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His strides were long and quick. He didn’t stop to make conversation along his way, but the occasional good morning and hello were unavoidable. Though, he was in no mood to make small talk.
He had just reached the sidewalk in front of Sara’s place when he spotted her. She’d just descended the steps from her second-story apartment. He waited for her at the end of the walkway.
When she spotted him, she smiled. He chose to ignore the way it caused his heart to skip a beat. Instead, he focused on how things were starting to spin out of control.
When she reached him, he asked, “How could you have done it?”
Confusion filled her eyes. “Done what?”
“Told my parents I was on a job interview?”
“That’s what you’re mad at me about?”
He pressed his hands to his sides. “Yes.”
Her brows drew together. “You never told me it was a secret, and I didn’t do it intentionally. It wasn’t until the words were out that I realized your parents didn’t know about your plans. But is it really such a big deal? They had to be told eventually. Right?”
He raked his fingers through his hair. He didn’t know what to say to that. It would be better if he wasn’t so torn about his decision to stay or go.
“Kent, what’s going on?” Her gaze searched his. “Did you change your mind about moving away?”
Was that hope he saw twinkle in her eye? In a blink, it was gone. She stood there, looking expectantly.
Buzz.
It was his phone. For once, he was relieved by the interruption. “Sorry. I have to get this.”
When he retrieved his phone, he saw that it was the employer in Hartford. He expected Sara to head off to work, but she continued to stand there. It appeared she really wanted an answer from him.
He pressed the phone to his ear. The conversation was short and to the point. They’d narrowed their list of candidates to him and one other person. They wanted him to come back in for another interview as soon as possible. He told them he was available that afternoon, and they said they’d make it work.
Once he disconnected the call, Sara said, “Was it good news?”
“It could be. I made the shortlist of candidates. I have to go back for another interview.”
Was that a flicker of disappointment in her eyes? In a heartbeat, it was replaced with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Congratulations.”
“I didn’t get the job.”
“Yet… But you will. How could they not hire you? You’re good at everything you do.”
“Not everything.” Finding it hard to stay mad at her, he decided to lighten the mood. “You don’t want to see me try to bake anything. It ends up in a big flour cloud and a mess all over the kitchen.”
Her brows rose. “Surely it’s not that bad.”
“If you don’t believe me, I can come inside and demonstrate.”
“Um…no. I’ll pass on that.” And then not sure what to talk about, he said, “I won’t keep you.”
As he walked away, he heard her call out, “Good luck.”
He paused and turned. “Thank you.”
She turned and headed in the opposite direction. As much as he wanted to stay angry with her for telling his parents, she was right. They had to be told sooner rather than later.
The problem was that leaving the island was getting harder and harder. As he stood there watching Sara’s fading form, he realized she was the main reason he didn’t want to go.
A vacation day.
