Tied Together (The Cade Siblings Duology #1)

48. Alex

CHAPTER 48

Alex

It’s Christmas Eve and Alana is so giddy. It’s adorable.

She has this bounce in her step everywhere she goes and a smile plastered on her face that I don’t think could be wiped off even if I tried. Not that I ever would.

She’s out shopping right now, and she told me I had to stay here because she might find something that I can’t see. We didn’t discuss getting gifts for each other this year, but I got her one anyway.

I’m working on packing up a few of my things when my phone rings. Heather is calling, and seeing her name reminds me that I need to let her know I’d like to remove myself from the running for the promotion. Now’s as good a time as any.

“Heather, how are you?”

“Hi, Alex,” she says, her voice chipper and light. “I’m doing quite well, how about yourself?”

“Things are pretty good here.”

“I’m glad to hear it. How’s our girl doing?”

“She’s doing well. Excited for the upcoming holiday.”

“Good, that’s good to hear.” The line goes quiet for a minute before she speaks again. “Listen, Alex, are you alone?”

My stomach sinks. That can’t be good.

“Yeah, I am. What’s going on?”

“Well, I have some exciting news for you.” No, no, no. “We’d like to offer you a promotion, but probably not the one you’re thinking of.”

Oh.

“Amélie has thoroughly enjoyed working with you and has been singing your praises to Ian and I, and she asked us a few weeks ago if we’d be open to sharing you with her. At first I was an absolute no, but Ian spoke with me and explained that this might be a really great career move for you.”

I’m speechless, but it’s okay because she keeps going.

“I know you were hoping for a promotion here in New York, but we’re planning on offering that to Alana. I’d appreciate it if you let me share that good news with her, though.”

“Wow, Heather. That’s an honor that Amélie would want me here. I really appreciate the offer.”

My heart rate is running a mile a minute, but I think back on the words she just said and realize that Alana is getting the promotion she wants. I can’t wait for her to find out; she’s going to be so excited. Her hard work really paid off.

“Absolutely, you earned it. I know it would be a big change, but it would come with a raise in salary and more responsibilities. Plus you’d get to live in Paris, which is a total dream. You’d of course get a relocation package so you can get settled and be comfortable, but I’m getting ahead of myself. You think about it, I’ll send you an email with the offer later today so you can look it over, and then get back to me sometime next week.”

“Okay, that sounds good. Thank you again for checking in and for the news.”

“Of course, merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Heather.”

The line goes silent, and I’m frozen in place trying to process everything I just heard.

They want me to move to Paris.

They want Alana in New York.

No. Absolutely not that is not happening. I just got her and there is no way I’m losing her now. Plus, I have loved my time in Paris and with Amélie these last few weeks, but my home is in New York. I’d be way too far from my mom and from Banks, and I know no one here. It just doesn’t make sense to even consider it.

Decision made, I stand and continue packing my clothes. I decide I’ll go ahead and let Heather send the offer over and then respond to her sometime next week officially declining and asking to remain in my current role.

An hour later, Alana comes waltzing into the flat with bags lining her arms. She looks so happy, and I realize that Heather must have called her while she was out.

“Have fun?” I ask as she sets all of her bags down on our bed.

“I did, and I have some really great news.”

“Oh really, what’s that?”

“Heather called…”

“Really dragging it out there, Lanie.”

“She just had some news for me.” The humor in her eyes makes me smile.

“Any day now.”

“I got the promotion! You’re looking at the new managing director of Impress .” She drops the bags at her feet and runs towards me, jumping into my arms with an excited squeal. It’s adorable and I realize there is no way I can ruin this moment for her and bring my Paris promotion into it.

“Lanie, that is incredible. I knew you’d get it. I am so proud of you.” I set her feet back on the ground and kiss her. I am so excited for her, she deserves this opportunity more than anyone.

It feels wrong to not tell her about my promotion, but I don’t want to steal any of her joy and I know I’ll have an opportunity to tell her about it soon. I plan to turn it down anyways, so it can wait.

We have plans tonight to cook dinner together and then watch a few holiday movies to ring in the special day.

Before it gets too late, I decide to head out and grab one more gift I had my eye on for my mom, and she decides to get to work on the prep for the cinnamon rolls we’re going to bake tomorrow. Apparently there is some mixing of dough and things to do the day before so it can rise properly overnight.

I walk out into the kitchen and see her standing there with her dark brown hair piled on top of her head and the cutest pink apron tied around her curvy hips. I imagine a world in which this happens every year and then I imagine her in a few years with little feet running around in the flour and small hands helping her knead the dough.

I smile at the thought.

“I’m going to run out and grab that gift for my mom.”

“That’s sweet of you. I’d kiss you but I think I have flour all over me.” She laughs and a cloud of white pillows around her, which causes her to laugh more. I lean in for a kiss anyways and then head out the door.