Her smirk falls, and she drops the sandwich back onto the greasy wrapper on her desk.
“What? No, you can’t quit.”
“Actually, I can. You’ve done nothing but harass me from the first day I started this job. I’ve done everything you and this company have ever asked, and you still crap on me every chance you get.”
I stand a little taller, squaring my shoulders again.
“And I’m done. Find someone else to be your punching bag, because I quit. Effective immediately.”
The words feel lighter than air leaving my mouth.
My boss’s jaw hangs open, and I fight back a laugh because she looks exactly like one of those big-mouthed basses from the old fish market ads.
I spin on a heel, leaving her speechless, and snap the cheap wooden door closed behind me without another word.
I bite my lower lip to keep from smiling too hard, adrenaline tingling through my body. I shake out my hands, trying to burn off some of the pent-up energy. I feel like I could kick down a door right now.
Kara is waiting for me at the end of the hall with wide eyes. She tilts her head, raising her hands in question.
“Well...?”
“My time atElite Connectionsis officially over.”
“Hell yeah, let’s go!” She pumps a fist in the air.
My best friend slings an arm over my shoulder, leading me to the main floor where our cubicles sit among the others.
“Attention, everyone! Taylor did it. She’s out of here!” Kara cups her hands around her mouth, announcing my resignation to the team.
The news is met with claps, supportive smiles, and a few whistles.
“Speech, speech, speech!” Kara starts a chant that the others eventually fall in line with. One of the older guys bangs his desk with his fists, punctuating the chant.
Well, this is awkward. What can I tell these people that they don’t already know?
My thoughts sift through the past ten weeks in rapid succession. My lips tip up, remembering every detail.
“I don’t know what I can say to you all,” I say, swallowing hard as I look at my team gathered around us.
“Ten weeks ago, I left here thinking I was just going to bake a few cakes and maybe embarrass myself on national television… turns out I only did one of those things.”
A few laughs ripple through the group.
“But somewhere along the way, I realized I’ve been living my life on autopilot. And life’s way too short to stay somewhere that makes you miserable.” I shrug.
Everyone’s listening now.
“Somehow, baking under a giant tent with cameras everywhere is a lot less scary than staying stuck somewhere you’re unhappy.”
My eyes flick to Kara’s, and I give her a small smile.
“I think it’s finally time I find out what else I’m capable of. And my hope is that the rest of you find a way to do that, too. If you can make it here, you can do anything.”
I fold my hands in front of me, dipping my chin.
“I’m really going to miss all the free desserts!” Someone calls out from the back, drawing a shaky laugh out of me.
Each of my teammates takes turns saying goodbye and wishing me well. It’s a mix of hugs, handshakes, and some tears, while I pack the knick-knacks I used to make my boring twelve square feet feel a little more alive.
