The Proposal (Forever Bound Book 2) by Bree Callahan

scream.  “It pays thirty thousand a year.”  Then things came to a screeching halt.  That was half of what she made working with Derek.  The thought alone scared her out of her mind, but the good thing was she was not going to have to face him.
    “That’s perfect!” she said, lying flat out.
    “Great! As we stated before, we’ll give you the two weeks to give notice.  Will that be enough time?”
    Charity didn’t take even a second to answer that question.  “Honestly, I could start next Monday if you would prefer.”  It would’ve been too obvious if she had suggested starting Tuesday, so she thought this would work best.
    “If you’re sure Mayor Worthington wouldn’t mind, that would be great.”
    “He won’t mind at all,” Charity lied.  She thanked Evelyn for calling her, then jumped with enthusiasm.  She glanced at her watch.  It was just before five and Damian wouldn’t be home until after six o’clock.  She slid her contact list down to Damian’s information and pulled up the text message.  She sent him a quick text.
     
    Charity:  Available when you get off work?  I have some news that requires some celebration.
     
    She added a smiley face emoji and then hit send.  It wasn’t even thirty seconds that she was leaving a response back.
     
    Damian:  I’ll provide the wine and see you six thirty?
     
    She twirled around the apartment, nearly bumping into Ana as she exited her bedroom.  “Someone’s in a good mood,” Ana replied with a chuckle.
    Charity grabbed Ana by her shoulders and twirled her in the living room.  They fell into a fit of giggles, landing on the couch.  “I. Just. Got. Another. Job.” Charity spoke in staccato fashion.
    Ana’s jaw dropped.  “You’re quitting the job with Derek.  That will put him in a bind, won’t it?”
    Charity laughed, shrugging.  “I suppose so, but come on…who’s fault is it?”
    Ana frowned.  “I get you want to punish him…”
    “I’m not trying to punish him,” Charity quickly stated.  “Yes, he infuriates me, but this job will be the best thing to come out of the lies and deceit.”
    Ana crossed her arms, giving Charity a, you’re lying, look.  “So, you’re getting a pay increase?”  Charity tilted her head and stared at Ana and Ana nodded, shooting her a knowing expression.  “So, you’re not getting a pay increase?”  She shook her head.  “Don’t answer that.  It’s pretty obvious.  Are you losing more than five thousand dollars a year?” she asked.
    Charity didn’t care what Ana said, she wasn’t going to ruin this moment for her.  “I’m making more than Bill’s Diner,” Charity shot back.
    Ana laughed.  “That’s not saying much, is it?”  Ana heaved a sigh.  “I can’t tell you what to do, as I’m not your mother, and you’re of age, but I speak to you as a friend and Charity there comes a time when you have to be practical.  You just signed on the dotted line for this place and while I would never let you get kicked out on your ass…sooner or later my money is going to run out, too, and my parents can only help out for so long.”
    “I’m not asking for your money, and I’m not asking for your parent’s help,” Charity quietly reacted.
    Ana smiled.  “I know, but you might not have any choice.”  She got up from the couch and headed back into the bedroom.  Charity just continued to sit there and think about Ana’s words.  She needed the support, not the slap back into reality. 
    She stood up and went back to the box, where she had left it half opened.  She opened it up and pulled out some pictures she had packed away.  Damian would make her feel better.  She was sure of it, and she couldn’t wait to talk to him about it.
     

Chapter 6
     
    After Derek’s afternoon meetings, he decided to leave work for the day.  The only problem was, as he decided to leave, he got into his car and didn’t go home.  He found himself heading back to Charity’s new