Christa Allan Threads of Hope [Quilts of Love

[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.Nina’s body was firmly planted in the chair across from her boss, but her mind paced up and down the office.“Well, only if a series of dates would.” She inched forward.“I don’t know why I’m trying to be clever, here.You know Greg and I have been seeing each other, and I think you and I have handled the boundaries well.”“If you consider pretending it’s not happening to be handling it well then I agree with you,” Elise said.“Wait, I meant that to be amusing.Peyton’s always telling me I don’t do amusing well.I need to listen to the man more.”Nina loosened her grip on the chair arms.“Okay, I’m glad you clarified that.I just figured there would be a time when one of us would have to bring it up.And, this is it.”Elise’s expression was guarded, but Nina had prepared herself for the worst.So far, the discussion was miles ahead of what she expected.“Greg wants me to meet Jazarah this weekend, and I know this is a huge step for him.I care about him very much.The challenge is, I’d love to end the series with an interview with him.But, before I approached him, I wanted to talk to you.Not just because of Greg, but because of what it would mean for you as well.”Elise tapped her pen on her planner and stared out the window as she was prone to do when she wrestled with a decision.The pen slowed to a stop, and Nina saw a softer, less intense Elise.Even her eyes, usually like two dark drill bits ready to bore into someone, appeared relaxed.“Like you, I’ve been wondering when we’d have to cross the line from colleagues to, well, two women who care about the same man.Once we stepped over it, we’d have to be able to move back and forth, and yet not get our roles confused.” She left her desk and closed the door to her office.She pulled a chair from the corner and moved it next to Nina’s before she sat.“Of course, I’ve known you and Greg have spent time together.When he finally shared the high school and benefit night disasters, I was surprised and impressed that you both moved past that.” She looked away for a moment, and then continued.“Elise, Greg’s sister, who knows that she’s not seen her brother this happy in a long time, has hesitated telling you this.But, Elise, your editor, knows she must.”Nina, had she been given a minute of privacy, would have checked under her chair to see if her stomach had gone there.Elise couldn’t possibly be setting her up for something negative, could she? Nina wished now she’d taken her up on that offer of water earlier.“We’re pulling Janie out of New York.It’s a disaster.The job is yours, if you want it.”30Nina experienced, for the first time, that exquisite moment of dream becoming reality, when the word surreal becomes palpable, and you recognize that if this one thing is possible, then so is the second or third or anything after.She feared she might not be able to respond to Elise for the horn-blowing celebration marching through her head.“I’m happily stunned.Happily.Stunned.” This time, her grip on the armrests was to prevent her from leaping out of the chair and clapping like a cheerleader.“Of course, your discretion and confidentiality are expected at this point.And you don’t need to make a decision now or even this week.” Elise looked at her watch.“My cell phone, my telephone, my email will all be assaulted in the next hour after the editor talks to Janie.It’s going to take a solid two weeks for movement, and I’m certain it’s going to be a struggle.But it’s not one you need to involve yourself in.” She grabbed two water bottles out of the small refrigerator near her desk and, this time, Nina accepted one.“I want you to give this serious thought, write down any questions or concerns you have, and we’ll talk next week.”Nina streamed out a chorus of, “Great.Good.Sure.Of course,” as Elise spoke.She was about to thank her, when Elise said, “Oh, one more thing.And I’m going to cross that boundary, but I feel it’s necessary.If and when you discuss this with Greg or tell him your decision is your call.By the time this is all finalized, should you move ahead, it might be at least three or four weeks.Getting close to Jazarah and then leaving is going to be tough.I’m not suggesting you don’t meet her.Everyone should, she’s an amazing kid.But, be aware that she’s one of those kids who forms attachments quickly.Breaking them is tough.”“I understand.And, Elise, thank you for this chance.”“You’re welcome.Just be sure it’s still what you want.I have no doubt you can make it work.But remember, geography isn’t a magical cure.”Stepping out of the elevator, Elise’s offer bouncing around inside her, knowing she’d been given the choice to stay or to go, Nina’s vision of the office was already one degree of separation away.But the empowerment she felt inside the Trends office didn’t transfer so easily to her life outside of it.The closer her car brought her to home, the less detached she felt about her surroundings [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Linki