37
Kennedy
I walked into the hotel room and looked around like I was seeing it for the first time. Nash had left the day before, and I’d just gotten back from work. Everything I owned here was neat and organized, but there was still too much of it. Definitely more than when I’d first arrived months ago.
I’d asked Jose, the hotel manager, if he had some boxes I could use, and he’d delivered. They were stacked neatly against the wall by the dresser, stamped with random logos: bed sheets, pasta sauce, soap.
I had so much to do, but for the first time in a long while, it didn’t feel overwhelming. I couldn’t believe I’d finally made a decision—a big one—and it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. A loud laugh bubbled out of me as I opened the drawers and started packing.
I was going home.
Finally.
The conversation I’d had with Lance hadn’t gone the way I’d hoped.
The second I’d asked for a transfer back to New York, he’d shut it down.
I’d pushed, argued that I’d stayed longer than planned, tried to sell him on the idea of working remotely, but he hadn’t been impressed.
He’d offered to contact Chuck, and I’d let myself hope for a moment, but that conversation hadn’t gone much better.
The best they could offer was a transfer after the project was completed. Which meant at least another two months in California.
I knew I couldn’t do it. Not without risking my health. Not without risking what I had with Nash.
In the end, it was an easy decision.
I’d returned to my office, closed the door behind me, and made some quick financial calculations. Drafting the resignation letter had been easier than I’d thought it would be. It was obvious that they didn’t appreciate what I’d put into this job. Now they could do without me.
As soon as I’d sent the notice, I’d emailed Lance and Chuck, informing them that I’d be taking my two weeks’ vacation.
Their responses came fast. They were both shocked, and they’d pleaded with me to stay.
It was as if it had never even never occurred to them that I might walk away.
Maybe they’d assumed I’d always be grateful just for the opportunity.
And I was grateful—but not for this. Not for a life that was nothing but work.
I’d find something else. Eventually.
For now, I’d be fine. My savings were higher than they’d ever been, and I could afford some breathing room.
By Monday evening, I’d packed the boxes I planned to ship back to New York. Jose had promised he’d have someone handle the shipping. All I had left were my suitcase and my blue carry-on, packed with all of my clothes except for what I’d wear for the next two days.
I ordered room service and smiled the entire time I ate my pasta dinner. Drinking a second glass of wine, I booked a plane ticket out of LA for Wednesday morning since I’d promised Lance that I’d come into the office for one last day.
The rest of the night was spent emailing contacts, letting them know I was leaving and to reach out to Lance going forward. Each message felt lighter than the last.
· · ·
I wasn’t sad at all when I shut the light off and closed the door to my office for the last time on Tuesday evening.
And I felt nothing but relief as I walked out through the front doors.
The only thing I’d miss was Cory, but we’d promised to stay in touch.
He was eager to come see New York, and Nash.
As soon as I was outside, I called Sammy. She picked up on the second ring.
“Kennedy, what’s going on?” Her voice was thick with sleep, and I realized too late that I hadn’t considered the time difference or her work schedule.
“Oh, shit, Sammy, I forgot you’d be sleeping.” I winced.
“It’s okay. It’s good to hear from you,” she murmured, still groggy. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. I’m good.” The smile that stretched across my face surprised me.
It had been a long time since I could honestly say that.
Even though I’d just quit my job and had no idea what would come next, I felt lighter than I had in months.
Who was I? Spontaneity had never been my thing.
I was a planner through and through. But this?
This was different. All that mattered now was that I was going home. To New York. To Nash. To Sammy.
“I really miss you,” I told her honestly.
“Oh, I miss you too, Ken.” I could hear the rustle of sheets as she shifted. “What’s going on? How come you’re calling so late?”
“Do you have plans tomorrow night?”
“Uh, no. Why?”
“Want to go to the Empires game?”
“What?” she asked, sounding confused. “Where?”
I laughed, and she caught on immediately. “Wait,” she shouted through the phone, “are you coming home?”
“Yes.”
“Oh my God! Yes. Of course!” she screamed, and I couldn’t stop laughing. A woman walking toward me on the sidewalk gave me an amused look, which only made me grin harder.
“Fucking finally!” she said, laughing.
“I’m flying out tomorrow morning. Want to meet me at the game?”
“Hell yeah I do. I’m so freaking happy right now!” Sammy shouted.
“Good. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Does this mean you’ll be back for good? That you and Nash are working things out?”
“Yeah.” My chest squeezed with the anticipation of everything that was to come. “We’re going to try, at least. I haven’t told him I’m coming to the game. I’m hoping to surprise him.”
“Damn, girl!” She giggled. “He’s going to love that!”
“I hope so.”