I appreciate that he’s willing to go to the other end of the country to give me the space I need, but it doesn’t feel right. Of course, I don’t want to lose all this, but I’ve only been in Seattle for a few months while he’s lived here for most of his life. It should be me going away, especially since I’m the one who can’t get over him.
So, after an entire week of pondering, I’ve decided to spend my weekend looking for a new job. I promised to stay for now, but my conscience won’t let me. He can’t lose everything because I stupidly fell in love with him despite his many warnings.
That’s why, on Saturday morning, I’m sitting cross-legged on the couch with my computer while Tami does her nails with an episode ofScandalrunning on the TV. She hasn’t asked what I’m doing yet, but she’s used to seeing me work from home like this, so that’s probably what she thinks is happening—not that I’m looking for a new job.
I like Seattle, this place, and having her as a roommate, so I’m focusing my search on jobs around here. Being close to my parents and staying near the friends I’ve made would be better than starting over in a new place. But I’m also aware there might be better opportunities for me elsewhere, so I’m also checking out what’s available in the big tech hubs I’ve always considered for my future—Silicon Valley, Washington D.C., and New York.
No matter where I go, though, I’m abandoning my precious app. And that stings. It’s like losing custody of my child after a nasty divorce, and it’ll take me a while to get over it. But I’ll still earn a shit ton of royalties for it, as well as dividends from my Kelex shares. So not all is lost.
Between that and the money from the sale, from which I only took out the $43,785 I owed for my student loan, I can last a while without having to work again. Actually, I probably could stop working for the rest of my life. But not only do I love what I do, I also know that spending my days with my thumb up my ass won’t help me feel better about losing Lex.
So, I’m scrolling through job offers, pasting into a spreadsheet the ones that might fit. I’m not sure how I’ll justify my brief stay at Kelex, but I’ll find some excuse when the time comes.
I’m two hours deep when my phone buzzes on the coffee table. I mindlessly pick it up and read the notification. When I see the sender’s ID, I straighten up with a frown.
Michelle Langley
Hey, Andy. Not sure if you have my number saved, it’s Michelle. Are you available for lunch? I was supposed to meet with a friend who ended up booking an earlier flight. My treat!
I let out a light groan and stare at the ceiling, settling my phone on my stomach. I don’t feel like going out today, especially for some time with Michelle. She’s lovely, and we clicked well on that celebratory dinner months ago, but it’s weird. She has to know that Lex and I were kind of a thing. I don’t see Kevin not telling her. And she has to know we aren’t together anymore.
I’m about to refuse politely when she sends another text.
Michelle Langley
I realize it’s a little weird, but I was looking forward to spending a few hours with a face other than Kev’s and Maddy’s. Plus, seeing you earlier this week made me want to catch up.
Alright, now I’d be a bitch if I refused. And I can’t be a bitch to my boss’s wife, can I? Though I’m about to hand in my two weeks’ notice, so…
Ugh, with a resigned groan, I text her a reply.
Me
With pleasure! Do you have a place in mind?
Michelle Langley
I have a reservation for 12:30 downtown. Does that work for you?
I check the time on my phone. It gives me a little under two hours to get to wherever she wants to meet. It’s doable, but it means I have to motivate my ass and get ready.
Me
12:30 sounds good to me. Send me the address, and I’ll be there!
I sigh, wondering what kind of fresh hell I’m getting myself into this time. Seriously, what will we talk about if not Lex?
Thank fuck I checked the restaurant she picked because it’s way fancier than I’m used to. But I’m ready for it, wearing a pretty peacock blue dress, nice shoes, and some golden jewelry I borrowed from Tami. It’s November, though, so I’m also wearing pantyhose and a coat. Still, it’s nice to not feel out of place for once.
Although I’m five minutes early, I spot Michelle already seated in the crowded restaurant—the massive stroller next to her table is hard to miss. After a deep breath, I walk in her direction. She notices me when I’m halfway there and offers a warm smile with a hand wave. I return both, and she stands up to greet me when I reach her.
“Thank you so much for coming on such short notice,” she says as she sits back down.
I remove my coat, and a waiter takes it away before I can set it on the empty seat next to mine. “I had nothing planned for today,” I tell Michelle while sitting, “besides watching TV and cooking chicken tacos for my roommate, so it was no problem.”
“Ah, I hope your roomie won’t miss your cooking skills.”
“I wouldn’t call them ‘skills,’ but I’ll cook tonight instead.”
