AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Daphne shrugged. “You could look for another job.”
I shook my head. “When my boss told me that I was passed over for the promotion, I couldn’t think about anything else other than getting away from there. I said I was taking all the vacation I’d accumulated over the years.”
“Do you think he’s concerned you’d leave?”
“If so, he didn’t say anything. He didn’t offer another position or even a raise. It’s like he just assumes I’ll keep doing what I’m doing. Working my ass off without any acknowledgment.”
“I’m so glad I don’t have to worry about that stuff.”
“You work for yourself. That has its own challenges.”
“I don’t have to share my profits with anyone else, and I don’t have to prove anything to anyone but myself.”
“I love that. It’s badass.”
Daphne laughed. “I don’t know about that.”
“I’m sure Cole would agree with me.” I didn’t know him, but he was obviously smitten with my sister. He had to be to show up at Thanksgiving dinner and apologize in front of my family.
“What do you think you’ll do when you go back to work?”
“I don’t want to even think about it. I just want to spend time with my family.”
Daphne smiled. “It’s wonderful to have you back. Izzy adores you.”
I frowned. “I haven’t been here. Not really.”
“You’re her cool aunt that she gets to talk to on video.”
“I want to be more than that. I’d like to be the aunt that’s in her life. Physically.”
“I’d like that too,” Daphne said. “We’re all so happy to have you. Now we just need Axel and Ryder home at the same time.”
I didn’t think we’d all been home at the same time since Mom’s funeral.
“You’ll figure it out.”
I’d assumed I’d go back to work like I always had, but I’d keep my options open. If a position opened somewhere else, I’d apply for it. I should take this time to consider all my options. Maybe things would be clearer after a few weeks away from work.
Just the thought of going back to work and being Don’s subordinate didn’t sit right with me. He’d started a few years after me and wasn’t as good at the job as I was. Everything was numbers to him. I tried to think about the customer’s experience when I made my recommendations. But maybe the higher-ups only cared about the bottom line.
Izzy appeared in the doorway. “Will you play with me, Aunt Fiona?”
“I’d love to.” I was so lucky to have this time with her, to get to know my niece. It was time I might not get again. Who knows when I’d accumulate this kind of leave again?
I followed her upstairs where we played tea party at her little table and chairs, and then with the dolls in her dollhouse.
When I went home later that night, Daphne held me tightly and whispered. “I’m so happy you’re home.”
“It’s good to be home.” For once, it felt like the truth. I wasn’t itching to get back to my apartment in a city where I had few friends and filled my time with work.
CHAPTER 4
FIONA
When I parked at the inn, I wasn’t ready to go up to my room. I never had any issues going home to my apartment. Probably because it was an extension of work. Now that I’d taken leave, I didn’t have anything to fill my time. Visiting home raised issues I hadn’t given myself space and time to consider.
I wanted to see the fountain that Aiden showed me the night before, so I entered the gardens, breathing in the cool night air, as I followed the path to the center and the bench I’d shared with Aiden.
