It was a tenacious mindset, a loud alarm urging him to refuse the promotion. Did he truly want to trade his dreams for a career at an insurance company that had just fired five people like they were nothing but rodents? Why did it feel as though he were making the biggest mistake of his life?
William stopped and dropped onto a bench. He took a few deep breaths to calm the anxiety swelling in his chest, focusing on the mouthwatering scents of the coffee shop across the street. It had been like this all afternoon—elation, anger, and fear in a never-ending loop. And guilt, for having been offered a promotion when five of his colleagues had lost their jobs.
Why couldn’t anything in life ever be simple?
He watched patrons walk in and out of the coffee shop, trying to see past appearances. How many of these people were happy? How many had achieved their dreams?
How many were grieving the person they’d never become?
William stood up and walked the remaining distance to Oliver’s place. Enough thinking for today. He was going to have a nice meal, a relaxing evening, and a good night’s sleep.
And tomorrow morning, he was going to accept Amanda’s offer.
William knocked on Oliver’s door and let himself in. He found the two men seated at the table, sipping tea and playing Scrabble. He gave the game a pointed look and pretended to gag.
Oliver huffed. “Suit yourself if you don’t like having fun.”
“Nerds,” William said with a teasing smile. He didn’t really hate the game, but he wasn’t a fan of getting his ass handed to him every time he measured himself against Oliver. That brain could cram so many words into it.
Adathan chuckled. “Are we leaving now, William?”
“You can finish your game,” William said, taking a seat next to Oliver. Judging from the number of tiles on the board, they didn’t have long left.
What the hell does Azoic mean?
“Nah, it’s fine,” Oliver said, stretching his back. “He was kicking my butt anyway.”
William lifted his eyebrows and looked at Adathan, who was biting his lip sheepishly. “Well, well, well,” William said. “It seems you’ve finally found yourself a worthy opponent.”
Adathan stood up. “I’ll go to the bathroom before we leave.”
William watched him walk away, waiting for him to shut the door before leaning close to Oliver. “How’d it go?” he whispered.
“It went well. He’s a wonderful person. Truly.”
“But you’re tired,” William said softly.
Oliver made a small grimace. “Yeah.” He shook his head. “But it has nothing to do with him. He’s great company. It’s just been so long since...”
“I know.” William squeezed Oliver’s shoulder. “You did great. And it’s fine if you can’t do this often. He’s already friends with our next-door neighbor. He won’t be lonely.”
“You sure?”
“Yep.” William reached into his jacket pocket and took out the sheet of paper his new boss had given him. He unfolded it and placed it on the table in front of Oliver.
“What’s this?” Oliver asked, taking it. He gasped, giving William a wide-eyed look. “A promotion?”
William grinned.
“I thought you said there would be layoffs?”
William’s smile faded. “There were. Five people were fired this morning. When she called me into her office, I thought for sure I’d lost my job.”
Oliver’s expression softened, his tired eye meeting William’s with quiet understanding. “You deserve it. Don’t let your head convince you otherwise. Just because some people got bad news today doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to feel proud.” He gave the paper a light shake. “Youearnedthis. If anything, it’s insulting it’s taken them this long to see it.”
William’s turmoil eased slightly, releasing the pressure in his chest. Oliver knew him so well.
Adathan walked out of the bathroom as William was putting the paper back into his pocket. He gave William a bright smile and hurried to put away the game.
