Page 41 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess

I look at his card, then back at him.

"Please, give me a few days, okay? This isn’t an easy decision."

"Of course." Gabriel walks to my apartment door, opens it, and turns back to me. I follow him, nervous. "There are three more reasons why I chose you. First: Rosie likes you. Second: I’ve seen how you are when I get you mad. And third: I’ve seen you without makeup in a unicorn pajama. It really can’t get any worse." His cheeky grin makes me laugh.

"You’re an idiot."

"Have a nice Sunday." Smiling, he leaves and closes the door behind him. I’m alone again, but in my head, there’s total chaos. Having a mother like Catherine must be terrible, I imagine.

1.5 million pounds.

So much time. So much money. My parents’ worries would disappear in one stroke. Mine too. And Rosie would have a better future.

No matter how I look at it, the negatives keep fading, and the positives keep moving forward.

Honestly, I probably should’ve said yes immediately.

What am I going to do now? I never wanted to see Gabriel again. If I moved in and worked with him, he’d be around every day. That’s not a good idea…

But the money. That sweet, tempting money.

If only someone could decide for me... but I have to figure it out myself.

In the evening, I call my parents. I want to get a sense if I’m making the right choice.

They tell me about their high bills and thank me for sending money repeatedly. I can hear that it’s really tight.

I don’t need to know more.

I call Gabriel shortly after nine.

"Hey." I swallow and pace nervously.

"You’ve made a decision?" he asks, relaxed.

"I need a trial week. Then I’ll accept or decline. But I’m leaning toward yes."

"You can definitely have a trial week. Starting tomorrow morning, or do you want to come to my house tonight? I’m not at the apartment right now."

I hesitate.

"I was about to cook something," he says.

"I’d help a bit in the company, and when Rosie’s here, I’ll take care of her, right?"

"Exactly."

"And I get my own room?"

"Right."

"One I can lock?"

"Of course."

"And you’ll pay me for the trial week?"

"Sure."