Isn't It Bromantic (Bromance Book Club #4) by Lyssa Kay Adams

            “Because I want to work. I want to do something that matters. I have something important I’ve been working on.”

            “I understand. I didn’t mean to insult you. I just—” Gretchen cut herself off with a sigh. She stood, walked to one of several file cabinets lining the wall of her office, and opened the top drawer of the first. “See this?” She turned around. “This is just the As. These are people I am currently representing or have represented, hardworking people who want the chance to stay and work in the United States just like you. The difference is”—she slid the drawer shut — “they have no options. They are driven by desperation.”

            She returned to her chair.

            “The American immigration system is designed specifically to cater to people like you. Rich, white people from equally rich, white countries. You are in very little risk of being deported. Your husband was able to cut to the front of a very, very long line simply because he can play hockey. Americans love immigrants like you.”

            “You don’t seem to like my husband and me very much.”

            “What I dislike is the system that gives you the ability to explore your options to best suit your needs, when the majority of immigrants to our country have almost no options.”

            “Even for refugees?”

            Gretchen snorted in an ugly way. “The word is almost meaningless.” She tilted her head and studied Elena. “There are ways to make a difference here without violating your visa, Elena. That is what you’re trying to figure out, correct?”

            Elena nodded. She just had been too skittish to say it out loud. It still felt so sudden. The thought of leaving now, well, she couldn’t stand to think about it. But how could she turn her back on everything she’d worked for? How could she turn her back on the women like Marta? How could she turn her back on her father?

            “There are plenty of nonprofits who need volunteers, and someone with your skills would be incredibly valuable. Your language skills alone would be vital. I know it wouldn’t be the same as earning money for your work, but you could still accomplish some of the things that are important to you.”

            Gretchen glanced at her watch. “I’m afraid I have to cut this short. I have another meeting in ten minutes. But I can assure you, if you are looking for ways to use your journalism skills to help clients like mine, the need is endless.”

            Elena thanked Gretchen for her time. She didn’t get any real answers, but she got enough for her brain to start turning.

            She’d just gotten back into her car when her phone rang. Assuming it was Vlad, she answered immediately.

            “Elena, it’s Yev.”

            Her free hand white-knuckled the steering wheel. “Yev. Hello.”

            He chuckled. “You sound nervous.”

            “Yes, to be honest.” At least that wasn’t a lie.

            “Well, no need. I’m very pleased to be making this call.”

            “Oh . . .” She sounded breathless, like a little girl.

            “Is everything okay? Did I catch you at a bad time?”

            Yep. Totally bad time. Because her entire life and what she thought she knew and wanted had changed in the past week. “Of course not,” she breathed. “This is perfect.”

            “Good,” Yev said. “Because I would like to officially offer you a job.”

            A sensation she hadn’t been prepared for greeted his words. Disappointment. “Thank you. That is . . . wow.”

            “We understand that it is a big move from America, so we don’t expect you immediately. But do you think you can start in a month?”

            A sour taste stung the back of her tongue. “A month?”

            “If you need more time, we can make that work.”

            “Um, no, that’s not it.”

            “You’re sure you’re okay?”

            Elena winced but then reminded herself this was a man she’d known all her life. “Yev, I am so grateful for the job offer, but I actually think I will have to decline.”