The Only Choice (The Choices Trilogy #3) by Dee Palmer Page A

haven’t actually told anyone I was fired, opting for the less shameful excuse that it was a temporary internship that proved to be a little more temporary than I had anticipated. Tom asks me directly what my plans are for the summer. I outline my thoughts, such as they are. I am working back at the restaurant, mostly covering holidays and I will do this until the wedding and then I think I’ll maybe do some travelling. He smiles warmly at this because he knows this new information is directly a result of his generosity and my reluctant acceptance. I have since graciously accepted an allowance similar to the one Ethan receives. It was hard for me but made easier after my talk with Ethan and even easier when I saw the genuine delight on Tom’s face. I have declined the offer of the apartment. I thought I would be taking him up on it if Marco had, in fact, proposed to Rose but I am happier to be staying with Marco. At least until the baby is born. I am not sure how having a baby would fit with the Batchelor image he maintains and cultivates but I’ll cross that bridge another day.
    The waiter brings my water and Tom a cappuccino. I sit a little further back, my sense of smell has become super sensitive and I am struggling with my reaction to all things coffee flavoured but with a little effort I can hold back any involuntary convulsions. A few breaths through my mouth, the unpleasant swell of nausea passes and I can take a sip of my drink.
    “You must speak with Ethan before you go off anywhere. There is pretty much nowhere he hasn’t been and he’s like a personal Lonely Planet guide when it comes to travelling alone.” His tone clearly highlights his reservations regarding my plans but he is also reticent to express his obvious worry. He is still unsure the father daughter boundaries and it makes me smile, even if his concern is unwarranted. “In fact why don’t you two go together, I know he was planning another trip maybe you—”
    I wave my hand to stop him before that line of thinking can develop further. “I will speak to him but really with everything that has happened I just want a little time to myself. It’s been an eventful year.” My voice is soft as I muse aloud, “and I need some time to process.” I smile to ease the concern on his face. “I will be fine but I really want to do this on my own.”
    “Ok but I don’t have to like it.” He grumbles.
    I scoff. “Oh don’t worry you won’t be alone there, I haven’t had the courage to mention it to anyone yet. I thought I’d leave it until the wedding, when everyone is three sheets to the wind.” We chuckle together and he squeezes my hand but drops the subject. “But I will speak to Ethan before I make firm arrangements.”
    “Good but you will have to call him during the day. The evenings have been off limits since he met his new mystery lady.” Tom wiggles his brow.
    “Mystery lady. . . . hmmm?” I chuckle to myself. I swear it should be Ethan and Marco who are twins with their prolific and carefree dating.
    “Honestly, I rarely ask anymore. As soon as I learn a young lady’s name he has moved on to the next. Still you are only young once . . . as I am sure you will discover this summer. Travelling is such an adventure.” His smile is bright and filled with encouragement. “Speaking of the summer, you know you could always work for me until you travel. I bet the pay would be better.” He beams and I can see where Ethan gets his killer smile. There is nothing genetic there, it is just full-on confidence.
    “Well, I could see why you would want to hire me, what with my in-depth knowledge in construction and all?” I quip sarcastically with a raised brow.
    He laughs. “I thought interns are meant to be trained . . . you’re not supposed to have an in depth understanding.” He challenges, his back straightens and his whole aura has shifted from relaxed and casual to something much more formidable. He is gearing himself up for a