The Arrangement | Book 2 | Completed

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"Do you have everything worked out for tonight?" I ask Evan.

"Yeah, we're having all of the food delivered around six or so. Melissa said she was going to start decorating around five. Clarissa and Melissa have it all planned out. I'm just kind of doing what they ask me to do." He says with a laugh.

"Yeah, it's probably better that way." I laugh. "So I have a question for you." I begin.

"What's up?" He asks as he jots some notes down at the top of the catering receipts.

"What are you and Clarissa going to do once you leave?" I ask.

"I honestly have no idea." He sighs, setting his pen onto the desk.

"Are you two together now? Officially?" I ask.

"Well, yeah. Kind of. I call her my girlfriend and she calls me her boyfriend, but nothing is too official yet. I mean, how official can it be? I'm leaving in like...a few days. It's going to be different once I leave and we both know it."

"Would she go to Russia?" I ask. He gives me a look that tells me that I already know that answer. She wouldn't. She couldn't. "Would you move here?" I ask.

"That's the plan eventually. I don't know, it's just different here. I like it here. But, it's a lot more complicated than that." He explains. "I would have to figure out citizenship, money transfers, house mortgages, car shipping...It would just be difficult." He sighs.

"Would you do it for her?" I ask.

"For her, yes. But I would also do it for myself."  He tells me.

"What would your family think?"

He stops and thinks for a moment before answering. I don't know if he had even thought about them too much in this entire situation.

"It would kind of suck, and it would definitely be a change in our lifestyle. But they would understand and support me. My sister goes to school in Boston, actually. She's home right now on Holiday, but she'll be going back soon. I am hoping that I will see her before she leaves again." He tells me.

"Your sister?" I ask, not even aware that he had a sister. I guess I don't know as much about him as I thought I did.

"Yeah, she's a bit younger than I am. Not by too much, but she's still my baby sister regardless. She has been going to school in Boston for a few years now. She's on their international student scholarship, so she's out there for free. Met some American guy and got hitched while she was down here. My parents absolutely flipped out, but he seems like a pretty okay guy. I've only met him once, though. Whatever makes her happy makes us happy, I guess."  He shrugs.

"Both of the kids leaving Russia to marry Americans, yeah?" I ask with a laugh.

"Hopefully." He laughs in reply.

"Well, I should probably go and meet up with Frailey. Get the awards and such figured out. I'll see you tonight though." I tell him as I stand up and leave his office.

"See you tonight, man." He tells me as I shut his office door.

When I pull my phone out, I see no new missed calls or text messages from Candace. I still feel bad for leaving her in the dark, but I needed time to think for myself. I couldn't allow the sound of her voice or the emotion behind her words be the deciding influence in my decision. I needed my decision to be for myself.

This is my decision. This is what I truly want, and I know this now.

When I dial her number, she answers on the third ring.

"Matty?" She asks, sounding breathless.

"Hey, baby. I'm sorry I haven't been returning any of your messages. I-"

"Are you okay?" She asks, sounding concerned but relieved at the same time.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Listen, I'm pretty busy right now with all of this holiday party stuff. But I just wanted to call and make sure that you were still going tonight?" I ask her.

"Do you still want me to go?" She asks with a small voice.

"Of course I still want you to go." I say.

"I'm sorry. I just thought...I don't know. I was worried, you know? I know you had your talk with Melissa and then I didn't hear from you and-"

"Me and Melissa are over." I tell her.

"Are you, though?" She asks with a shaky voice.

"We are. We are one hundred percent done. Over. Never happening again." I say with a smile. I'm not smiling because me and Melissa are over. I'm smiling because me and Candace are finally starting over for real this time.

"Do you promise?" She asks.

"I promise. You're the only one I want in my life." I promise her.

When I say these words, the confusion and guilt I once felt is gone. Instead, I only feel completely aware that what I am telling her is true.

Candace is the only person I want in my life for as long as I live.

-

Author's Note!!!

This story is almost over!!! Can you guys believe it?! I know it has taken some time, and I love each and every single one of you who have continued to read it from beginning to end! Updates will be coming frequently until the story is complete! So, you all have that to look forward to! I also have a new story I will be working on as this one finishes, which I am SO excited about! I think it will be my best one yet.

What do you guys think about Evan taking over the Seattle building!? Do you think he will do it? What about Candace and Matty?! Let me know what you're thinking! Don't forget to vote, share, and comment!