When Ivory emerges from the treatment room, I fall into step beside her.
“You're leaving?”
She sighs. “I was going to tell you. I wanted to tell you in person, but you were in Wisconsin when everything happened, and then you got back, and things have been so busy.”
“What's going on?”
“Tim got offered his dream job. Head of engineering for a major tech company. The only catch is it's in Seattle.” She runs a hand through her blonde hair. “It's an incredible opportunity, and I couldn't ask him to turn it down.”
“Yeah, I get it.”
“And honestly, with my experience working for the Renegades, I can get a job anywhere. Seattle has professional teams. I'll find something.”
“I'm going to miss you. I know we haven't known each other long, but you've become a real friend.”
Ivory stops walking and pulls me into a hug. “I'm going to miss you too. You're one of the good ones, Natalie. Don't let this city change you.”
“Can we go for a drink after work? A proper goodbye?”
“I'm not leaving until next month. But yes, let's do it. There's a pub near the arena that makes excellent cocktails.”
We agree to meet at six, and I head back to my office to finish the day. I check my phone again. Still nothing from Ethan.
I send another text:Everything okay?
No response.
I complete paperwork, return emails, and try not to stare at my phone every thirty seconds. Ethan always responds to my texts, even if it's just an emoji or a one-word reply. This silence is unusual.
At six o'clock, I meet Ivory in the lobby, and we walk to the pub together. It's a cozy place with dark wood and brass fixtures. We order cocktails and find a quiet booth in the corner. Ivory tells me about Tim's new job and their plans for the move.
I tell her about Ken's offer, and she immediately lights up. “Please tell me you said yes.”
“I said yes.”
“Oh my God, Natalie. This is amazing! I'm so happy for you. You deserve this more than anyone.”
“I still can't quite believe it. When I moved here, I thought I'd have to hustle for months to find something permanent. And now it's just happening.”
“Because you're good at what you did. Ethan Ward's recovery is the talk of the facility. Everyone knows you're the reason he's ahead of schedule.” She raises her glass. “To new beginnings. Yours and mine.”
I clink my glass against hers. “To new beginnings.”
We clink glasses and drink. The conversation flows easily, covering everything from work gossip to relationship advice to our favorite restaurants in the city. It's a fun evening but in the back of my mind, the silence from Ethan gnaws at me.
I check my phone. Still no response.
I type out another text:Hey, are you okay?
I hit send and stare at the screen, waiting for the little dots that indicate he's typing.
“Everything alright?” Ivory asks.
“Yeah.” I slide my phone back into my purse and force a smile. “Everything's fine.”
22
Ethan
