FIVE
Against popular consensus, Monday’s are my favorite day of the week. It always feels like a fresh start, a blank page, or an opportunity to figure new things out. I am obsessed with my work. I don’t need the weekends to unwind or escape my job because what I love it. Planning corporate retreats, curating personalized adventures and traveling the world is basically a mission statement for Elysian Experiences. I never want to do anything else.
Time for another kind of business—I told myself as I pushed open the door to Astor Realty Group (Michael’s office). A wave of relief washed over me as I spotted Ryan at his desk. He’s surrounded by neatly stacked piles of papers and a half-empty glass of what looks like iced coffee. He’s fully immersed, tapping away at his keyboard, every hair perfectly in place. He looks up and sees me, and I love the way his face lite up. I need that win today, especially being here.
“Charlie! You look amazing,”
he stood and motioned for me to do a spin.
I gave a playful twirl, make sure he properly assessed my outfit. You never know who you’ll run into in the city, so I put in some effort dressing. I wore high waisted black wide leg trousers, a white sleeveless silk button down with a classic Burberry Charlotte Cape—my namesake cape. Add one luxury item to a basic capsule outfit and you’re set. I never know exactly what to expect from Ryan—honest and sass. His opinions are as entertaining as they are insightful. He clapped his hands, his official stamp of approval. I embraced him in a real friend hug. I smiled as he kissed each of my cheeks—sometimes he was more European than me. I loved that about him. He was so extra, but the kind you needed.
With exaggerated exhaustion, I dropped into the chair by his desk. I let out a long sigh. “I’m going on this trip alone,”
I told him. “I need to make changes, so if Michael still goes to Paris, we won’t be bumping into each other. No same hotels, no overlapping restaurant reservations, no on all the things.”
“Whatever you need…DONE!”
He exclaimed, his smile infectious. Ryan’s like a spark of energy, and sometimes, it’s almost tragic he isn’t into women. He’s really good-looking, dresses great, always un—boyfriends should worry. He could absolutely steal anyone’s girlfriend. Easy.
“Thank you,”
I genuinely confessed.
“Give me the quick rundown while I rearrange plans made through the firm,”
he replied.
“Okay—it’s not that messy. Michael decided he wanted someone new. He found her and told me while I was putting my earrings in and ready to head to the Gala Friday night,”
I confirmed.
Ryan raised an eyebrow as he looked over at me for a few seconds, “He really broke up with you? What in the actual fuck?”
“Yep,”
I replied, feeling slightly embarrassed.”
“I think we fixed everything, “he said scrolling through Michael’s itinerary with the precision of a surgeon. Within minutes, he’d canceled Michael’s flights, rescheduled them for a later date, adjusted the hotel reservations to a sister location without any extra charges, and escaped any penalty fees. I’m excellent at my job, but Ryan had a natural ease with these details. He’s meant for more than this office, and I wanted it to be with mine. Part of me thought even considering that was a dick more, but the other part of me selfishly didn’t care.
“You’re a genius and deserve a raise,”
I proclaimed with sincerity.
Ryan waved a hand dismissively, “Please, this is child’s play. Besides, you know I’d never leave you stranded. Michael’s lucky you’re handling this, especially after his bullshit. I’m sure it doesn’t feel like it today, but this breakup, it’s the best thing for you. You deserve better. He’s not better.”
“I appreciate you so much,”
I told him wrapping my hand in his.
He gave me a genuine smile. “He should’ve appreciated you, Charlie. You do more for him than he’ll every realize. Maybe he’ll understand it now that he has to fend for himself. Believe me, I’m not about to do shit for him. Even if I had to, I’d make it painfully difficult. I want my loyalty heard loud and clear.”
“Thanks, Ryan. You’ve saved me so much stress.”
With that, there is the first important task on my list checked off.
He winked, “Anytime. I’m happy to do it, sweetie. Lunch on Thursday?”
“I wouldn’t miss it,”
I said while I stood up. “Thank you, truly.”
“Don’t mention it. I’ve got your back, always.”
As I leave the office, I can’t help but smile. Even though Ryan technically works for Michael, it’s a relief to know I haven’t lost a friend in the split. Breakups can be drama and who has time for that bullshit.
Back at my office, I returned a few calls, sent out invoiced and settled in to my usually routine. After I made dinner plans with Lena, I noticed a young woman standing outside the building by the entrance. She just paced back and forth. She seemed lost—or maybe waiting for someone. Curious, I headed to the door to see if she needed help.
"Hi," I greeted her while I held the door open.
"Charlie?" she asked, her voice unsteady.
"Yeah, that’s me" I replied, puzzled. She looked like she’s been crying, her eyes puffy. “Do I know you?
"My name is Kenna, Kenna Klein. I wanted to personally apologize to you,”
she said, fidgeting with her hands but holding eye contact.
It took me a few second, but then I recognized her. “I know you. You work weekends at The Lounge, right? You don’t owe me an apology?”
She took a deep and uncomfortable breath. "I didn’t know, I swear. I would never have started seeing Michael if I knew he was in a relationship. I am so, so sorry."
Tears saturated up in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. In that moment, I realizes how truly thankful I am to be rid of Michael.
“I don’t know many women that would do that. Apologize. Thank you, but I’m not mad at you. I wouldn’t be. As for Michael, I’ve already forgiven him."
Kenna looked at me, surprised. "Really? How?"
“Oh, no! It wasn’t for him. I hope he feels terrible. Sorry…Forgiving him was for me."
She nodded in agreeable and looked relieved. "That’s fair. I can understand that.”
"I don’t hate him, either. We were just…done. Forever done! Honestly, we should’ve ended things long ago. He just moved on before I knew it was time."
Kenna let out a nervous laugh. “Thanks for not yelling at me. I wasn’t sure how this would go, but I needed you to know. I’d never knowingly be ‘the other woman.’ I was ready for you to scream at me, but this is…I prefer this.”
We both laughed, and after talking for a while, I realized I actually like her. I kind of really liked her. She’s younger, in her final stretch of nursing school, already has a job lined up. She’s bright, kind, and driven. It’s easy to see why Michael was drawn to her—I’m drawn to her too, but for different reason—her honesty and courage.
She hesitated, then adds, “Not to make things even more weird, but I’ve even been in your home. Stayed the night. I assumed that closed door belonged to a roommate or something.”
“Oh, our bedroom. I guess you used the guest room. Martha’s Vineyard themed, right?”
Her eyes widened in recognition, “Yes, beach vibes, but not exactly soothing.”
I smiled and chuckled, “Michael’s mom decorated that room.”
“I’m going to honest, There were never any signs of a girlfriend or anything to even make me question anything. I’d never want anyone to do this to me or be part of something like that. Not a pair a shoes, a coffee mug, or anything at all. I hope you understand.”
“I do,”
I replied and I did. “I appreciate you coming here to tell me. I don’t blame you at all. Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, anything,”
she prompted.
“When did start? How long has it been going on?”
I asked not knowing if I really wanted to answer. It finally decided it was better to know than just wonder.
“Probably early December, but I have known him from the bar for a year or so. You two are both regulars on separate nights with different people, so I knew both your faces but never had a reason to put them together.”
“Wow, that’s a while. Five months. Fuck,”
I was shocked. It stung. Why did he wait so long?
As Kenna continued, I realized I was never a permanent part of Michael’s life. There were no personal touches, no photos, nothing that reflected me in his world.
It’s a strange, sobering realization, but one that finally gave me peace. Seasons end. Whatever we had was the distraction needed when my dad died unexpectedly.
He was something to focus on when the rest of my world went dark. Without Michael now, it probably meant it was time to deal with some demons. Not today though—vacation first, dad issues next.