28. Audrey
Icouldn’t hide it—it was clear to see I had spent the night crying myself to sleep. When I told Theo about the bad news, he told me he understood and that we’d make it work. But long distance never worked—or so Google told me when I tried to search for some kind of international romance to give me hope. Without Theo there with me, I might even end up hating France, and it would’ve all been for nothing. I’d spend each morning bitter and alone, and I’d feel like the next work contract I found myself doing was suffocating me—constricting me from being where I wanted to be most. But I couldn’t give up on either Theo or France; whether I knew it or not, I’d been waiting for Theo all this time, so there was no harm in waiting just a little bit longer to see him on the odd weekend.
In retrospect, these past months had been a torturous whirlwind, one that swept me up and hung me out to dry. And after discussing my options with Ava yesterday, I was left with one last thing on my to-do list; and that was to quit. I was throwing away all of my hard work, when in a normal scenario, I would’ve been ready to hear some kind of appreciation bonus after the successful event we pulled off. I could’ve boasted about the gala all over my resume, but since it’d been such a quick stint here, no one would take me seriously for a simple few months of contract work.
What did one wear on the special occasion of quitting their job? Should I go all out, wearing sweatpants and a skivvy since I didn’t need to impress Ava anymore? Or should I give her the respect she deserved, and at least look somewhat appropriate for when I walked past our other marketing clients on the way to her office?
I chose the latter, piling on a thick, fluffy sweater and some high-waisted, tan-coloured dress pants. I used a nice, thick belt to give my waist some definition, and after a nod of approval by my reflection, I made my way outside, trudging through the dismal cold that I would somehow miss. It was strange, that feeling of finally being close to a goal, and suddenly feeling like the next step to get there would break my heart. I realised I would miss the weather, the company, the food, the local bars, and the markets. I knew there would be more in France when I finally made my way over, but this was still bittersweet. How could it feel like a whole piece of my life was ending, when it had been less than three months?
Then my phone buzzed. ‘Good luck, my love’. Theo’s text gave me the motivation I needed to see that this was the right decision, and that everything would be okay. That choosing me was okay. When I stepped out of the elevator, the regular buzz of employees swarmed about. I carved a path through people on coffee runs and desk workers moving between cubicles with piles of paper in tow, until I made it to the third floor where Ava’s office was waiting for me. I opened the clear glass door, wishing there was some more privacy for what was about to go down, since I didn’t want my co-workers to see either me, nor Ava, in tears. I didn’t know if I’d take it that far, but she certainly would, especially considering how much she’s tried to keep me here.
“Take a seat, Audrey,” Ava said, her perfect blowout bouncing as she nodded her head down to the new pink, velvet chair that she must”ve bought with her project bonus. I let the thought distract me, and a soft smile crept onto my face. Counting back, she redecorated her office at least three times in the short period I’d been here. Did that matter? No. Did it make me adore her more? Definitely. I’d never had a boss like Ava, and I hated to face the truth that I might never get to have one like her again.
“So,” I started, following her directions. “I think it’s clear after our discussion yesterday what my decision will be.” Ava quirked up a brow, waiting for me to go on. “I’m resigning.”
When I handed my letter of resignation over the table, she didn’t take it. “No, you’re not.”
I scowled, unsure why she was making this harder. “That’s not something you can decide, you know?”
And despite my rebuttal, Ava met me with humour. “Sure, but I think it’s improper to let you quit without hearing about an amazing new opportunity.”
My heart stopped, then started again. I didn’t want to get my hopes up—to think that Theo and I could truly be together for good, with whatever ultimatum she was about to put forward. Too much relied on the possibility that there was going to be a way around this, and I had to lower my expectations so I wouldn’t get hurt. “Go on,” I spoke coolly.
“George Atkins is hoping to continue a partnership with us, and since you and Theo have done so well together…” She gave me a cheeky wink. “He’s basically wanting to poach you.”
“And you’re just going to let that happen?” I crossed my arms, knowing the whole issue with the contract was that Ava didn’t want me to leave her side of the company.
“Of course not, but if you’re working with George, then the corporation thinks you’re still working with me,” she explained. “You’ll be working on similar projects with George as you have been doing now with the gala, but this time, it’ll just be in a different location… if you’re willing.”
I pinched my arm, trying to stop myself from dreaming—but this was real. I needed Ava to spell it out, now. “Where’s the location?”
“George is setting up a branch in Paris.” Holy shit. “He’s been scoping this out for a while, and Theo has given him a little nudge to bring it on sooner rather than later.”
“So, I’ll be…” I uttered, making sure I had all the pieces put together the right way.
“You’ll be working from an office in Paris. You’ll be representing our team, and Theo will take care of anything George needs so that you don’t have to be in London.”
Tears sprinkled down my eyes before I could catch them, and they dropped heavily on my sweater. “You’re not kidding, are you?”
Ava’s smile was warm and giving, and she stood to meet me where I sat, her arms wrapping around my shoulders in a caring goodbye. “I’m going to hate not seeing your face around here as often, Audrey. But the opportunity’s yours, if you’ll have it.”
I nodded, trying to stop myself from becoming a blubbering mess. “Where do I sign? I need to make sure this is official.”
Ava pulled away excitedly as she tip-toed behind her desk and opened a drawer, then placed a drawn up contract in front of me. “Sign away, my sweet. I’m so happy things worked out the way you wanted.”
Once the meeting ended, Ava let me know I could pack my things and get ready to move. But I couldn’t just head home after this. I called Theo to see if he was home, and before I could stop myself, I found my way over to his apartment.
“Audrey,” he greeted, moving to let me inside. “How did you go?”
My jaw tightened, and the blood running through my veins felt like it was turning to cement. In my moment of complete joy, I completely forgot that this didn’t solve our issue. I was still moving to France, and even if his Dad was now the one encouraging it, he was still here in London. “I need to tell you something,” I said.
“Go ahead.” His expression was supportive, but his eyes were stuck to mine in anticipation.
“Your dad… he’s helping me out with a contract,” I said, trying to see if he was aware of any of it, though his poker face held true. “I’m moving to Paris, Theo.”
“You’re really going for it?” he asked, stretching his smile wide. “That’s incredible, Audrey!” But when he studied my expression, he spoke again. “Why do you not look thrilled?”
“Because of what it means!” My hands went up, emphasising my point. “I’m still going, and sure, I might not be forced back to Australia first to wait and find something more permanent in France… but we’re going to be apart from each other, and so we’re back to square one.”
“You’re really worried about this, huh?” he asked, and I almost thought I saw humour in his eyes.
“Wait, you aren’t?” My throat went dry. Was I being toyed with?
As if noticing the meaning behind my sudden expression, Theo brought me in, cuddling me in the most reassuring way he could. “I was so worried, Audrey, that I couldn’t help myself but figure out a solution.”
And just as the biggest grin was plastered on his face, I realised there was something more to this reaction. When I peeked behind where he stood, I could see three suitcases with clothes messily strewn over them, like he was still making up his mind on what would be best to bring. But no one brought three suitcases for a simple weekend trip like last time. He was moving somewhere as well, and based on his grin, it was what we’d been hoping for all along. “You knew,” I said. “Since when?” Theo pulled me inside to talk more, and as my emotions were at their peak, I sat down, deflated on his couch.
“Not for long,” he replied. “I talked to Dad about our options last night since I knew he planned on expanding… but he didn’t give me any clear answer, so I couldn’t tell you and get your hopes up. Or mine, I suppose.”
“So then when did you know he’d organise something for sure?” I pressed.
“When you told me your decision, I knew I had to make something work,” he said. “I let Dad know how confident I was in the expansion, and that we’d be able to manage it together. In fact, he’s already gotten hold of our first client—‘The Sound Society’, the same festival we talked about visiting in Paris. Can you believe that?” He let out the sweetest smile I’d ever seen in my life. “But I wanted the offer to be brought up by Ava, once Dad agreed. I didn’t want you to feel pressured by me, in case that wasn’t something you were prepared to commit to just yet. Whatever you decided needed to be for you and no one else. What did you decide?”
He looked so cautious, and so meek. Did he really not think I’d take up the offer? Was he really worried that I’d be happy to call it quits, and move to the country of my dreams without any prospects, when he’d pretty much just offered me the world on a platter? But first, I had to be sure about what this truly meant. “You’re coming with me?”
“I am.”
“You’re putting your whole life in London behind you, just to help me live out this dream? What if this isn’t what you really want?” I asked. “Please don’t make a decision you’ll regret.”
“You think I’d regret this?” Theo shook his head, making sure I knew where he stood. “You’ve always been the one moving your plans in order for this to work. Now, it’s my turn to pick up the slack. I want to be with you, Audrey, even if that means moving to a brand-new country to start our life together. So, what’s the verdict? Are you going to go?”
“Theo, you fool.” Happy tears started welling up in my eyes. “I’m absolutely coming with you.”
His face lit up, this time with a sense of stability. Then, his arms were around me, and his mouth was inching closer to mine. For the first time, we kissed knowing that this was actually something that could last, and something that we didn’t have to pull the pin on. He showed me how much he cared for me, and I could see how hard he must’ve worked to get George to come around. The near future was solved, and it made me think we’d be able to wish for something long term, as well.
“I love you so much,” Theo whispered, nestling his face in the crook of my neck.
I took his face in my hands to bring his gaze to mine, and with one quick kiss on his lips, I spilled my heart out. “I love you, too.”