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I toss a lock of hair behind my shoulder, not looking back or giving him any attention as I strut away.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” he growls.
“Have a good evening,Elliot.”
“Unbelievable,” he fumes from behind me.
I ignore him.
I smile to myself as I walk out into the hallway, feeling his eyes follow my every step.
No one, and especially no man, is going to treat me any less than I deserve. My dad always taught me that people only treat you how you allow them to.
Unfortunately, due to Elliot’s title and tenure, he can push around a lot of people at this company. But I’mnotgoing to be one of them.
Twenty minutes later,I walk into my apartment and drop my purse to the floor with an exhausted sigh.
Luckily, the building I live in is less than a mile from Ace Financial, so as long as the weather permits, I can walk to work most days. I keep a comfortable pair of flats in my bag to change into because there’snoway in hell I’m walking a mile in heels.
The only downside of living downtown is the cost of rent. It’s so ridiculously expensive, hence why I had no other option than to take this job. But…I wanted the full experience of living in the heart of the city.
So here I am, living the dream while working in the nicest building in the city with a boss who absolutely hates my guts for no apparent reason.
I rest the back of my head against the closed door, my eyes roaming around the small, studio apartment. My mind spirals, pondering if I made the right decision by moving here. Either way, I signed a twelve-month lease, so I’m stuck here for at least a year.
Even though the space is small, I love that it’s mine. It’s comfortable, cozy, and perfect for just me. The living room and kitchen are connected in an open-floor concept, tied together with hardwood floors and arched, shuttered windows. To the left of the kitchen is my bedroom, paired with an en-suite bathroom. A small closet near the entryway houses a washer anddryer, equipping this homey little space with everything I need.
A low purr distracts me from my thoughts. My lips pull up in a smile as I look down and see my favorite ball of fur rubbing against my leg.
Spooky, my black cat, stares up at me through big, green eyes. He lets out another high-pitched purr, letting me know that he misses me. But let’s be honest, he’s also scolding me for leaving him alone all day.
“I know, I know,” I coo, reaching down to scoop him up and nestle his furry body against my chest. He’s so happy to see me that his little body is vibrating with joy.
“I’m sorry, buddy,” I hum, nuzzling my head against his. “I hate leaving you, but one of us has to put food on the table.”
I chuckle at the way his ears perk up at the mention of food.
“Alright, alright,” I exhale. “Let’s eat dinner.”
Half an hour later, I’m sitting at my kitchen table eating a frozen pizza I popped in the oven while Spooky sits on the floor beside me, gobbling down his bowl of cat chow.
I don’t know if it's more pathetic or sad that my best friend is my cat. I’ve had Spooky for ten years now, and so far, he’s been the only constant in my life. I love him more than anything. I refer to him as my child rather than my pet, and no one can tell me otherwise.
I’ve been alone most of my life, except for when my dad was alive. My mom passed away from cancer when I was three, and sad as it sounds, I was too young to remember her. Most of the time, she doesn't seem real to me. But I know she was here because Dad always made sure to keep her memory alive through pictures and stories.
There’s a photo from the day I was born, a beaming smile stretched across her face as she held me against her chest. It’s my favorite picture I have of her. She’s staring down at me likeI’m her entire world as Dad places a kiss to her sweaty forehead. He loved her so much.
Every time I look through photos of her, it makes me happy but sad at the same time.
I’m happy that she’s at peace. I’m happy that she’s no longer suffering and in pain. But I’m heartbroken that she’s not here. I’m sad that I never had the chance to grieve my mom because I never really knew her.
My dad was in the military, which is why we moved around a lot during my childhood years and all the way up until I graduated high school. I've met so many amazing people through being a military brat, but none of them really stuck. Aside from my dad and my cat, I don’t really know what it’s like to have a best friend or someone to envision myself growing old with.
The thought sends an imaginary dagger straight through my heart. A dagger that feels very real because all I have left now is Spooky.
I try to avoid thinking about my family because losing my dad almost broke me. But when my dad realized that he didn't have much time left, I promised him that I would stay strong. And that’s what kept me going all this time. It’s what has kept me alive.
So here I am, living in a big, scary, marvelous city with no family or friends. But I will be strong. Ipromisedhim that I would.
