Chapter 49 Georgia
Georgia
I let the aunts and Dad take Junie home after the meeting. It’s their turn, for now, to dote on her and remind her of their
devotion.
As for me, I pick up the phone and call my boss. When he picks up, I hear the sounds of the office, sounds that were once
the backdrop to my day-to-day, ones that now sound like they belong to someone else’s life.
“Georgia, so glad to hear from you,” Felix says. “How are things?”
“Yeah, uh. Well . . .” I should’ve prepared more for this question, this conversation as a whole, as I now stumble through
it. “I called to discuss work.”
“Yes. I know you and Sophie have a special relationship, but I guessed that was the reason.” Felix’s words have a gentle teasing
to them.
“Look.” The sigh that blows out of me is deafening. “I’ll cut right to it. This isn’t good news. This situation at home, it’s
more than I bargained for.”
“Well,” Felix says, then pauses. “I don’t want to lose you, but I understand how important family is. And . . . I don’t know, I don’t want to overstep . . .”
“It’s ok,” I say. “I appreciate the flexibility you’ve given me.”
“Maybe it’s the right place for you to be for now. Your voice—it sounds relaxed in a way it never was here. Though perhaps
that’s a bit my fault.” He laughs gently. “And whenever—if ever—you’re back in the city looking for another gig, give me a call and I’ll connect you.”
“Thanks,” I say. “And you’re right. I do need to be here.” I don’t explain further because I’ve lived through those words
enough the past couple of days, and honestly the last thing I want is someone feeling pity for me right now.
Felix and I say our last goodbye and hang up. I feel relief, like an itchy appendage has been cut off. It’s scary too, being
jobless. Eventually it’ll be my turn to confess. I’ll have to tell my family about the reality of who I am, but it’s not fair
to saddle them with that shame-laced letdown on top of Junie’s news.
For now, I’ll let them believe I’m working remotely, finally taking up my job on its offer of flexibility.
When my last check hits my account, I’ll finally settle up my rent with Moon. But I’ll also have to move out soon, rather
than racking up new months of charges. But that’s a problem for another day.