Chapter 33 Molly
Molly
At work on Monday, Elijah’s stuff is cleared out of his office, his laptop shut with a note left on top.
My face is still stupidly puffy from all the crying I did this weekend, and no amount of cold rolling or eye cream could help this disaster.
I won’t cry again and disrupt the layer of concealer I smeared on this morning, but I hazard the risk in reading the note he left on the desk, certain it’s for me.
I used to think it was embarrassing to cry over a man, but I don’t think it’s embarrassing to wish something had worked out, to mourn that it didn’t. It’s human.
I take a stabilising breath and open the note.
Molly,
I hope you get what you want.
In all my years, loving you has been my favourite privilege. Elijah
I read it four times, then fold it and stuff it in my coat pocket when I hear shuffling footsteps behind me.
‘Oh, hi, Molly,’ Ryan says.
I sniffle and turn around.
Remember to smile, dammit.
‘Did you have a good weekend?’ he asks, looking warily at me. I have the sense that Ryan’s not the kind of guy that knows what to do with an emotional woman.
‘Caught a cold,’ I lie. ‘Mostly over it today, though.’
‘Too bad.’ He frowns, then nods at the empty office. ‘So you heard about Elijah? No two week notice, just–’ Ryan snaps his fingers ‘–poof. Said he had an emergency back home and wouldn’t be returning. Left his recommendation for you to take his role instead.’
I exhale something like a laugh, but it’s mirthless. Even now, he kept his promise. I help him at work, I help him seem human, he helps me get a promotion. It seems like seasons have passed since we shook on that, since I cared about getting promoted here.
‘I agree with him,’ Ryan says. ‘You’ve really stepped up these past months, and your effort didn’t go unnoticed. New year the role is yours if you want it.’
I’m speechless, and queasy. I’ve never felt so certain that I don’t want something in my life, but I sort my lips into something like a smile. ‘Send the offer and I’ll let you know.’
‘Done.’ Ryan knocks on the door frame then strides away.
I lean against Elijah’s desk and look out into the office. Devi’s Christmas and Hanukkah decorations sway slightly beneath the air vents, Kenneth is bothering Devi at her desk, Devi’s smiling despite herself.
And Elijah is gone.
I hope you get what you want.
Exhaling a deep breath, I stand up straighter and head to my desk.