Chapter 1 #2
When I get back to work, I go straight to Maggie’s office and knock on the door. “Come in!” she yells through the door. I walk in, and she smiles at me. Quickly her smile falls. “Are you OK, Ellie?” she asks me.
“I would like to take that position in New York. I can start Monday.”
She stares at me for a moment, probably trying to figure out what the hell happened during the hour I was gone for lunch.
I can only imagine how I look right now.
I’ve always been an ugly crier. I’m sure my mascara is running, and my eyes are probably puffy from the angry tears I shed on the way back to the office.
I just could not be in the house any longer.
I did not even think of looking in a mirror before leaving the house or in the car before I walked back into work.
“Are you sure about this, Ellie?” she asks me hesitantly.
“Yes, it’s time for some changes in my life.”
“If you are sure, I will let them know. I know they will be thrilled. We are going to miss you around here, but I know you will do great things in New York.” She’s still looking at me with concern etched on her face. “If you need to talk, you know I’m always here.”
“I know you are, and I’m sure. I’ve loved working here, but I think it’s time to move on.”
“I will make the call and let them know.” She gives me a light smile.
“Thank you, Maggie. You’ve always been a great friend.
I hate to leave you, but I think this move is meant to be,” I say before I go to my office.
Once there, I finish up some of the projects I have been working on, and I start to box up some of my personal items so I can take them with me when I leave for the day.
I grab the picture of Jason and me that I always kept on my desk.
I thought we were happy, but staring at this picture now, all I feel is hurt and disappointment.
I toss it into the wastebasket under my desk, then grab what I have packed up, and then I leave.
***
Two days later I’m in an Uber on the way to Bri’s house after my flight to New York. I’ve never been more thankful that I deposit a portion of every paycheck into my savings and that the company is helping with my move, or else I would have been stuck in that mess of a situation with Jason.
I haven’t seen Jason since that night I found him and the other woman.
He listened to my wishes and stayed gone while I was packing.
He hasn’t even tried to text me or call.
I left my ring on his dresser when I left the house.
After I boarded the plane, I sent him a text to let him know he could come back to the house and I was gone, and then I shut off my phone.
When I turned it back on after the flight, I had no messages waiting on me.
I thought he would have at least said something.
I hate this feeling that I’ve wasted all these years.
Shockingly, I think I am more upset about my wasted time than I am about losing Jason.
The Uber finally pulls up in front of Bri’s house, and I step out.
Bri and I met when we were assigned as roommates in the dorms during our first year of college.
We quickly became best friends and did everything together.
It was hard on me when she moved after graduation.
We try to make time to visit each other as often as we can, and we FaceTime nearly daily.
Usually when we talk, I am sitting at home alone while she is in the middle of getting ready to go out on another date.
Bri has more of the “wild child” characteristics, while I am more laid back.
After I grab my bags out of the Uber and start my walk up the sidewalk, Bri catches my attention.
“Hey, bitch!” she yells as she’s running down the front steps, her long blonde hair flowing behind her.
She finally reaches me, and her blue eyes that I have always been so jealous of are bright and comforting.
“I am so excited you are here! I have missed you so much! Get your stuff situated in the spare bedroom, and then get ready because we are going out!” she says as she hugs me.
“Bri, you know I don’t want to go out tonight. I’ve been so busy the past few days all I want to do is sit on the couch in my pajamas and eat ice cream.” I huff. I feel so exhausted; the last thing I want to do right now is go and deal with people. I’ve spent the last two days packing up my things.
“It might not be what you want, but it is what you need. You know what they say, the best way to get over one man is to get under another! And we all know you can’t get under another man if you’re sitting in your ripped jammies stuffing your face with ice cream!” she laughs out.
“Oh my gosh, Bri! No! I am not going to have sex with a stranger two days after I broke off my engagement. That’s so not me.”
“OK. Fine! You don’t need to find a man. But let’s at least get some drinks! I will not let you mope around my house over that stupid boy. You know I never liked him anyways! Plus, it’s time for a celebration, my best friend is finally close enough that I can visit her anytime I want to!”
“Yes, I am aware of your hatred for Jason,” I say, laughing. She has always told me I was too good for him. “I am glad to be close to you again. I’ve missed our girls’ nights so much.” I smile at her.
“Please, Ellie. Pleeeaaaassseeee. Just one drink, I promise you will have fun!” She knows I cannot resist when she makes those puppy eyes at me.
“Just one drink. One,” I say, finally agreeing despite my brain and body telling me to stay in for the night.
“Fuck yes!” she yells as she runs from the spare room, my temporary room, and into her room to get ready.
Luckily her house is on the smaller side, so her room is right next to mine.
The doors are side by side and lead into her living room.
We talk loudly from each of our rooms as we get dressed.
I settle on wearing one of my favorite dresses.
It’s black and short, and I feel amazing when I wear it.
Bri comes into my room wearing a black lacy bodysuit and black pants.
She curls my hair and does my makeup, then I do hers.
Once we are both ready, we take an Uber to her favorite bar, MD’s.