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The street’s reflection faintly overlays the window, making me look ghosted over the celebration inside. The numbness is returning, creeping up from my ankles to my knees. I thought he was different, that we were different.

He turns away, back into the world I sacrificed for, leaning slightly toward Cassandra, entering her orbit once more.

The numbness crawls into my chest before I force my body to turn and walk away. I do not cry, I do not make a scene.

I walk home through streets I’ve walked a thousand times, always with my head focused on my clients and cases, planning out my next move. I look around as if seeing this all for the first time, the beauty of Cascadia, wondering how I missed seeing who Jackson was and what else I might have missed.

The wind rattles in through the pines as I get back to my home. As I sit on my couch, I give myself one moment, just one. I shut my eyes with a shuddering breath as a tear rolls down my cheek.

Taking a deep breath in, filling my lungs with new purpose, I wipe the tear away.

I grab my legal pad and get to work.

8

PHOENIX

My protective earphones tune out the loud drum sander as I go over the floors for a third time. A fine layer of dust clings to my leggings and any exposed skin. I was hoping three would be enough, but a fourth sanding will make the floors the smooth texture I want. My phone vibrates against my thigh, demanding my attention. Turning off the sander and taking off my gloves, I check my messages.

Becca

Already got multiple applicants for your listing. Your place is fantastic. I am wondering if I underlisted it …

Becca

Okay, one is moving fast, loves the place, wants it sight unseen. I even told him it was a mistake on the rent and added $200. He didn’t even flinch! He has first and last, and his credit score is 789. He’s relocating from Portland and wants to move in at the start of the month.

That soon? It has been listed for two days.

Start of the month? That’s … three days from now. I don’t think I can move that quickly, plus my new room needs to cure for at least three days.

Becca

Already discussed, Sam is staining first thing tomorrow morning. He and Jared will move all the big stuff over on Saturday before the BBQ. You stay the night at the cabin or with one of us, and you move in on Monday.

Of course, Becca thought of everything.

Fine, approve it.

Becca

That was easier than I anticipated. I had three more arguments prepared. I am noting this as growth.

Just approve the damn tenant, Becca!

Becca

Done

After I finish my last sanding pass, I move deep into my research project. Three legal pads are filled with notes and I’m ruthlessly editing my slide deck. Another buzz comes from my phone and I fight off the small disappointment at the name, or more accurately, the lack of someone else’s.

Isabella

Staff meeting is still on for today at 2. Sophia says the conference room AV is all set and working perfectly.

Isabella

Also, I will put a fresh coffee on when you get here—the good beans, not the ones from the supply closet.