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Yes, I’m proud of the promotion I was awarded. Buzzy Digital Marketing is on the way to becoming a Fortune 500 company, and I’m now in the top ranks.
When Fabian told me that the legal ‘hiccup’ was all taken care of, I was so relieved. And then, when he interviewed me, I tried to prove I’d be a good, steady, thoughtful leader.
I’ve done my best to do that, too.
That can be tricky when you know that one of the Sales Leads you’re emailing with has gorgeous green eyes. Eyes you’ve gazed into while lying on a sun-warmed beach towel.
When Jack’s messages, reports, and invoices land in my inbox, I picture those eyes.
His crooked smile.
His dimples.
I read whatever message he’s typed up about work stuff, and I think about how it felt when he picked me up in that bungalow kitchen. I remember the feel of his hands on my waist as he dared me to take a risk with him.
Beside me, Alexis licks chocolate off her fingers. “Mm! These things are dangerous. I’ll have to spend some serious time on that Stairmaster so this doesn’t go straight to my thighs. Did I tell you we booked that trip to Florida for April? I just bought one of those cute rabbit-ears suits with the two pieces of fabric that tie around the neck. You know that style?”
I’m lost.
I can’t figure out what the heck she’s talking about.
My thoughts are on Hawaii. In my mind, I’m with Jack.
“You know, right…?” She motions around her neck, trying to give me visual cues. “The straps are thick here, and they taper…? Hold on, I’ll show you. You’re going to love the style. It’s right up your alley.”
When she reaches for her phone, I take the opportunity to do the same. I recently turned in a few reports to Fabian, and I want to make sure he got them. He’s usually quick to confirm.
The email from Jack in my inbox catches me off guard.
What’s this?
I’m not expecting to hear from him about any of his current clients. Things have been so strained between us since we decided to ‘cool it’ three weeks ago. We’ve kept communication to a minimum.
I click the email open… and a new wave of sadness hits me. It’s towering, powerful, and feels all-consuming.
He’s quitting.
His message is clipped and to the point—all business. It says he’s leaving to pursue other avenues of work.
Where’s the friendliness? The charm?
I basked in it, once, but now I can’t even get a hint of it.
This email is formal. Cold, even.
So, not Jack.
What’s going on?
I am sure this has to do with what happened between us. Of course, he feels the awkwardness, too. The strain, the weight. Maybe whenever he sees a message from me, his heart quickens, and memories pop up.
It’s painful to remember.
It was so good while it lasted. But vacations can’t last forever. He said that back when we were on the beach.
Alexis throws her phone my way. I look at the bathing suit, which is adorable. “I love it,” I tell her.
The words come out flat.
