want you to know I don’t have a job. And that I’m living at my sister’s place until I can get back on my feet. I’m embarrassed.”
Surprised, she sucked in a breath. “Are you serious?”
He hung his head. “It sucks, I know.”
She waved her hand in the air. “No, I mean are you serious that you thought I wouldn’t want you because your life isn’t perfect right now?”
“I don’t have much to offer,” he said.
She stepped closer to him. “I love—loved—you. It doesn’t matter what you do. I don’t know why you thought you had to get that promotion to prove something to me.”
“I was stupid. I thought I had to get my career rolling before I could focus on love. I needed to show you I could support us even without your money. But I put so much work into my career, and nothing into our relationship. Is it too late?”
“I’m going to puke,” Monica said behind them.
“Shut it unless you want to lose your live-in babysitter,” Ian said.
Monica pushed the baby stroller and stood in front of them. “Why don’t you two take our dinner reservation?” The sarcasm was gone from her voice. “Please. He’s been miserable since you stopped by. Take him off my hands for the love of God.”
“Could you possibly give me a second chance?” Ian asked.
Aubrey stopped smiling and took on her most serious tone. “That depends on how much of your dinner you share.” She looped her arm in his and headed inside the restaurant.
***
Three hours later, they’d left the restaurant and were back her place, sitting on the couch, chatting about the past and planning for the future. “I’ll help you with your resume. We’ll find another job for you,” Aubrey said. “You know we don’t have to worry about money. Not with my inheritance.”
“I need to work, Aubrey. I want to work.” Smiling, he put his arm around her. “And I’m sure you’ll help me figure something out. You have good ideas and you’re persistent.”
She looked down and knew she was blushing. “And I do have this big apartment if things get too crowded at your sister’s place. You could have your own room. But, it’s not like this is a new relationship. I say we pick up right where we left off.”
“No.”
She jerked away and balled up her fists. “See? There I go again, trying too hard to make it work.”
He pulled her back to him. “No, you’re perfect, Aubrey. I meant we’re not going to pick up where we left off, because I wasn’t giving enough to our relationship. We’re going to start off better than we were. I promise to try harder this time, Aubrey. I’m not going to lose you again. And living with you sounds great, if that’s what you want.”
She leaned in for a kiss then stopped and snapped her fingers. “We’ll set up a facebook page for you—Ten Reasons to Hire Ian.”
Shaking his head, he laughed. “I like it. But you know what I like better right now? Ten Reasons To Shut Up and Kiss Me.”
“Oh.” And she leaned in for a beautiful kiss that was the perfect blend of past, present, and the promise of a perfect future.
After a few moments, she broke off the kiss. “Hang on a minute. Let’s pretend today is Valentine’s Day. I’ve got an unopened box of chocolates to share with you. Will you eat the maple nougats? I hate them.”
“I’ll even eat the jelly ones you don’t like.”
She leaned against his shoulder. “Now that’s working hard for our relationship.”
***
The next morning at work, Aubrey called Diana to cancel their appointment. “I’m back together with Ian and happier than ever,” Aubrey told her. “I really think he’s the one. I hate to say it, but I don’t need your help anymore. Of course, we can gradually cut back on my visits if that’s easier for you. I feel like we’re breaking up.”
“You don’t want to see me anymore?” Diana asked.
Aubrey nibbled her lip. “No, sorry.”
“Sorry? Thank god. Now I can quit,” Diana said.
“Hey, I was kidding about that. You need to keep helping people. You helped me so much.”
“No, I’m really going to quit. I signed a book deal on finding love. I’ve been transferring all my clients to other therapists. You’re my last one.”
“Seriously? Congratulations! What’s the book about?” Aubrey asked, while Debbie, the other receptionist, shooshed her.
“You helped inspire it: An Exit Survey for your Ex: Learning from your breakups.” I hope you’ll let me interview