“You’ve given enough. What I want you to do is take some time away from the office. Not for anyone else but for you. Get through all of this. You can make your statement about Royce and Jack whenever you’re ready.”
“Are you sure?” I’m baffled.
“Consider this a sabbatical. A paid sabbatical. The only thing I want to hear from you is how you’re doing. I’ll handle everything at the office.”
“Wow. Okay. Thank you, Stella.”
“Ivy, I know I told you not to apologize for things that aren’t your fault but I’m about to do that myself. I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m sorry you were at a work event—alone with someone like Royce, who ultimately couldn’t be trusted. I’m sorry I believed Jack when he told meyou volunteered to shift your time off and take the meeting. I’m sorry for all of it.”
“I appreciate it, Stella. I really do.”
We say our goodbyes and end the call.
Stella isn’t an emotional person. She’s clear and to the point, easily able to determine the best decision for whatever’s on the table. Conversations like the one we just had are not the norm.
I’m a bit dazed when I walk out to the patio.
“Everything good?” Holland asks, Slate panting at his feet.
“Ugh, yeah. I think so.” I sit down across from Holland. “I asked Stella if she knew Jack canceled my vacation and she didn’t. She’s going to HR and I’m on a paid sabbatical until I’m ready to go back to the office. It’s clear I have stuff to sort out. Therapy is calling my name.”
“Jack keeps outdoing himself, huh?”
“I guess you could say that.”
“So, are you going to try and find an earlier flight home?”
The question feels loaded. Much bigger than travel plans. Holland and I haven’t had the chance to talk about our fight. Or what we said. Or anything really. He’s been careful and patient with me in a crisis and I owe us that conversation.
“I could. Or I can stay here for a few more days…?” My words come out like a question. My breath is caught in my chest. It’s scary putting yourself out there.
Holland sits back and says, “You could stay here a few more days.” It’s a statement and a confirmation. “Think of all the time you’d have with Slate.” He gestures to the dog sleeping next to me.
“Now, let’s not make this next part weird. I’ll call the front desk and put a note on your room file. Basically, you can stay as long as you want. But if you want to get some of your stuff so you can hang here at my place, that’s anoption too.”
He rubs his hands over his cut knuckles. I can tell he’s nervous.
“Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
My mouth is dry.
“I’m not expecting anything from you—” He’s stumbling over his words.
“Holland. Take a breath. I’d much rather be here than an empty hotel room.” I lightly touch his arm. “I know my room is still an option. I’ll want to grab some stuff from there so I can stop sleeping in your clothes.” I look down at the massive T-shirt and gym shorts I’m wearing.
“Whatever you need, Ivy.”
Again, this doesn’t feel real.
Chapter Forty-Six
I’M OUT FOR A run while Ivy’s on the phone with Vivian. I was around for the first five minutes of their video chat and that was enough. I needed to get out of there. Vivian was pissed that Ivy didn’t call her about Royce right away.
Ivy mentioned a previous meeting with Royce, before the disastrous one, which surprised me. She didn’t mention it. That’s what sold me on a run. I don’t want to overhear anything. If Ivy wants to tell me, she will.
I leave her in my house like it’s something we’ve done a hundred times before. The ease of this whole thing nibbles on the edge of my mind.
My feet pound the trail as I fall into the rhythm of my run and feel the cool air on my warm skin. Moving my body like this is refreshing.
