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Scrolling through her phonebook, she found Melissa’s number and pressedCall. She knew she’d still be awake, if there was one person who slept later than Evie herself, it was Melissa. ‘Melissa, is everything okay?’
‘Evie, ever since I got your email, I’ve been trying to get hold of you. Where the heck have you been?’
‘I...’
‘It doesn’t matter. What are you thinking? You don’t get the promotion, so you quit? Quit? The firm is your life! You’ve been there every step of the way. I thought you understood why I had to make Steven partner. I explained.’
‘I’ve quit because it’s the right thing for me. I need a new challenge, an adventure.’
‘Listen to yourself. Adventures? We’re solicitors, we’re meant to play it safe. We know what can happen if we don’t. What are your plans? To try and get a job at one of our competitors? Just to spite me?’
‘What? No, I’m moving down to Cornwall. I’m going to start up my own practice.’ The phone line went quiet and Evie pulled it away from her ear to check she still had signal.
A hollow laugh pierced the silence.
‘Melissa, why on earth are you laughing?’
‘Oh, you’re being serious?’
‘Yes, of course, I’m being serious.’
‘Well, it’s a ridiculous idea. You wouldn’t know where to start in building up your own practice. It’s always been me who’s dealt with the business side of things, and I can tell you something, it’s not easy. If it was, you’d be partner now instead of Steven.’
‘I can learn.’
‘Learn? Do you really think there’s a manual for opening up a law firm? I love you, Evie. You know I do. That’s why I don’t want to see you setting yourself up for failure.’
‘I can do it. Thank you, Melissa, but I’m happy with my decision.’ Leaning forward, she pinched the bridge of her nose.
‘And what about your clients? You’re risking their futures by upping and leaving like this.’
She frowned and looked at the cobbles beneath her. ‘I tied up any loose ends with my clients before I came away. You know that.’
‘I’m just really disappointed in you. I thought we had each others’ backs. I’ll give you until midday tomorrow. If you’re not in the office by then, I very much doubt I can smooth things over with Steven for you. Have a serious think and we’ll forget all about your resignation.’
‘Melissa, I...’ Too late. She was gone. Tucking her phone into her coat pocket, she stood up and walked towards the beach. Was she doing the right thing? Melissa was right. It wouldn’t be easy. If it was, Melissa wouldn’t have had to have Steven to bail her out. She could lose everything, her reputation, the money she’d invested in her apartment.
Walking across the sand towards the ocean, she paused and looked out across the water. The moon’s reflection on the surface of the water rippled with each wave, distorting the reflection. That’s what Jack had done. He’d distorted her reality. Suggested she could do something that perhaps she couldn’t. He’d seen a confidence in her that she just didn’t have. She wasn’t made to be a business owner. She was a solicitor, just a solicitor.
‘Hey.’
Evie turned and watched as Jack walked across the sand towards her. Suddenly, she didn’t understand what she was doing anymore. Whether he’d done it on purpose or not, he’d made her believe she was someone she wasn’t. He’d encouraged her to give up her job, a job she loved. And why? So she could move down here and save him from travelling to see her.
‘Are you okay? You look as though you’ve been crying.’ Stepping forward, he used the pads of his thumbs to wipe under her eyes.
Pushing him away, she wiped the sleeve of her coat over her face. ‘I can’t do this anymore. I need to go home.’
‘What? I thought you were thinking of moving down here?’ He rubbed the back of his neck.
‘No. yes, I was. I even resigned from my job.’
‘Oh wow, that’s amazing news!’ Grinning, Jack stepped closer.
Walking towards the water, she turned and looked at him. ‘No, it’s not because my boss rang me and made me realise it’s not who I am. I can’t start my own law firm.’
‘Yes, you can...’
‘She held up her palm, silencing him. ‘No, I can’t. Not everyone’s like you. I’ve got my apartment in London. I’ve got my clients, my job. I can’t just walk away from that.’
