Be still my heart.
“Sterling?”
“Alyssa?”
“I miss you too.”
He sucks in a sharp breath. “I needed to hear that. Let me know how it goes.”
“I will. Talk soon.”
“Talk soon,” he repeats, and ends the call.
I feel so much better that he knows the truth. Now I just have one confession hanging over my head.
* * *
“Well?” Mom asks once I’m seated across from her at the restaurant.
“The bank is a no-go. It’s a pay cut by a couple of dollars, and I just didn’t get a good vibe. The salon has potential. Everyone that I met was really nice. The pay is the same as what I’m at now. It means more gas, time, and wear and tear on my car to consider.” My phone vibrates, and I know it’s Sterling. “Sorry. It’s Sterling. I texted him an update when I got here.”
“Go ahead.” Mom smiles. “I’m going to run to the restroom. Order me a lemonade.”
I nod and pull up Sterling’s message.
Sterling:At least one of them has potential. What can I do to help you with this?
This man and his huge heart. Every single day it’s something he says or does that makes me fall even more in love with him, something I wouldn’t have thought possible.
Me:You’re sweet. Honestly, I don’t think anything. I just need to decide.
Me:Besides, neither one of them officially offered me a position.
Sterling:We both know you nailed both interviews. They’re going to call.
Me:Maybe. I’m pretty sure that even if the bank calls, I’m going to pass.
Sterling:???
Me:Pay cut, the extra drive, time, wear and tear on my car, and I just didn’t get a good vibe.
Sterling:Go with your gut, Tink.
Me:Yeah, the bank is a no.
Sterling:Are you still looking at other options? Maybe something will open up in Willow River or Harris?
I can hear the hope through his words. He’s trying to be supportive, but I know him. He’s hoping, like hell, another option presents itself.
Me:Definitely. I’d love to find something closer to home.
Sterling:I’d love that too.
Me:What are you doing?
He sends back a picture of Remi sleeping on his chest, and my heart melts, seeing the smile on his face. He’s so good with his nieces.
Sterling:Brooks and Palmer went to the grocery store to grab lunch. He called asking how breakfast was and was giving me shit about also taking his daughter for breakfast dates when she was older. We all know I will. Anyway, I stopped and sent them packing so I could have some Remi and Uncle Sterling time.