?Uncle Walter
?Rei
?Mae
?The town I've known my whole life
?Opening my own restaurant (my actual dream)
?Jake (maybe)
?Being happy again
The choice was obvious. It had been obvious for months. Lucy had just been too scared to admit it.
She pulled out her laptop and opened the email she'd drafted weeks ago. The resignation letter to Le Bernardin.
This time, she hit send.
Then she opened another browser and booked a flight. Paris to Burlington, departing October 25th. Three weeks away—enough time to work her notice and close out her life in Paris.
Lucy sat back and stared at what she'd done.
She was going home. Really going home.
Her heart was pounding. Part excitement, part terror.
What if Jake didn't want her anymore? What if three months was too long? What if she'd burned that bridge beyond repair?
But Rei was right—at least she'd know. At least she'd have tried.
Lucy pulled out her phone and texted Uncle Walter.
Lucy:I'm coming home. October 25th. Can I stay with you until I figure out my next steps?
His response was immediate:Of course! Does Jake know?
Lucy:No. I want to tell him in person.
Uncle Walter:Good plan. Lulu, I'm so happy. We've all missed you so much.
Lucy:I've missed you too. All of you.
Lucy set down her phone and looked around her Paris apartment. Three weeks. She had three weeks to say goodbye to this life she'd built.
Three weeks to prepare for whatever came next.
Three weeks to figure out how to tell Jake she'd made a mistake and ask for a second chance.
If he'd give her one.
The Wolves were 6-2 going into their October 20th game.
Jake's coaching had exceeded everyone's expectations—including his own. The team was playing better than they had in years. Owen was developing into a real player. Marcus was having his best season ever.
Everything was going well.
Except Jake still felt empty.
