"Good. I'll email you all the details. The embassy appointment. Flight information. Everything."
"Thank you, Lettie."
"Of course. We take care of each other." Her voice softens. "I can't wait to see you."
"Me too."
We hang up, and I walk back to where the girls are all sitting.
"What happened?" Polly asks.
"They're able to expedite the visa."
"That's good," she says.
"It is." I nod before my face falls. "But it means I'm leaving this weekend."
The girls gasp.
"You knew time had run out," Polly says sadly.
"I know. But it's official now." I walk back and fall against the couch.
Hazel raises her glass. "Well then, to new beginnings." She gives me a wide smile.
She's right. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
"To new beginnings," I agree.
The next couple of days are chaotic. Embassy appointment. Paperwork. Interview. Passport stamped. Packing. Sorting. Deciding what to ship and what to leave. Saying goodbye to my old team. They wanted to catch up for drinks before I left. No one is happy with David over my firing. So much so that they're all looking for new jobs. But they're all excited about me moving to New York and working with my brothers. And before I know it, the girls drive me to Heathrow, and I'm getting ready to board my flight home.
"I can't believe you're leaving," Polly cries.
"Me neither," I blubber, giving her a hug. "Promise you'll visit."
"I promise. Obviously. I need to meet hot hockey players." She giggles.
"Us too," Hazel adds, cuddling me.
"New York isn't far, Jo," Tate reassures me.
"I'm going to miss you all so much," I tell them.
"Feeling’s mutual, babe," Polly says. "You're doing the right thing."
I nod as words escape me right now.
We all continue to hug, but eventually I have to let go and wave them goodbye. I pull my two suitcases along with a carry-on case. My brothers, bless them, organized a first-class ticket for me. So, the staff were wonderful, helping me with my luggage before I was whisked away through security, not having to wait in line as I headed to the first-class lounge.
Not a bad way to start my new life.
11
JOELLE
Seven hours later, I land at JFK. New York. My new home. I grab my bags and walk through customs. No problems there after answering a couple of questions, and thank goodness I got a Mavericks fan. When I step out onto the other side, I see my family.
They're all there. Collette. Pierre. Felix. With some new additions. Harper and Issy.
