Page 100 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

I hesitate while he laughs, amused, and Alex frowns.

What a mess. And I’d just been thinking that a question might come up that could get me into trouble!

My cheeks flare and I sit there with my mouth open, which only makes him grin more broadly.

"Interesting."

"It's not... it..." I stammer. No, there's no way out of this.

Such a damn mess!

"You've got the job," he suddenly announces, much to Alexander's and my surprise. Matthias nods to me and says: "Your references are enough for me. And I like you. You can start with me on Monday the week after next."

My probation ends on Friday. It would be a perfect transition.

I look at Alex, who should really say something now. But he remains silent.

"I would be very pleased," I murmur, embarrassed.

He's not saying anything even now. So, he's really letting me go? Just like that? Fuck, it hurts infinitely that he's ignoring me like this. I look away dejectedly, then take a deep breath and look back at Matthias.

To hell with it.

"Or you sign with me," Alexander finally says. I look at him hopefully. "You'll get your permanent contract on Monday."

"I'll pay you two thousand more than your old job," Matthias offers me.

"Make your decision," Alexander demands, looking at me grimly. Matthias just smiles.

The stupid thing is that my heart and my mind are telling me two completely different things. My heart says I should stay with Alexander, even if he doesn't love me, but my mind says I have to leave.

"I choose Matthias." I look at him, stand up and offer my hand. "I'll come to your office on Monday after my regular work and sign the contract."

Alexander doesn't flinch while Matthias stands up and takes my hand.

"That was the best choice you could have made, London." He lets go and puts his phone in his pocket. "However, I have to decline."

What?

Alexander isn't the only one looking confused.

"But..." I'm still standing there, not knowing what to do now.

"I've already eaten. If you want to order something, it's on me. I'll leave you two alone. You certainly have a lot to discuss." He nods politely to both of us and then leaves.

I expected many things, but certainly not this. I stare at the roughly plastered wall, the green plants and the Greek ambiance. The vaulted ceiling makes the room seem enormous. There's no window, but there is a statue modeled after the Venus de Milo.

I swallow nervously and sit down again.

What now?

Just a moment later, there's a knock at the door. Alexander calls the person to come in. It's an older server. She asks us what we would like and brings us the menus.

"I'll have water, please. Sparkling, with ice and a slice of lemon," I say and look at Alexander.

"Green tea."

The lady leaves us alone again and closes the door behind her while I open the menu. I simply don't know what to do, so I fidget with it. Alexander, on the other hand, doesn't move, which I can see very well from the corner of my eye.