When I get off the phone, I sit for a second.
It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
And all at once, I’m starting to realize that it might not be what I want at all.
CHAPTER 16
MAX
Jasper might have done an excellent job building this place, but he clearly wasn’t worried about soundproofing any of the rooms, because I can hear every word of the conversation Lacey has on the other side of the wall.
They exchange pleasantries, but there’s something about the other person’s voice that tells me this is more than a basic check-in. It’s not snooping, technically, but I quiet my breath, leaning back against the headboard so I can listen to what they’re saying.
“I have to tell you that your absence… it’s made a lot of things clear to us about which leaders on this team are taking on most of the work.”
The authoritative voice, slightly staticky through a video call, is clearly her boss. I could have guessed everything she’s saying. Even though Lacey knew nothing about renovation when she got here, she’s thrown everything into the project. If she’s anything like that at work, of course they’re hurting without her.
Since she got here, Lacey has made everything very clear. That she’s only here temporarily. That her job is important to her, no matter how angry it makes her.
Something like embarrassment settles over the tips of my ears. Here I was, spilling my heart out to her like I’ve never done with anyone else. And now she’s focusing on her real life, with the people she plans to keep in it, full-time.
“Your hard work during your time as the lead for Citadale has earned you a promotion. Your organization, execution, and quality control skills would be perfect for the role of Executive Operations Lead for the entire gaming department, not just Citadale,” the boss’s voice says.
It’s the promotion she told me about when she first got here. When I close my eyes, I can imagine her clearly, speechless with excitement. Happier than I’ve ever seen her. And I can’t help but feel proud of her, even though I have a guess or two about what’s coming next.
“That’s great news,” Lacey says, finally, her voice breathy and light. “I’m honored.”
Wordlessly, feeling slightly numb, I climb out of the bed and find a piece of scrap paper, scribbling out a note for her. I’ll need to head home anyway. Dona will be mad enough about being left overnight, and if I don’t go home to feed her breakfast now, she might tear my favorite boots to pieces. Again.
At least, that’s what I tell myself. The truth is that I don’t want to be here when Lacey comes out, looking apologetic. I don’t know if I can take the change from being so close, to watching her choose going back over staying here with me.
When I step outside of Lacey’s cabin, it’s into the bright, stellar light of early morning. Steam rises up off the pond, and sunlight glints over the front windows. My Jeep sits covered in dew, but ready for me, looking at me like it feels sorry for me.
“Don’t worry,” I mutter, swinging up into the driver’s seat and starting the engine. “I feel plenty sorry for myself.”
The drive back to my place is quick, and that self-pity only grows when I see a familiar car in the driveway.
“Maximilian!” Warren says, throwing his hands up and giving me a shining smile.
“Not my name,” I say as I slam the Jeep door behind me and start walking into my place.
“Whoa, what’s got a stick up your ass?” Warren asks, following along behind me, glancing first at me, then to my Jeep, then back up the road in the direction I came from with a knowing grin. “Or should I say,who?”
I hold a hand up to him when we walk inside, and my glare must look real enough that he stops just inside the threshold, raising his eyebrows at me.
“I’m not in the mood.”
“That’s clear.” Warren raises his hands like he’s under arrest. “What’s wrong? Troubles with the girl?”
“There’s nogirl.” I rip my jacket off and throw it over the back of a kitchen stool, glaring at the seat, then at Warren. “The whole reason I moved out here was for peace. I want my quiet life. No girl, no friends, no…people.”
That makes Warren laugh even harder, and he walks in, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Little too late for that. You already fucked the no friends part up, didn’t you?”
I roll my eyes and shrug out from under his touch. “What do you want?”
“Well, since I never got those?—”
But Warren doesn’t get to finish that sentence because the front door flies open, revealing a wind-swept and wild-eyed Lacey, who must have run down the road to reach me.
