Avery snorted. “You could say that.”
“So we’re making some changes.”
“You’re finally going to listen to me?”
He sighed. “In a manner of speaking.”
That didn’t exactly sound like a yes. “What does that mean?”
“I hope you understand I’ve worked hard for what we have. It took me a long time to build up the business.”
Impatience, along with the lingering anxiety from his phone call, made Avery twitchy. He and Theo kept having this conversation. Avery made suggestions and Uncle Theo talked about the good old days without ever actually listening. Avery had hoped he could help Uncle Theo see reason, but he had also hoped his parents would accept his sexuality. Maybe hope wasn’t enough.
“The business is dying. We need to do something now. How much longer are you going to be able to keep paying Meredith?” He’d never spelled it out quite like that. If Uncle Theo wouldn’t change for him, maybe he’d change to save Meredith’s job.
“It might still be—”
“It’s not a dip! We’re not going to get better if something doesn’t change. Why won’t you listen to me?” Wanda would listen to him. He should tell Uncle Theo he’d been headhunted.
“Sometimes change is difficult.”
It could be. He didn’t know what it would be like, working somewhere else, but if he was valued there, if he could make suggestions and be heard, then maybe it was time.
“I applied for another job,” he blurted.
“Oh.” Uncle Theo leaned back in his chair like Avery had punched him, which was pretty much how Avery felt too. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them.
“Uncle Theo, I—”
“It’s fine. It’s what I told you to do, isn’t it? A young man like you. Understandable you’d want to try somewhere else. A sleepy place like this can’t hold much interest long-term.”
He wanted to cry. Or throw up. Or both. He’d give himself another migraine, but maybe he deserved that. “I’m sorry.”
His uncle nodded. “Just an application for now, right? Let’s not tell your aunt until it’s official, okay?”
Oh, God. Aunt Brenda. She’d be heartbroken. First he’d moved out. Now he was going to quit his job.
“I might not get it,” he said quietly.
Uncle Theo shook his head. “You will. You were always too smart for this place.”
Avery spun and left the office before he could hurt either of them more.
Meredith was watching from her desk. Uncle Theo’s office was pretty soundproof, but she’d know they’d been arguing. Avery couldn’t meet her eyes. He packed up his laptop and headed out the door. As he hit the street, he pulled out his phone and dialed Linc’s number.
“Hey.” Linc’s voice was deep and so welcome amid Avery’s swirling thoughts.
“How’s your day going?”
“Pretty shit-tastic, actually. You?”
Perfect.“What time does your shift end?”
“Nine.”
“Meet me at Fitz’s.”
“What? Why?”
