CHAPTER SEVEN
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Ethan's POV
I stared at the email for a long time.
San Francisco. Salary. Stability. Distance.
All the things I thought I needed before Avery taught me that running wasn't the same as healing.
I opened a blank reply.
My hands shook.
Then I typed.
Subject
Regarding the Post-Graduation Offer
Dear Ms. Harrington,
Thank you again for the offer and for the confidence you've shown in my work. It truly means a lot.
After a great deal of thought, I've realized that relocating at this time isn't the right decision for me. Over the past year, I've learned that stability isn't just about career growth, but about building a life I don't have to escape from.
Because of that, I need to respectfully decline the San Francisco position.
I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity and hope our paths cross again in the future.
Sincerely,
Ethan Blake
I hit Send before I could overthink it.
Then I exhaled.
For the first time in a long time, I felt… steady.
Two Days Later
My phone buzzed during senior seminar.
Unknown Number
I stepped outside.
"Ethan Blake?"
"Yes."
"This is Ms. Harrington. We received your email."
My stomach dropped.
"We don't want to lose you."
I leaned against the wall.
She continued, "We're opening a new satellite office thirty minutes from your campus. Same salary. Same role. No relocation required."
I went silent.
"If you're still interested," she said, "the position is yours."
I didn't hesitate.
"Yes," I said. "I am."
Avery's POV
I was in the quad when Ethan found me.
Graduation caps littered the grass. Jordan was attempting to juggle three of them and failing miserably.
I heard my name.
"Avery."
I turned.
He looked… different.
Lighter.
"I declined the job," he said.
My heart stopped.
"And they offered me one here," he added quickly. "Nearby. I accepted."
My mouth opened.
Closed.
Opened again.
"You— what?"
"I chose to stay," he said. "Not because I'm afraid. Because I'm ready."
I stared at him.
Then I hit his chest.
Hard.
"You absolute idiot," I said, laughing and crying at the same time. "Do you know what you put me through?"
He smiled. "Yes. I deserve that."
Ethan
She was shaking.
"So," I said softly, "if you're willing… I'd like to stop running."
She stepped closer.
"You don't get to leave when things get scary," she said. "That's the rule."
"I won't," I promised.
Jordan cleared his throat loudly.
"Are we witnessing a rom-com climax or should I get popcorn?"
Avery laughed through tears.
Avery
I grabbed Ethan's collar and kissed him.
Right there.
Applause broke out. Someone cheered. Jordan bowed.
When we pulled back, I rested my forehead against his.
"So," I said. "What are we now?"
He smiled — calm, certain.
"We're staying."
I grinned. "Good. I hate long-distance."