“It’s weird to look for jobs. I don’t know what Metric will say or if they’ll give me a reference.”
“You got really lucky right out of school, Ivy. Maybe your bosses at Metric won’t give you a reference, but your coworkers will.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Anytime. And don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. I know you love Vancouver, but look everywhere, even in Calgary.”
Ivy laughed. “You just want me closer.”
“Can you blame me?” She could hear the smile in her mom’s voice. “Call me later. Let me know how it went.”
“I will. Tell Daddy I’ll call him tonight.” Ivy said.
“Better tomorrow. You know he isn’t going to stop working until the job is done and then come in and crash on the couch.”
“Yeah.” Ivy’s throat grew tight. Her parents had been together forever, and she wished her relationship could have that kind of familiarity.
“Break a leg, Ivy,” her mom said.
“Bye, Mom.” Ivy clicked off, feeling lighter, determined. She finished her coffee and packed her laptop bag. Her cell buzzed as she stepped out the door.
“Well, hello, roomie. You remembered me.”
“I am a horrible,awfulperson. Can you ever forgive me?” Holton asked.
“You’re not awful,” Ivy said as she stepped into the elevator.
“Yes, I am. You didn’t have to leave, and they aren’t moving in right away. You have until the end of the month, even longer if you need it. I did the same thing Gabe did to you.”
Ivy sighed. That thought had crossed her mind. “Not samesies at all. You didn’t promise to love me, take care of me, and protect me. You had a break you’ve been longing for and got caught up in a whirlwind.”
“Cake tonight?” Holton offered.
“Yes, you can bribe me with cake.”
“See you at seven,” Holton said.
Shaking her head, Ivy smiled, pushing open the doors to the bright sunshine.
Taking her time, she wandered through the neighbourhood, stopping at the fancy clothing store. The woman inside recognized her and asked if she needed anything.
“Just browsing today,” Ivy said, fingering a well-cut pair of pants with a beautiful matching dove grey blazer. She loved buying clothes from this place and had many pieces from the high-end store in her closet.
She waved on her way out. Maybe she’d get a callback and then buy that suit for her interview.
As she rounded the corner to her favourite coffee shop, she stopped as she caught a flash of red hair through the window. Ella Riddell, Zee’s wife, was sitting at a table in the corner, next to a woman with curly black hair and glasses. Ivy bit her lip. She couldn’t go in there and face Ella, not after that interview with Zee.
Ivy recognized the curly-haired woman as Josie, the caterer who made fantastic bread and catered a few dinners for the Bandit Brothers.
She started to turn, to head home.
“Excuse me.” A woman with a stroller was trying to get through the doorway, right where Ivy stood.
Ivy moved back, opening the door, so she didn’t run into the woman. Because that’s all she needed, to run over a baby. She snorted.
Standing in line, she focused ahead, not looking over at the table.
She ordered a decaffeinated ice tea and a blueberry scone.
