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I walked to my car, my steps and the sound of Sadie’s leash clinking against her collar echoing in the nearly empty parking lot. As I slid into the driver’s seat, I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. The familiar scent of my car—a mix of new leather, a hint of coffee spills, and a lavender air freshener—was comforting in a constant whirl of change.
I drove home on autopilot, my mind still processing the events of the day. I’d landed the job I’d worked so hard for, and yet I couldn’t shake off the image of Tony’s cold, unwavering demeanor.
Once home, I let out a sigh of relief. I set my bag on the kitchen counter and made my way to my room, Sadie trailing behind me. The house felt a bit emptier, quieter, and I couldn't help but feel the pang of disappointment once again.
Shaking my head, I told myself to let it go. Tonight was about celebrating my achievement, not about a man who couldn’t make up his mind. I was about to start a new chapter in my life, and I was determined not to let anything dampen my excitement.
With renewed resolve, I headed to my room to get ready for the night out, Sadie bounding ahead of me.
Taking a break from my primping routine, I picked up my phone and dialed my parents. The line picked up after a couple of rings, my mother's voice filtering through the speaker. We said our hellos, but it didn’t take long at all for Mom to sense that something was off.
"Jude? Is everything alright, dear?" she asked, her tone laced with worry. My dad's muffled voice echoed in the background, a mirror of her concern.
“Yes, everything's fine, Mom.” I couldn’t help but grin. “I have some exciting news,” I quickly reassured her. But my words didn't seem to have the soothing effect I had hoped for.
Her voice sharpened a touch, "You're sure, darling? You sound a bit off."
“Just a bit tired, Mom. But the news will reassure you. I got the job!” I rushed the words out, trying to bring the conversation back on track. "I'm the new OR Manager!"
There was a pause on the other side, and then a combined whoop of joy. "Jude, that's fantastic!" my father exclaimed, his voice crackling with glee. My mother chimed in with her own congratulations, her words tumbling out in a rush. Their pride washed over me, filling my heart with warmth.
"Oh, honey! That's fantastic news!" Mom gushed, the pride in her voice making my heart swell.
"Knew you had it in the bag, pumpkin," Dad added, his voice so clear I could almost see his wide, beaming grin.
"Thank you, guys. It's a big step up," I admitted, my chest heavy with a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. "But it might mean I have to postpone my trip for Christmas..."
A disappointed 'oh' echoed down the line, but it was quickly replaced by understanding.
"It's a big job, sweetheart. We understand," Mom assured me, the love in her voice soothing away my guilt.
“Work’s work,” Dad added. “We’ll miss you like crazy, but it’s no small consolation to know that you’ll be kicking butt at your new job.”
Their words went a long way. All the same, I’d been really looking forward to seeing them.
"I'm so sorry about not coming home, though," I added, my voice small. I hated disappointing them, especially since I knew they'd been looking forward to my visit.
"Nonsense," my mother dismissed my apology, and I could practically hear the wave of her hand. "This is wonderful news, Jude, our little girl’s moving up in the world. Well, even further up than she already has, that is. We can always make other plans for a visit."
Dad chimed in. "How about we come to see you for Christmas, sweetie? " His suggestion made my heart flutter with happiness.
The offer was more than perfect. My eyes twinkled at the thought of spending Christmas with my parents. "That sounds amazing. I can't wait," I replied, my voice thick with excitement.
It had turned out to be quite the day—a new job, a night of celebration, and Christmas with my parents to look forward to. It almost made me forget about the Tony-sized cloud that had been hanging over me, almost.
“Anyway, I should get going. Sally and I are going out for some drinks to celebrate.”
“You deserve it,” Mom said. “Have fun and tell Sally hello for us.”
Dad cleared his throat. “And call a cab if you don’t feel okay driving. Better safe than sorry.”
I couldn’t help but grin at my father’s parental caution.
"I will, Dad. And I'm looking forward to seeing you both so much. Love you," I finished.
With the thrill of the news and the joy of the conversation still buzzing through me, I made my way to my wardrobe. I pulled out a simple, long-sleeved red dress that hugged my figure just right, a pair of knee-high leather boots, and a fitted black coat. Nothing too over the top but enough to make me feel a bit special.
Standing before the mirror, I studied my reflection. I decided to apply a bit more makeup than usual, accentuating my eyes and adding a dash of color to my lips.
