our mothers. Finn turns to me. “Billie, will you promise me something?”

I smile. “Sure!”

“Promise we will be friends forever?” he asks.

“I promise,” I say, with not a doubt in my mind.

“Cross your heart?” he asks.

“Cross my soul, Finn.”

One Month Later

Things at work have taken a turn for the worse. Fiona is constantly on my back about everything, and I can hardly take it anymore.

I left work early yesterday simply because I couldn’t take much more of that place. It makes me want to tear my hair out just being in the vicinity of the office. I’ve started researching what I might need to do if I want to pursue being self-employed, but when I get too deep into the research, it scares me, and I chicken out.

Finn, Grace, and I have spent almost every day together the last couple of months just like old times. We’ve stayed at the cabin twice and been to the beach many times together. I missed spending time with my friends so much. It has felt like a memory from our childhood but... different.

Finn and I have plans tonight to see a band in concert, although he won’t tell me who, and I somewhat feel like a teenager again.

Getting ready, I put on my best all-black outfit and sigh at my reflection. I’m wearing a skirt with a high split up the side of my thigh, a black cropped tank, and black military boots.

I consider changing into something more age appropriate but decide against it.

What’s “age appropriate” anyway?

Just because I’m in my late twenties, why does that have to dictate what I wear? I shrug and put on the finishing touches of my makeup and head outside to wait for Finn to pick me up. Things have been different between us since that kiss.

I feel it when he’s near. I feel my heart beat slightly faster than normal, my hands become sweaty, and my mouth becomes dry.

He makes me nervous, just like when we were sixteen. I watch as a white Mercedes pulls into my street, coming to a stop at the curb in front of me. The passenger window winds down revealing Finn’s gorgeous face. His eyes scan from my exposed thighs all the way up to my eyes as he smirks. Opening the passenger door, I take a seat and click my seatbelt in.

“Are we going to a concert, or would you rather sit here and ogle me?” Sarcasm coats every one of my words.

He chuckles as he pulls away from the curb. “I could watch you forever.”

I roll my eyes in exaggeration as I try to keep my smile at bay. “So how is Mr. Mackenzie?” I change the subject.

“You know you can just call him Rob.” His first name is Robert, but I have been calling him Mr. Mackenzie all my life. It feels weird to call him Rob now. “He’s very happy with your work, B. I was going to tell you this after the concert, but he wants to offer you a full-time job with us at the firm.” Mr. Mackenzie has always been sweet, taking care of me and Riley, but I can’t accept the offer. My pride will not allow it.

“That’s sweet of him. I adore him, truly, but I can’t accept it.” I shake my head.

“Why not?” he asks.

“I would feel like I’m taking advantage or something. It’s fine honestly. I’ve considered going out on my own anyway,” I confess.

“Really?” He raises his eyebrows. “You should. You have the talent.”

“Every time I explore the idea, I basically slam my laptop shut and curl up into a ball. The amount of work involved in creating a business... it gives me a headache just thinking about it.” I rake my fingers through my hair.

“You wouldn’t be doing it alone. I can help you,” he offers.

I shake my head.

“It’s probably best if I keep working where I am. It’s a steady income. A lot of people would give anything to be in my position.”

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