Submit (Surrender #2)(21)
Author: Melody Anne

Chapter Twelve

“I can’t believe you’re leaving us!”

“I’m just moving to another building. I’ll still be in the city,” Ari assured Amber. Although she was saying the words, she knew the truth of the matter — that it would be difficult in the future for her to see her friends.

“You might as well be leaving for another country,” Miley pouted as she hugged Ari.

“You’re all being overly dramatic. I promise you I will somehow make time to see you all as often as possible.” She didn’t know how she was going to make that happen with Rafe’s demanding schedule, but Amber, Miley and Shelly had been good to her and she didn’t want to lose their friendship. It tore at her hear to even imagine that happening.

“If you’re so sure, then let’s go out this Friday,” Amber said with narrowed eyes.

Ari cringed. Rafe had already made plans for Friday, and for pretty much every Friday and Saturday. She had just Sundays to herself.

“I am free on Sunday. Why don’t we meet for lunch?”

“Sunday! That’s no fun at all,” Amber insisted.

“With this new job, Friday and Saturday nights are going to be hard to get away, but I am free on Sundays for sure.”

“He can’t work you six days a week, Ari!”

Ari wished that were true, but she’d known what she was doing when she caved in and accepted Rafe’s offer. She couldn’t even regret it after taking her mother home and watching the joy fill her face.

Sandra hadn’t said a word about any of her missing things. She’d only praised Ari over how nice the house looked. Rafe had hired professional cleaners to scour it from top to bottom, so Ari couldn’t even take credit for that.

“We sure will miss you here, Ari. I know you were with us just a few months, but you have been a real asset to our team,” her boss said as he walked up to their small group with a plate piled high with cake and cookies.

The girls had gone out of their way to give her a beautiful bon voyage party. Ari had been fighting tears all day knowing she wouldn’t walk into these offices anymore and see her friends. She had no idea what was in store for her the next day at the Palazzo building.

She hoped Rafe kept his word and found her an actual job to do, because she hadn’t been bluffing when she’d told him she wouldn’t accept payment to be his mistress. She needed real work, and she wanted to do her best at it — no matter what the position was. If nothing else, working for the Palazzo Corporation would boost her résumé.

“Thank you, Mr. Flander. I will truly miss working for you. You’ve been a wonderful boss.” Ari felt her throat tightening and fell silent. She had made friends here and it was hard to let go.

Since she’d been so focused on her education her entire life, friendships hadn’t come easily for her, and losing that sense of belonging was almost more than she could take. Yet self-pity wasn’t acceptable. How could she regret any sacrifice she made for her mother?

“OK, we’ll quit trying to guilt you. Sunday it is. Don’t you dare try and weasel out on us,” Miley said as she hugged Ari again.

“I am marking my calendar right now,” Ari said. Knowing she got to spend time with her mother and her friends on her days off would make anything Rafe asked of her easier to endure. Her weeks would be exhausting, she was sure, but there would always be something good in store for her at the end.

“I’ve been dragging my feet for an hour, but I’d better go now. There’s a car waiting for me downstairs,” Ari admitted.

“Ooh la la. You have a driver?” Shelly teased.

“It’s not like that. I think Mr. Palazzo was just helping out since my car gave up the ghost and I have to move this heavy box.” Lying to her friends wasn’t easy and Ari felt her cheeks heat. She hoped they didn’t notice and call her on it.

Though Amber gave her a suspicious look, she kept her mouth closed, which Ari was grateful for. After another round of hugs, she lifted her box and started making her way to the exit. Amber followed behind. When they reached the elevator, her friend gripped her arm and stopped until Ari met her eyes.

“You know, if you get in a bind, you can call me. I know our friendship has been all about fun and new adventures, but you’re one of the good ones, Ari, and I’ve been worried about you. If this Rafe Palazzo does anything you don’t like, just call me and I’ll be there for you.”

Ari couldn’t speak for a moment as she looked at Amber. How was she supposed to continue seeing this wonderful woman when she’d be lying to her all the time? It seemed wrong, but she couldn’t tell her the truth. For one thing, Rafe had his stupid confidentiality clause. For another, she was ashamed at what she had been willing to do to give her mother back her home.

“I’m doing well, Amber. I promise you. This promotion is a great thing, and yes, you know, there’s a bit more than meets the eye when it comes to my relationship with Rafe, but I will be OK. I swear I’ll call you if I need you.”

Amber looked at her hard for a few more seconds before giving her one final hug. “You do that.” With that her friend turned around and went back to her desk.

As Ari stepped into the elevator and hit the lobby button for the last time, she fought back tears. Though she knew she’d try to maintain the friendship, it wouldn’t be easy. She might eventually lose these women who’d been there for her during a very difficult time.

Walking slowly through the lobby and out the front door, Ari was surprised when she saw Rafe standing next to the car. What was he doing there?

“Are you OK?” he asked as he quickly walked to her and lifted the box from her arm. The genuine concern in his tone broke down the last of Ari’s defenses, and a couple of tears streaked down her cheeks.

“What is it?” he asked as he handed the box to Mario and pulled her into his arms. What was she supposed to say to him? I’m miserable because you’re making me leave everyone I know behind? She doubted that would go over well.

Rafe helped her into the backseat, then climbed in and quickly pulled her onto his lap as he gently brushed back her hair and allowed her to cry.

“Ari, talk to me.”

“I liked my job. It just really sucks to have to leave it,” she admitted. Rafe stiffened for a moment before his frame relaxed.

“You’ll like your new position, too. I’ve put you in my charity department. You’ll be picking organizations to give money to, and also going around to hand the money out and visit the projects we fund.”