Chapter Eight #3
Louis froze and his expression was so confused. His hands in the air in surrender, he stepped back.
“I apologise,” he responded softly. “That was not fair to assume. If I have done something wrong, I would really appreciate you telling me so I can fix it. I don’t want to give up on us.”
Standing in front of him, she shook her head. “You may not mean to be, but you are controlling me in your own way.”
It was how it felt, and it made her angrier. She had told him to leave, and he was pushing it because he did not like that response.
He paled.
She carried on, finally getting that imaginary knife in his chest. It was time to twist it. “Your job dictates where I have to be and when.”
“That isn’t fair. That would be your job with or without our relationship,” he argued. “You would still have to do it.”
Shaking her head, she added, “You did not let me finish. What if you left this team? Would I be expected to leave with you? How long for?”
He tried to respond, but she put a hand over his mouth.
“For once in my life, I want to put me first. I want to think about what I want. I can’t do that with you around. Please leave.”
Swallowing hard, she could see tears in his eyes. But he did not argue.
“Very well.” Louis sucked his teeth. “It looks like you have decided without even giving me a chance to defend myself. I wish you all the best.”
He walked out. It almost disappointed her that he didn’t fight for her.
He has feelings too, and you hurt him. You didn’t give him a chance to say anything, and now he is giving you what you asked for.
Agitated, she was just making the situation worse for herself. She had just broken up with the team captain. All his hard work to make her liked had flown out the window. The team would hate her.
Suddenly, she couldn’t breathe. Anxiety flooded in. There was no way she could stay. With that thought in mind, she headed to Frederick’s office. She didn’t even knock, she just walked straight in.
Frederick simply blinked, like this was normal. It probably was with frustrated hockey players around.
“Rosemary, what can I do for you?”
“I need to quit,” she blurted out. She needed to leave. Right now.
That alarmed him. Now he was on his feet. “Why? What has happened?”
“I need to get away,” Rosie sobbed. “I can’t think. I can’t deal with it anymore. I am failing anyway.”
Approaching her, Frederick gently grasped her arms. “Talk to me.”
It fell out of her mouth. His fatherly tone was enough to break her even more. “My mother is really ill. My parents’ company might be struggling. They need me home.”
Slowly nodding, he asked, “Do you want to go?”
“I have to. Like I said, I am failing you. I am distracted.” She sobbed again. “I am letting you all down.”
His smile was so understanding. “Rosemary, that is so far from the truth. We have record achievements because of you. Sponsors have flooded in. The team is enthusiastic and willingly helping with charity events and interviews. They are doing more social media promotion. You have made such a big, positive impact, and I cannot thank you enough.”
That made her feel good, but it wasn’t enough to make her stay.
“I need to go.”
He shook his head in disappointment. “I am not going to force you to stay. It sounds like you have a lot going on. You have been here a lot. Perhaps, take a break? Take some time to think.”
“No. I want to leave. Consider this as me handing in my notice, effective immediately.”
Because if I don’t, I will have to see Louis every day. I can’t do that right now. I don’t deserve him.
Back going stiff, her boss’s expression went from kindness to coldness.
“Then I must insist on reminding you that we have a contract. Leaving without notice will affect your future as others will hesitate to hire you.” That wasn’t a brutal statement, just a fact.
“You are hurting. Take some time to think. Have a few weeks off. When you have spoken to your parents, I am sure we can come up with an arrangement that suits everyone. You are upset, and rightfully so. The last thing I want for you is to make a decision you might regret.”
Such as breaching her contract. She would regret it. She loved this team, and her career.
Frederick’s expression told her that he was mad, but he knew her. That was probably the one thing that would calm her down. Her reputation was at stake, and that was so important to her.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to barge in. Or to shout and threaten to leave. I am just . . .”
“Emotionally exhausted,” he finished for her. “You seem to be dealing with a lot. I don’t judge. Emotions run high in this building. Take your break, and we will talk when you get back. Is two weeks enough?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Two weeks would hopefully be enough to solve all her problems. At the very least it bought her some time before she saw Louis again.
But like a coward, she needed to run. Lick her wounds.
With that decided, she left his office and booked a flight.
There was only one person right now that might be able to help her.
Grabbing her phone, she made the call.