“Is this because I’m in school?”
“We didn’t know you were taking classes at night. That changes things.”
“What exactly does it change? You said that I shouldn’t be taking them, that they were worthless. Now you’retelling me that they’re the reason you want to give me a second chance. Which is it?”
“You’re doing so well this time.”
Yep, that’s it. It’s not because I’m taking them. It’s because, for the first time, my grades are decent. Something they can brag about. “I’m moving in with Matthias.”
“Oh, Frank. Are you sure? He’s so… much older than you.”
“I’m done with this conversation.” I spin and head down the stairs, not bothering to turn around when I hear my name. Once I’m inside, I lock the door. It’s not much since the little punch lock could be picked using a paperclip and minimal skill, but it still makes me feel safer.
Instead of wallowing, I grab my big suitcase and throw it open on my bed. My closet is full of things I can’t wear anymore, mostly thanks to the muscle I’ve put on over the last few years. I pull out the stuff I like, the things I wear regularly or at least have hopes of wearing regularly, and dump them on the bed. The rest can stay where they are. Eventually, someone will come down and bag them up and send them off to the next church garage sale. Maybe this time they’ll take the encyclopedias, too. All ready for new lives. Fresh starts all the way around.
Chapter Twenty-Four
MATTHIAS
“One more thing,”I call my assistant, Beau, back into my office. He finished dropping off the files he prepped for tomorrow’s meetings.
“Yeah?”
“When you leave today, can you stick your head in and let me know?”
“Is there a problem?” His body stiffens, and I realize how my question could be interpreted. Beau has never been anything but wonderful to me. He keeps me out of the office gossip, too, which on its own is worthy of a raise.
“No problem. I’m supposed to meet my friends tonight and want to be sure I leave on time.”
“In that case, sure. Is four-forty-five okay?”
“Perfect.” It’s a bit early, but that’ll give me a stopping point to wrap up before I head out for the day. I’m still waiting to hear back about my interview. If I thought prepping my application was hard, the uncertainty is excruciating.
Of course, word got around the local area about the position. A local company that’s been after me for years called a few times, hoping I might consider taking a senior position with them instead. They’re hedging their bets that I might not get this job and look to leave, but the offer is tempting. A senior position with better hours and management responsibilities. It would mean seeing fewer clients, but it would also give me more control.
Plus, it would mean more time to focus on my relationship with Frank. He never complains, but I know he’d like for us to have more time together. Between his school work and my job, coordinating evenings and weekends can be difficult. Sure, we’re often both at my house, but that’s not the same as spending quality time together.
I’m texting back and forth with my friends about tonight’s meet-up. Thursdays don’t require a lot of coordination, but it does mean our group chat gets a bit of a buzz.
Tyler
Who thinks Matthias is going to be on time tonight?
Very funny. It’s tempting to send a message letting them all know I have client meetings until close to the end of the day, then show up early simply to piss everyone off. Is itcheating if I bet on myself?
I’ll be on time
Nathan
I’ll put 5 on him being there at 6
Tyler
6:15
Aaron
7
