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Chapter Nine
Allison
I was in a daze for the next few days. Even though Nick and I had agreed to move forward with our outlandish idea, I felt stuck. But on Tuesday morning, I found the courage and emailed Jim’s parents. It took me well over half an hour to draft it, and I ended up deleting half of it. In the end, my email was short and sweet.
Hi. I’ve been so busy, as you can imagine, so I didn’t have time to reply to your previous email. I think we should discuss it. By the way, I have news. I just got engaged.
That was it. I didn’t want to give them any details. They’d ask later for sure, but for now, this would do.
I pressed Send before I could waste even more time drafting the email. It was going to be a shit show anyway.
Afterward, I stared at the screen for a few seconds, then decided to inform Nick that I’d officially told someone.
Allison: I did it. I told Jim’s parents that I’m engaged.
Nick: That’s great. It’ll all work out. You’ll see.
His positivity was endearing. I didn’t share it yet, but I was grateful that at least one of us was taking this in stride.
I started to reply to him, but before I managed to type anything, my inbox pinged.
Holy shit.Jim’s parents had already responded.
What do you mean, engaged? We never even knew you had a boyfriend. We’re coming to Boston this weekend and want to meet him.
As the words sank in, breathing became a bit more difficult. I put a hand on my chest, trying to calm down. I was used to a high-pressure environment. In fact, I thrived on it. It was one ofthe reasons why I’d chosen finance. But this was something else entirely.
You’re a damn CFO, Allison. You’ve managed situations of crisis. You can deal with Jim’s parents coming for a weekend to meet your so-called fiancé.
What had I been thinking? This was a terrible idea. I didn’t even know if Nick had time on the weekend. Maybe he already had plans.
I was just about to tell them that they couldn’t expect everyone to change their schedule according to their whims but then paused, remembering what Hugo told us. It was better not to fight. I decided to double-check with Nick first.
Allison: They already replied that they want to come this weekend to meet you. Are you available? I’ll tell them to fuck off otherwise.
Typing that felt fantastic.
Nick: I’ll make time. Don’t worry.
Just like that? This man was something else.
Nick: Just let me know when and where and I’ll be there.
It was starting to sink in that this was real. I tried to figure how it would work out. Nick would be introducing himself as my fiancé, and then what? I’d probably have to explain how it happened in the first place.
I was already starting to get overwhelmed, but I was determined not to lose my nerve, so I emailed them back.
Sure. We’ll set something up. Maybe a lunch or dinner. Next time, I would appreciate a little bit of a heads-up if you plan a visit to Boston. It’s a stroke of luck that we’re available this weekend.
There. That didn’t sound too bad.
After sending it, I finally focused on work. I’d signed the NDA last week, and Derek had sent me all the prep files to lookover. Usually, I wouldn’t even hesitate and would tell him I was ready to sink my teeth into this. But right now I had a lot to consider, such as how much extra time this would take and if the remuneration was fair. Derek still hadn’t said anything in regard to that.
At lunch, my mind slid right back to Bob and Sophie’s visit. Nick and I had to figure out some details, so I texted him again.
Allison: We need to talk before the weekend. They’ll want to know details.
Nick: We’ll find a plausible story. But I don’t have time to meet up this week in person, sorry. I’m traveling, visiting possible new locations.