I made my way to the kitchen, and as the coffee brewed, I leaned against the countertop, staring blankly into the distance. I couldn’t help but continue to replay the moments leading up to our breakup repeatedly in my mind. I wanted to kick myself for being so impatient to go on a date because I knew without question that if we’d waited, we would still be together and Dean Watson wouldn’t be monitoring me. We could have stayed in our bubble for another month and been happy. Maybe forever.
But I also had to remind myself about the job offer he had gotten from Flirting with Fire and my busy schedule now that baseball season was in full swing. Maybe we would have broken up regardless. The thought didn’t make my heart hurt any less, but at least there were only two more weeks of school until graduation and then I could move on.
Or could I?
* * *
On the firstFriday of every month,The Hubheld a mandatory staff meeting for all departments. It was a way for my parents to keep tabs on what was happening in the company, to help cover any upcoming events, and plan out the coming month.
Walking into the three-story brick building, I greeted everyone with a fake smile and continued toward the office I used only a few times a week. I set my bags down and just as I was turning to go to the main conference room, my mother popped her head in.
“Good morning, son.”
My phony smile widened, and I reached out my arms to hug her. “Morning.”
She eyed me curiously as she leaned back slightly, her arms still around me. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head and stepped back. “Nothing. Why?”
“Something’s going on with you.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I’m your mother and I can tell.”
Could she? Sure, she saw me a few times a week in passing, but she had no idea I had been dating Tyler or that we’d broken up. However, there was no reason to lie to her.
“I was dating someone, and we just ended things.”
Her bottom lip protruded as she frowned. “I’m so sorry, honey. I had no idea you were seeing anyone.”
“It’s fine.” It surprised me how easily those two words spilled from my lips because it wasn’t fine at all.
“Okay, well, if you want to talk about it, you know where to find me.”
I had never gone to my mother for relationship advice. When Jonah died, she knew without me saying anything, but I never told her the details. It wasn’t as if I didn’t trust her, but she’d been with my father for over forty years and had no clue what I was going through.
“Thanks, Mom.”
She turned to leave. “See you in the conference room.”
A few minutes later, I made my way to the boardroom, saying hello to more co-workers and then taking a seat in my usual spot next to the head of the table where my father ran the meeting with my mother seated on his other side. As it began, I didn’t pay attention. It wasn’t because I didn’t care, but because my schedule was all about baseball and I had nothing new to report. However, when my mom spoke about summer interns, my ears perked up.
“It’s that time of year again. We’re looking for some fresh faces who are eager to get into journalism to join us as summer interns. We need talented individuals who are passionate about news and storytelling. It’s an opportunity for them to learn from the best and gain real-world experience. Now, I want each of you to spread the word and find potential candidates.”
My mind immediately went to Tyler. He was going to make an excellent journalist, but it was too late. He probably had his plane ticket for California already.
* * *
The Red Soxhad won their Monday night game against the Baltimore Orioles. Before I left the city, I drove by the bar where I’d met Coop a few times for drinks. I wasn’t the type to go to a bar and drink alone, but going home to a quiet house wasn’t something I wanted to do either.
I found a parking spot in a garage across the street from the restaurant and then went straight to the back of the building where the speakeasy-style bar was located. To my surprise, Coop was there with some buddies. He didn’t spot me, so before I said hello to them, I went to the bar and ordered a Jameson neat.
Coop clapped me on the shoulder. “You’re just going to walk in and not say hi?”
I looked over as he leaned on the bar top. “Just getting my drink first.”
He motioned for the bartender to get him another of whatever he was drinking. “I didn’t know you were coming here tonight. Let me grab you a chair at the table.”
