Page 117 of Open To Negotiation

Two weeks later

“Hey sweetie,” my mom’s voice came through the phone.

“You don’t need to keep calling and checking in. I’m fine.”

“But—”

“The flight is booked, Mom. You can’t convince me to change my mind.” I taped another box shut and puffed hair out of my face that had fallen out of my bun. It was a hot June day, I’d opened the windows early this morning to let the fresh air in but hadn’t closed them before the sun had started streaming through. Now the apartment felt like a sauna. I really regretted not investing in an air conditioner.

“I just don’t understand why you don’t come straight here. We’re very centrally located.” I smiled, we had this conversation a lot the last week.

“Mom. I’m going to travel around Italy on my own for ten days and then I’ll be with you. I want to do it this way.” I pushed the box out of my way and looked around.

Everything in my apartment was packed up and ready for the movers who were coming tomorrow before my flight. Packing had been a little slow since with my cast off, my wrist still felt a little tender, but I’d gotten it done. Everything would be moved to a storage unit. I didn’t want this apartment anymore so I figured I would sort it out when I came back.

“And you have your ride to the airport sorted?” She’d been worrying about me since I’d called her last Tuesday and told her I wanted to come see her, that I wanted to get out of here and get some space. She agreed immediately and I booked my one-way ticket.

I was going to come back. I was.

I just didn’t know when.

I was going to travel along the coast, see Amalfi and spend a few days in Capri. I’d always wanted to travel more but I'd made excuses not to, so now that I had no job it was the perfect time. I’d called Edward a few days ago about a position with the foundation. He was thrilled to hear from me and had no problem waiting until I was at my mom’s in Italy for us to discuss details.

It felt odd to be working at the foundation that Theo set up for his mom, but when I brought up being worried about a conflict of interest, Edward assured me that Theo didn’t control the foundation. He didn’t know that we’d broken up so he thought my concern was because we were still together, but it was a good enough answer for me.

I’d done a lot of thinking, working at the foundation was exactly what I wanted. I wanted to help people, make a difference in their lives and maybe help them see a little light in their darkest time. Doing that every day, well that was the most excited I’d been about work maybe ever.

Everything I was doing felt like moving toward a fresh start. Even though my head and heart still hurt.

“Yes, Mom,” I said as someone knocked on my door, aggressively. “I’ve gotta go.”

“Okay honey, I’m really excited to see you.”

I frowned as someone continued pounding.

“Me too, Mom. Love you.” I hung up and pulled the door open. Asher’s hand was lifted in the air, ready to continue knocking. “You know, two weeks isn’t a lot—” The look on his face stopped me from continuing.

Because I knew whatever he was about to say was going to matter.

“Theo’s dad died last night.”

“What?” I asked as my chest tightened.

“Dropped dead from a heart attack yesterday.” I knew the concern on Asher’s face wasn’t for Warren Kane. He hated the man. It was the fact that regardless of his relationship with Warren, Theo had now lost both his parents.

“Where?”

“At his estate in New York.”

I squeezed my eyes closed, knowing my decision was already made.

“When do you leave?” I stepped back to let him in the door.

“Plane is waiting, the guys are meeting me there. Theo should be landing in New York any minute.”

“I’m coming with you.” He gave a single nod, like it wasn’t even a question. He must have assumed that this would be the outcome of his visit.

“Your name’s already on the flight manifest. Pack a bag.”