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Yet, the more I tried to justify breaking up with Brandon, the more confused I got, because the ache inside was getting worse, not better. How did I make it stop?
My phone rang, and I turned off the sound on the TV before answering. “Hello?”
“Becca!” a voice boomed across the line.
It was my boss! I sat up on the sofa, kicking myself. I should have checked the caller ID before picking up. “Yes, sir. What can I do for you?” I hoped I didn’t sound like I was half asleep.
“Is this a bad time?”
“No. No, sir. This is a fantastic time.”Hopefully, he bought that.
“Good,” he boomed again. “Because I have a proposition for you.”
“Yes, sir?”
“What do you think about moving to San Francisco and being our top lawyer in that office? We just had a group of partners retire, and we’re looking for new blood.”
Is he offering me a position as a partner?
But as soon as the thought had formed, he added, “This doesn’t mean you’re getting partner, but who knows down the road.”
“Thank you, sir! I’d love to take the opportunity.”
“Good, good. But don’t thank me. It’s a fast turnaround; you’ll be starting next week.”
I didn’t even hesitate. “That’s not a problem.”
I hung up the phone soon after, thinking this was the change I needed. Right now, though, I had a tub of ice cream to finish.
* * *
The next evening after coming back from work, I found a package on the table in the mailroom. It had in big letters ‘FOR BECCA THORNGOOD’ written across it. It was hand-wrapped, with a bow tied around it. I looked around to see if anyone was waiting for me, but the mailroom was empty.
Taking the box with me back to my apartment, I set it on the kitchen counter and went to take a soak in the tub. Although, I didn’t last long in there; the itch to open the package wouldn’t let me settle.
Wrapping myself in a towel, I went back into the kitchen and tore open the package, revealing a jewelry box about five inches long and one inch wide. I undid the clasp and opened it to reveal a necklace with a note.
Becca,
I’m sorry I hurt you. It was never my intention. You are my best friend, and I can’t imagine my life without you, but trust me, you don’t want to be with me romantically. You deserve so much better.
This is a necklace I’ve been hanging onto for a while now. My grandmother made these for us to give to those we care about, and I know you might not believe me, but I do care about you. I hope you wear it. It’s like a dreamcatcher. It’ll help with your nightmares.
I won’t bother you anymore. I’ve hurt you enough, but I wanted to make sure you got this.
Brandon
I collapsed on the floor, bawling. How could he do this to me? Why did he have to be so kind and thoughtful but couldn’t go the extra step to be with me? Because he thought he didn’t deserve me?
The thought of him writing that made my blood boil so hot I threw the necklace across the room. It bounced off the living room carpet and settled on the ground. I immediately went to pick it up, hoping I hadn’t broken it. As mad as I was at Brandon, this was the last thing he’d given me.
Blinking back my tears, I looked at the necklace for the first time. It held a circular charm with a gold backing and had blue and silver stars running up the chain—three on each side. Twisting the necklace back and forth, the image on the front changed from a wolf to a girl and then back to a wolf.
The image brought back a memory of us at the zoo. We’d been looking at the wolves in their enclosure. I had made a joke about wanting to be one of them, because they looked so fierce and capable. Brandon had given me an odd look before saying I already was one when in court.
I twirled the charm in my hand back and forth. It was utterly beautiful. Of course, he would send me something like this after I told him to go away.What are you doing to me, Brandon?
I needed to get away. That was final. The move couldn’t have come at a better time. In the meantime, I needed to get through these next few days and not be alone.
