“Only stating facts.”
“Did you want to sit and talk while we wait?” I asked.
“Depends on what the topic is?”
I really shouldn’t bring this up right now, but I had to know. “Is the job offer an acceptable one?”
He nodded. “Yes. I’ve had plenty of time to think about it these last two days. But I wasn’t sure, if the offer was still on the table.”
“Does this mean you’re actually considering taking it?” I asked, holding my breath for his answer.
“Yes. Does that surprise you?” he asked.
“Yes. With everything that went on, that you learned, I…expected it would be more than you wanted, more than you bargained for. That doesn’t mean I do not believe whole heartedly that you are the best choice for the hospital. I know you see my vision and would do what it takes to make it come to life.” And it means you’ll still be here in Tabiq with me.
“My decision is that your offer is acceptable. I will need to return to Ireland to make the formal arrangements. And I will also need to inform my family who so far have no idea that I’m relocating,” he said. “If you can find the time, I’d very much love it if you joined me.”
My heart raced. I knew he wasn’t asking me to go with him to pack boxes of his belongings. He was asking me to come meet his family, as he did mine. Are my wishes actually starting to come true? Could he care for me as much as I do for him? He held my heart, and I’ve never told him. I’ve been afraid to. It was hard enough knowing that I’ve fallen in love with him, but to tell him and then he left, it would crush me. The timing still wasn’t right to utter those three little words. Barry would be here shortly.
“I’d like that very much. But my time will be limited on this trip. Will that be, okay?”
He chuckled. “However long you have, we’ll make it all work. Just tell me when, and I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Okay. We can talk about that after this meeting if that’s okay with you. Right now, I’m just trying to stay focused.”
“Reesa, I don’t know what the meeting is, but I know you. You’re the most amazing, strongest, and driven woman I’ve ever met. You face your fears and move past them.”
“I don’t always feel strong, Finn. Right now, I’m a bundle of nerves.”
He reached over and grabbed my hand. “Then let me be your strength.”
I leaned against him and rested my head on his chest. “I feel better already.”
“Good. Reesa, you have no idea how thankful I am that you decided to sit beside me in that pub.”
I am too.
“Guess sometimes a bad decision turns out to be the right one,” I smiled up at him. Before our lips could connect again, there was a knock. “I guess this is it.”
“Good luck,” he said.
I smiled. “I don’t need it. I have you.”
I went to the door and opened it. Bennett was there and Barry behind him. “May we come in?” he asked.
“Please do.” I turned to Barry and said, “As I mentioned on my call, you may record this, but this is a statement only. Any questions will need to be handled another time.”
Barry looked like he was going to push for more, but he eyed Bennett and decided to just nod. “I’ll set up my video camera and I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”
Finn went and sat behind where Barry was setting up. That was smart. It kept him out of the picture. When Barry announced he was set, I stood in front of the camera. He counted three, two, one, then gave me the thumbs up.
“Good afternoon. It has been many months since I have had a formal announcement. But I am sure you have many questions. Let me start by saying that the rumors of my home being destroyed are true. There are people in Tabiq who wish for the old days to return. A time when our country was controlled by violence and us, the good people of Tabiq, were living in constant fear. Although we have not broken free completely, we have made great progress. This setback cannot define who we are or our future. Never again can we allow evil to trump good. The shadow that has plagued us for many years will not win. I cannot do this alone. I need each of you to stand with me. I am filled with hope for a better tomorrow. My wish is that one day, all of Tabiq will be united and known throughout the world for the love and kindness I know we have in our hearts. As your president, I ask for your continued support as I make changes that will benefit all of Tabiq, and not just a few. Over the next week I will be announcing changes that will strengthen our education, medical infrastructure and economy even more. All I can ask is for your patience through this process. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it will come. And I look forward to continuing serving you all. Thank you for your support, and remember, even the strong sometimes need someone to lean on.”
I nodded for Barry to turn off the camera. No one said anything, as I guess the room was stunned. Barry approached me a moment later and said, “President Florraz, that was….uplifting.” He extended his hand. “You have my support. And I’m sorry if I ever did anything to make you doubt that.”
Shaking his hand I said, “Thank you Mr. Patrell. I will be in contact with you in a few days so we can talk about more of these meetings.”
He nodded and Bennett escorted him out.
Finn walked over and said, “You’ve told me I’m great with knowing what to say, yet you have left me speechless. Tabiq is lucky to have you as president.”
I hugged him. Not as lucky as I am to have you.
My body finally felt relaxed. There was so much more I wanted to say, to talk about, but now I knew there was time. He wasn’t leaving me and I couldn’t wait to see what comes next for us. For now, I was just happy to be back in his arms.