Page 68 of Out of Office
“And you are, but you had a reason for it.” I grinned. “I’ma need your help, though. I need to call someone about a job and go home and marry my husband.”
Twenty-Eight
Adrián
For a second, I’d imagined what it would be to be an architect again—consulting on worthwhile projects, traveling to Panamá, and affording to see my family often, setting the proper boundaries to allow my marriage to flourish with Genevieve.
For a second, I imagined all of that; then, I let it go.
Every single part of the dream was important but not as essential as my life with Gen.
I knew she was disappointed. I understood she had an image of us—the power couple taking over and revitalizing our communities with our corporate overlords, but that had never been my dream. What I wanted for both of us was a good life, where we could prioritize our time together. I thought she’d understood that; I could see her making strides, but when worked called, she answered. I got it, I really did.
She’d worked too hard to get to where she was. The thing was I’d worked equally as hard on myself as well, and I wasn’t going to compromise my marriage for a job.
It would always be just a job.
Exciting? Yes. Fulfilling? Yes. However, it still was just a job.
But a marriage? I planned to have one of those only. I planned to love Gen hard and deeply and prioritizing that was the easiest thing I ever did.
“Hello, Adrián, how are you? Hoping you are coming to give me good news?” Ricard approached me in the reception area, looking poised in a two-piece suit that made my chest ache for Genevieve. She was probably on her way to her meeting, going to pitch the Tropics Colón to someone that hopefully would be the right fit. I couldn’t lie; the fact that she had prioritized the trip over our ceremony, no matter how simple, stung. I’d planned to surprise her with flower arrangements, had bought her a dress with Anita’s assistance, and had planned a little party in a restaurant Gino had recommended, with Gino’s and Lissette’s help, but had called the whole thing off this morning.
I stood up and shook hands with Ricard, attempting to leave my hurt feelings behind. She and I would marry...eventually, but I wondered if I would ever be a priority?
“So, are you going to leave me in suspense? I have your contract drawn and ready for your signature, cocky I know, but—”
The scent of cinnamon and honey insinuated itself in the room, tricking me to believe Genevieve stood beside me. I closed my eyes briefly, and my fingers tingled in awareness.
Ricard stopped talking as she stared past me, and before I turned, I knew.
“Hola, Adri.” Gen stood there, dressed in jeans and a blouse. No makeup, a gorgeous apparition.
“What—”
“What are you doing here, Genevieve? Wasn’t the meeting with Morrison today?” Ricard asked alarmed, her poise lost for a second.
“No, he was gracious enough to move it to Thursday,” Gen explained but never stopped watching me. She nodded once, then grinned, making my chest expand.
“I’m here to put in my two weeks’ notice, Ms. Ricard. I have found a new opportunity more suited to the life I want to lead. I did secure Morrison’s interest. He is awaiting your call whenever you’re ready.” I gaped at Gen as she stood serene in her choice. Whatever she had decided had filled her with a peace I hadn’t noticed since our best days in Aguimar.
“I’m disappointed to hear that, Genevieve, I thought you were happy with your promotion, that you were flourishing?” Ricard asked, confused, walking closer to Gen.
“I was satisfied because it was what I expected to happen, but it wasn’t what my heart wanted. Once I listened to my heart—” she gazed at me with so much love, my throat closed up in emotion “—I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to spend time with my husband, with our family, without worries.”
“I... I cannot pretend I understand. I’m very disappointed. You had so much potential...” Ricard shook her head in dismay.
“I have potential,” Genevieve asserted, growing taller as she spoke. “I have the potential to love, to care for my well-being and my loved ones, to be passionate about what I do. I have the potential to evolve and want different things than I wanted before. Thank you for all you did for me. I’ll always be grateful, but now is time for another chapter in my life.”
I stood stunned, unable to articulate how proud I was of Genevieve. I would support her no matter what she wanted. I would support her going to another corporate job. I would support anything she wanted as long as she was happy.
“So, I’m doing what is right for me. What will you do?” Gen turned to me with a quizzical look, her gentle nudging all the support I needed.
“Ricard, I’ll be back to sign that document, but for now I need time with my future wife,” I explained, and Ricard threw her hands up.
“Well, I guess I have to be glad at least you’re on board... but good for you both. Progress is meant to look and feel different for each of us. All I ever wanted was to create opportunities...we’re all lucky that we’re expanding the view of what success looks like. The two of you look damn prosperous to me from where I’m standing. Now go. Didn’t y’all have something to do?” Ricard asked.
“Come, we have a wedding to attend.” Genevieve reached out her hand to me, beaming. A roar of satisfaction filled all my senses as I took Gen’s hand in mine.