Chapter 55

Punishing a child was often just as punishing for the parent. The books on childcare never talked about that. Sloane was grounded, which meant I was as well.

I couldn't leave her home alone because I didn't want to give her the opportunity to try and get around being grounded.

I found myself struggling not to let my own frustration show. Our apartment seemed somehow smaller, the walls closing in on us as we both grappled with the consequences of her foolish decisions. While I worked on applying for jobs, she would sit in her room and pout. I thought she was getting off easy.

But I supposed being grounded right along with her was actually a good thing. I managed to get two interviews and I had another one, which was the one I really wanted to nail.

This opportunity could potentially change everything for me. The first two offers I received were great, but this interview was with a major player in the marketing world, and landing a job there would be a game-changer.

I carefully selected my outfit, making sure to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and style. While I put on my makeup, I mentally rehearsed my responses to potential interview questions. I wanted to be as prepared as possible. This was my chance to do it all on my own without help from my father or my ex.

Holly had been a lifesaver the night before, coming over to help me polish my answers and calm my nerves. Her presence had been a comfort during these stressful days of being grounded along with Sloane. She had also acted as mediator between my daughter and me.

I took a step back and looked at myself in the mirror. "You can do this."

As I headed out for the interview, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from Graham. I debated whether to answer, knowing I was short on time, but ultimately I decided to pick up. "What's up?" I answered.

"I was wondering if it would be okay if I came over tonight to see Sloane," he said. "I can bring dinner. We'll stay out of your way. Or if you want to go out, I can sit with her and make sure she follows the rules. I'll keep her from getting arrested."

I smiled at the thoughtfulness. Sloane had probably been giving him an earful as well. "That would actually be really helpful. I'm on my way to an interview. If it goes well, Holly wanted to take me out to celebrate."

"Great," he said with no enthusiasm.

I felt a little bad. I knew he wanted to see me, and I did want to see him, but I wasn't ready for the close proximity. I wasn't ready to sit around eating dinner and hanging out. "Does she know you're coming over?"

"I'll text and let her know," he said. "Good luck with your interview. If you need a recommendation, I'll be in the office all day. Or just Facetime me."

"Thanks, Graham. I'll text and let you know if I'll be home late."

Michael stopped at the address I had given him. He offered to wait for me, and I saw my opportunity to say goodbye. If I was going to stick to my budget and figure out how to stand on my own two feet, I couldn't afford to pay the bill for a personal driver. My father had always taken care of that, but it wasn't a luxury that fit into my lifestyle anymore. Michael's eyebrows rose as I explained this was our last drive together, but then he gave me a kind smile.

"For now," he said. "If you ever have need for me again, just call."

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my composure and stepped out of the car, ready to give the interview my all. This was a job I knew I would be good at. I wanted it and I actually needed it. My finances were far from dire, but I didn't want to burn through my savings if I didn't have to.

"Isadora?"

I turned back to Michael.

He winked. "Knock ‘em dead in there."

I found my way to the office and gave my name. While I sat and waited, I felt like my heart was in my throat. They called me and I got up on wobbly knees to follow them back to a conference room.

The interview was grueling. The panel of executives drilled me with difficult questions about hypothetical situations and previous experience. I felt like I was being put through the wringer, but I also knew that this was what it would take to get the job. I did my best to recall Holly's advice from the night before—show them your unstoppable drive, be confident, let them see you're not just after a paycheck but to add real value to the team.

They volleyed questions at me with a rapid-fire pace. I looked each interviewer in the eye, kept my shoulders back, and my voice steady. When I had finally answered their last question, they thanked me and asked me to step out of the room while they talked.

Five minutes later I was called back into the room and presented with an offer.

Excited and grateful, I promised to get back to them soon after I considered it. I didn't want to appear too eager. It took all my self-control to walk out of the building like getting that kind of offer happened to me every day. Once I was sure they couldn't see me anymore, I smiled in triumph. Another offer in hand meant more options and opportunities for my future.

I immediately called Holly. "I got the offer!" I blurted out when she answered the phone.

"Oh my god! I knew you could do it!" I could hear her jumping up and down and I couldn't help but giggle.

"Thank you. I wasn't as convinced, but all the interview prep really helped. Once we got rolling, I felt confident and was able to answer every question."

"Are you going to take it?"

"Obviously." I laughed. "But I didn't want to sound too eager."

"Don't make them wait too long, you little tease," she warned.

"I won't. Graham is going to hang out with Sloane tonight. We should go out. I want to celebrate without my sourpuss daughter glaring at me like her jail warden."

"Oh man," she groaned. "I can't tonight. I already have plans."

"You do?"

"I have a date with Ben," she said.

"Ben, the guy you went out with last week?"

"That's the one," she said. "In fact, this will be our third date."

"Woah, I'm pretty sure that's a first, right?"

She laughed. "It is."

"Shoot, you're going to tell me you're marrying him next," I teased.

"Slow down there," she retorted, her laughter still clear in her voice. "Third date doesn't equal marriage. But it's serious enough that I can't bail on him tonight."

"Who is this Ben? I don't usually take the time to ask about the men you date, but a third date is a big deal. Tell me about him."

"He's sexy," she replied. "Wealthy. He works in finance and totally gets my world. He makes me laugh and he's really smart."

"Do you think this could be the one for you?" I asked.

"I don't know, but he's been better than a lot of the others."

"When do I get to meet him?"

She laughed. "How about we discuss it if there is a fifth date? I don't want to jinx anything. I like him, but he might just do a better job of hiding his asshole ways than the other men I've dated."

"Is he good in bed?" I asked with a laugh.

"Oh yeah." She giggled. "Which is why there is a third date."

I laughed and shook my head. "Well, go enjoy. But remember you owe me a night out on the town since I can't celebrate with you tonight!"

"Absolutely," she agreed. "We'll figure out a time soon."

"Have fun tonight."

"Congratulations again. I'm really proud of you!" she added before we ended the call.

I was bummed I didn't get to go out with Holly. I had been looking forward to getting out of the apartment. Graham had already made plans to visit Sloane. I texted him and let him know I would be home around eight.

Instead of going out with Holly to celebrate, I took myself out for a celebratory, solo dinner. I didn't want to crash Sloane and Graham's party. It was hard to be around him and not want him. I chose a cozy corner bistro, one where the candlelight flickered against the brick walls and jazz played softly in the background. As I sipped my wine, I found myself lost in thoughts of Graham. I remembered the way his laughter echoed in my ears long after he was gone, the way his touch still lingered on my skin.

The night wore on, and with each sip of wine, my amusement at everything only grew. It was liberating to be on my own. I couldn't remember the last time I had done anything alone. Usually, it was always me and Sloane or me and Holly. There was something incredibly empowering about it.

My dinner was a delight, the rib-eye steak perfectly cooked and succulent, and the red wine a smooth accompaniment. I noticed a few of the other diners looking at me, pitying me. They didn't know that this solo meal was a choice, and I was enjoying it.

After dessert, a melt in your mouth tiramisu, I made my way home. I hoped Graham and Sloane had gotten some quality father-daughter time. As I walked through the door, I was greeted by them both, eager to hear how the interview went. I shared the news with them, and to my delight, Graham was genuinely happy for me.

"I knew you'd nail it," he said. "They'll be very lucky to have you."

"Thanks." I smiled. "I'm going to change and then you guys can tell me about your evening."

When I returned, dressed in my sweats and a loose-fitting shirt, I found Graham and Sloane nestled on the couch, a bowl of popcorn between them and a movie paused on the TV. They turned their attention to me as I entered.

"Go ahead and finish your movie," I told them. "I'm going to take care of some things."

"You can join us," Graham offered.

"No, you two go ahead."

I worked at the kitchen table, listening to them as they discussed the movie. It made me smile to hear them getting along so well. After the credits rolled, Sloane went to bed. Graham walked to the door. "Thanks for letting me hang out with her tonight. She makes me laugh."

"It's no problem."

"Congratulations on the job," he said. "I'm not surprised they jumped at the chance to make you an offer. You deserve it."

"Thank you. That means a lot."

After he left, I locked the door, feeling his absence already. Despite everything that had happened between us, I still missed our nights together.

As I lay in bed, I found myself admitting I was over our recent fight. I missed him, and I longed for the warmth of his embrace and the touch of his lips on mine. What was the point in denying myself what we both wanted? It solved nothing. It only made us both more miserable.

If he could forgive me, I could forgive him. Neither of us were the same people we were back then. We could do so much better for Sloane if we were a united front. We could give her a complete home with her mom and dad in a loving relationship. It would be a good example of what a good man was.

I decided then and there to set it right. I was going to tell him the truth—that I still loved him. And if he was still willing to have me, I wanted him.