“Now you’re just not playing fair,” I grumble. “I literally just graduated mere months ago, I’m not about to shack up with you, so I can have food and shelter… come on, Finn. I love you. But I also need to know I can make it on my own.”
Kissing the tip of my nose, he says, “And that’s what I love about you.”
“Raven!” Tonya hollers and points to a couple just entering.
“And that’s my cue to go back to work,” I sigh heavily.
As I stand to go, he reaches for my hand. “Promise me this conversation isn’t over.”
“I promise.”
The next morningwas hell leaving Finn in bed. After I closed the bar last night, he managed to turn my mood around, and we found the best way to celebrate his touring with Riser in bed until just a few hours ago.
It’s later than usual when I trudge into the kitchen for my morning cup of coffee. While I wait for it to brew, I pop onto my laptop to check some emails and get started with some design work I have due later this week. I know I won’t have much time with everyone coming over for lunch later to celebrate the guys’ tour, so I need to get moving if I want to make progress.
When I open my email, I’m not surprised to see one from Tara at the record label. The subject saysBig News. Thinking that it’s in reference to the upcoming tour, I skip over it and go to the one I’ve been waiting to hear back from so I can finish this design today. After reading through the specs on what the bridal store needs for the design they’ve hired me for, I feel confident I can knock out this project in a few hours.
When my coffee’s ready, I quickly grab one of the largest mugs in the cupboard and fill it. I need caffeine and lots of it if I’m going to finish this project, spend time with my family, and work later tonight.
So I can stay focused on my project in hand, I quickly click on the email from Tara to make sure she doesn’t need anything. The moment I start reading, I nearly spit coffee over my computer.
Hey Raven,
I’ll have all the details later, but I want to be the first to congratulate you!
After showing the other execs your recent work for us, they were beyond thrilled with your designs. You capture the essence of our brand, and we’d like nothing more than for your company to continue working for Smashing Waves Records but on a permanent basis. I’m still waiting for something official from HR but couldn’t wait to share this news.
Before you ask, I want to assure you, you’ll still be able to work from home and attend to your other clients. However, we may need you to hop into more calls or travel to meet the needs of our bands when needed.
I’ll be in touch with you about the specifics once I get a contract for you to look at.
Tara
I have to read through it twice to fully comprehend the message. When it finally sinks in, I jump off my stool with joy. “Holy shit! I did it!”
Sprinting upstairs, I fling open my bedroom door.
Finn is sound asleep, lying on his stomach. His muscular arms wrap around the pillow, and the blankets rest at his hips. He doesn’t even move as I bound across the floor.
“Finn… wake up!” I shout, crawling up the bed. Before he can turn over, I’m bear hugging the crap out of him from behind. “You’re never gonna believe what happened!”
“You’ve drank too much coffee, and now you’re higher than a kite?” he groggily asks, spinning around to face me.
“I freaking did it! I just landed my dream job! And the best part is, I can work from home… meaning I can work from literally anywhere. If the offer still stands… it means I can go with you!”
Pulling me close, he squeezes the breath out of me. “Where is it?”
“You’re never gonna believe it… I’m working for Smashing Waves Records. I don’t know the specifics as HR is sending something over soon. But they said it will be more of an ongoing basis, and I can still have other clients!”
“Ohmigod, Raven! That’s incredible.” Reaching for my face, he pulls me down and kisses me hard. It’s filled with so much energy and love, I lose all track of time.
Eventually, he breaks our kiss to look me in the eye. “For the record, Raven, if I have my way, you’ll never have to worry about me leaving you again.”
My heart floods with so many emotions, it nearly bursts out of my chest.
“I’m gonna hold you to it, Finn McGowen, because I love you!”
Lizzy
