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My heart sinks into my stomach. This can’t be good.
A tiny voice of hopefulness chirps in the back of my mind, “You haven’t even opened it!”
But I just know.
I know this can’t be good.
In a hurry, I unfold the paper.
Nate,
Already not a good sign. Not “Dear Nate” or “Sweet Nate” or something that would at all give me the impression she still cared for me.Nate,
We both know we can’t go on like this. My resignation is on your father’s desk. Our time together is through. You’re well enough to go back to run wild and free. You don’t need me chasing after you anymore.
I’ve accepted a new job. It’s not in the city. Which I think is good. Distance will be good for us. All three of us.
We both know it’s gotten too complicated to continue on like this.
I am grateful for our time and work together. Some things are meant to end. That’s okay.
Just let it be okay. Please.
Laney
It takes me three tries to get through the letter in one go. But once I finally do, I’m shaking.
There’s a punching feeling in my gut.
Laney’s gone.
Dad’s hand lands on my shoulder. “Nate?”
I hold the trembling note out to him. “She’s gone. She’s…she’s resigned.”
Dad’s expression seems to be disbelief at first, a half-smile appearing on his mouth until he realizes that I’m not faking this. Couldn’t fake it.
He takes the letter and reads through it himself, already heading in the direction of his office when he reads the line about a resignation.
Sonia takes a step to follow Dad. “Edwin–” She turns back in a flash to look at me, torn between the two of us.
I shake my head. “Go, I’m fine.” I know who she wants to choose, and who she’ll always choose. That’s how it should be anyway.
She gives me a sad smile. A pitying smile.
Fuck that. I don’t need that.
Then, she runs off toward my dad’s office.
It’s automatic what happens next. I don’t even question it. I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial Mason.
He doesn’t pick up at first. Must be staying late at the office. But this is important. I won’t stop calling until he picks up. One call. Two calls. Three–
“Better be important, Nate,” Mason answers in a huff.
I don’t care about his tone of voice. Don’t care what “important” work I might have interrupted. He needs to know what’s happened. “Mase…” My voice squeezes into a distant memory. I can’t speak if I want to hold back the tears.
“Nate, what’s wrong?” I can feel his urgency throughthe phone, ready to tackle me with whatever help I need. He’s my best friend for a reason. We’d do most anything for each other. Even share the love of each of our lives.
