Delaney James seems to have it all-a successful husband, a stylish Manhattan townhouse, and a thriving career in fashion journalism-until it all falls apart. Her husband leaves her, shattering the perfect life she once knew. Heartbroken and desperat...
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"I'd rather get into the details when we meet in person, but I'd like to officially offer you a job here at Vogue. How does that sound?"
I've been thinking about that phone call for the last eighteen hours. I didn't know what to say when she offered me the job right there on the spot, so I told Savannah I needed some time to think about it, as it's a big decision. Then I mumbled something about needing to tie up loose ends. I have no idea what I meant by that, but it sounded professional and made sense to me at the time. She was kind enough to give me forty-eight hours to decide before she moves on, but as we were hanging up, she said she thinks I'd bring a much-needed freshness to the magazine and that she can't wait to work with me, sufficiently making me even more confused than I already was.
I don't know how I did it, but by the grace of God, I managed to keep the news from everyone last night. I excused myself to the bathroom after I got off the phone, and it was there that I threw up, brushed my teeth and rinsed my mouth with Listerine, and talked myself into holding it together until I was alone. There was so much going on at the barbeque that I was able to distract myself, and when we got back to Greyson's house, I stripped out of my clothes as we walked up the stairs toward the bedroom, distracting us both until we were completely spent. He fell asleep almost immediately after, but I stayed awake. I just laid there, staring at his peaceful, almost angelic face as he slept, wondering how in the world I could even think about walking away from him again.
Greyson gave up an amazing opportunity. He's putting his entire life aside for everyone he loves, but especially for me, so I can pursue my own dreams. What kind of partner would I be if after everything we've been through this summer, I just up and left him for New York - again? I'm a terrible person for even considering it.
Under different circumstances, I'd say I'm glad to be working my shift at Maribelle's, and that I'm grateful for the distraction, but I'm not, and I don't think Chuck or the customers are happy I'm here today either. He keeps having to repeat himself and snap me out of a daze. I'm barely able to remember orders and what table they're going to. I've been nauseous since I woke up this morning. I can't stop stuttering and fumbling over my words, and telling customers the specials from days before, and I dropped a serving platter with an entire tables breakfast dishes on it. Understandably, Chuck forced me to take a break.
Now I'm sitting in the alley behind Maribelle's staring at my phone. I know I have to give Savannah an answer soon, but I have no idea what I'm going to say. Three months ago, I would have been on a plane, heading back to New York as soon as I got off the phone, but not now. Now things are different. I'm different. I've just happily accepted the fact that Greyson and I are both going to stay in South Grove and start building our life together. I'm moving in with him soon. We have plans. After all the back and forth all summer - the will we or won't we be together - we've finally figured it out, and now I have to make a decision that may change that.
Maybe I can put two options in a hat - Go to New York or Stay in South Grove - and whichever one I pull is what I'll choose. That way I can blame fate for the path life takes me, instead of myself.
