Terminating her employment shouldn’t take longer than the both of us signing three forms, but I can’t help unnecessarily reviewing each one silently because it’s entirely possible that this is the last time I’ll ever be in her presence.
Elle hasn’t said much to me beyond, “Morning,” and I’m already missing the mere two days’ worth of casual banter we shared.
Thissucks.
It sucks so much, and I’m so desperate forsomethingsince I know she’s about to be gone, that I can’t help speaking to her while I continue to look over the paperwork that I don’t need to read.
“You’ve been a really good employee, Elle. I know I made this job difficult for you, and I know it’s not what you ever wanted to be doing. The fact that you showed up and hustled every day despite all of that is admirable. I know wherever you go next, you’ll be fantastic there, too, and I know you’ll be able to do everything you’re hoping to.”
She says nothing, and I glance up at her. The expression on her face is neutral, but I’m able to hold her gaze for a second, and a quick smile tugs at her mouth. She doesn’t even saythanks, and that honestly doesn’t surprise me. That tells me I’m definitely not going to see her again after this, and I throw caution to the wind.
“I had a good time with you,” I say much more quietly after I look back down, picking up a pen and starting to sign the three forms. “I had such a good time with you that I wish had done everything completely different after the moment I handed you that napkin.”
I hear Elle draw in a breath like she’s about to reply, so I hastily slide the forms and pen across the desk to her.
“Sign here, here, and here,” I add, indicating the lines with my index finger, “and then we’re all done.”
I feel the weight of her eyes linger on me for a second, so I turn to my monitor and randomly click and scroll to erect a wall between us of me being faux-occupied by something. In my periphery, I see her pick up the pen and start signing. It only takes about ten seconds for her to finish, and then she stands up. I stand up as well, avoiding her gaze by picking up a copy of one of the documents off the desk and blindly passing it off to her before I march to the door.
Before opening it, I glance through the window and add, “I’ll mail the check to the address we’ve got on file once the payout goes through. If it changes before then, feel free to call me here and let me know.”
“Okay,” Elle says, quiet, but a bit expectant. “Thank you.”
At that, I meet her gaze with a placid, yet pleasant expression. “Thankyou.”
Her gaze shifts. “Colin, I—”
I open the office door, and she silences herself. I offer her my hand, and she meets it with hers for a brief shake.
“Good luck with everything, Elle.”
She dips her head in a slow half-nod. “Thanks.”
Elle’s limpid, seafoam green gaze lingers on mine for a beat longer than necessary. She smiles at me in a way that it doesn’t quite reach her eyes, and then she turns and heads down the walkway that leads to the elevator. I watch her until she steps inside and disappears.
Andthat…is just going to have to be that.
15
GETTING COLIN TO JUST fire me the day after we got back was probably one of the smarter things I’ve done. Which is great, given that the weekend we spent together was packed with a bunch of the stupider things I’ve done. Hopefully, all of it balances out somehow.
No, itwillbalance out. In fact, it’s already balancing out because my nightmarish job at Platinum Aviation is now a thing of the past, as is my former boss, the sexy, two-faced asshole.
Although…
Reader… TBH, I have been thinking of him more than I should. In case I haven’t mentioned this at least a dozen times, Idolike him. I just don’t like him in a way that would make it a smart idea to spend any more time around him. Colin is too unpredictable. He’s volatile. Exhibit A: the drive back to the city. He went from hinting at us seeing each other after I quit, to threatening me with not upholding his end of our bargain over the span of barely two minutes, all because he perceived that I wasthreatening his survival.
You know, just like on that first day.
I actually do understand him. Based on what little I know about his history, I have gathered that Colin has been forced to fend for himself so often in life thatsurvivalis his default. And he will survive at any and all costs, including at the cost of those around him. And good for him. Heshould. It’s what I’ve had to do, except my survival never came at anyone else’s expense.
Anyway, I understand him. But I understand him enough to know that, especially after that weekend, it’s best for us to just stay away from each other.
Which brings me back to the fact that asking him to fire me immediately was a smart thing to do.
It’s now two weeks post that-one-shameless-weekend, and rather than just now leaving Platinum Aviation, I’ve made a million strides of progress in pursuit of my ultimate goal. I took my licensing exam, revamped my resume, went on a number of interviews, realized that I’m actually kind of a hot commodity because of my education and internships, and ended up having a number of job offers.
Ultimately, I decided on one that wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned. It isn’t a regular social worker position, rather I am now what’s known as arecovery coach. It’s basically a life coach, but for people who specifically struggle with all types of addiction. Drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, etc. If a person is hooked on something, it’s now my job to guide them through their recovery and provide them with a practical roadmap for success in achieving their desired goals.
