"Um, not to repeat you again but why are you only "pretty sure" you're in love with him?" She used air quotes when she repeated my words, which made me smile.
"Because I've never been in love before so I can't be certain."
Trudy studied me and tilted her head to one side. "My mama always said that the best way to tell if it was real love is to think of every single thing they've ever done to annoy you or hurt you and if you still can't imagine your life without them, you're a goner."
I had to laugh. I'd have to give that a shot.
"So you're really quitting?" she asked. "You weren't just saying that?"
I shook my head. "I wasn't sure until we talked this morning. It's been in the back of my mind that I didn't want to leave Farley for a while now, but I realized this morning that I don't like my job anymore. I don't enjoy coming to work like I used to."
Trudy nodded.
"Do you have another job lined up?" I asked her.
She shook her head.
"I'll put some feelers out, see if I can give you a hand," I stated.
Trudy smiled at me. "That would be great."
"Until then, if you want some part-time work to tide you over, I need someone to help me organize my move."
"I can do that," she said.
We smiled at each other until the phone on my desk rang. I picked it up, "This is Sierra Watkins."
"Ms. Watkins, this is Sarah, Mr. Connolly's assistant. He'd like to see you in his office."
"I'll be there in a few moments."
I hung up. "I'm about to go apologize to Mr. Connolly. Wish me luck."
Trudy shook her head. "You won't need it. Mr. Connolly is a good man."
I normally would have agreed with her, but he looked pissed as hell when he walked out of the conference room with Barnes.
"Would you mind finding me some boxes or bags or something to put my things in? Once I leave today, I'd prefer not to come back."
"You got it, boss," she said.
I shook my head as she left my office, heading in the opposite direction of where I really wanted to be going.
I steadied myself and headed to Mr. Connolly's corner office. This was only my second time there, the first being when I was informed about my promotion.
I had to pass Barnes' office on the way and his door was shut tight and the blinds over the glass wall between the hall and his office were drawn. The lights were on, so he was probably inside. His assistant looked stressed as I passed her.
Shit, she would probably get the heat for my actions. I'd have to send her a huge bouquet of flowers or gift card or something as an apology. Maybe a case of wine.
When I approached Mr. Connolly's office, his assistant, Sarah, looked up and smiled at me. "You can go on in, he's waiting on you."
His door was open and when I appeared, Connolly waved me inside.
"Please come in and shut the door behind you."
He no longer looked iced over as he had earlier, but his expression was stern.
I did as he asked then went to stand by his desk, my hands clasped in front of me. "I would like to apologize for my behavior in the meeting earlier," I began. "It was unprofessional, and I shouldn't have blown up like I did. I'm sorry I made a scene."
