“I’m not going into detail, but let’s just say that things got a little heated between us, and she put an end to it quick as hell.”
“For real?”
“Yes, for real.”
“Well, you did say that she’s going through a divorce. I’m sure she needs some time to finish sorting through that.”
“Yeah, that’s the excuse she gave me. But she also made it very clear that my living here in Dallas was a problem, and she didn’t trust her emotions with me. So, in a nutshell, she’s not feeling me like that.”
“Huh?” Angela replied while looking at me like I was stupid. “You mean to tell me that things got hot and heavy between the two of you, she told you why she was scared and from that, you gathered that she wasn’t feeling you like that?”
“Yeah.”
“Damn, men are dumb as hell.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what I said,” she replied. “Nothing about what she said translated to the conclusion that you created in your silly ass brain. The woman is scared. She’s been hurt, and she doesn’t want to get hurt again. You guys are really good friends, which means if things didn’t work out between the two of you, it would hurt ten times worse.”
“You think so?”
“Trust me, I know so,” she said. “Honestly, you just need to give her some time. The connection between the two of you is obvious. I sensed that when I saw you guys together, hints why I knew her marriage wasn’t going to last in the first place. But that’s neither here nor there. Seeing as this is the first time the two of you have been that close, I’m sure her mind is all over the place. As soon as she can make sense of what’s happening, I’m sure she’ll come around.”
As much as I wanted to believe that to be true, I couldn’t stop thinking about the other factors in all of this. “Did you hear the part about her having a problem with us living in two different places?”
“Yeah, I did. But that’s a decision you’re supposed to be trying to work through anyway, so why does that even matter to you?”
“Because I haven’t decided on that yet.”
“Oh my God, why are you making this so difficult? We’ve been over this several times. You and Dakota need family. With her mother not being around, that little girl needs all of the love that she can get.”
“I don’t disagree with that.”
“Okay, then why are you dragging this thing out. Pack your shit and go back home.”
“Damn, I know you want my job, but you could at least pretend like you’re not after it,” I teased.
“First of all, I will do no such thing. I’ve been gunning for the branch manager position since the moment I realized that I had what it took to get it. But that’s not why I’m saying what I’m saying. I’m genuinely concerned about you and your daughter’s well-being. The journey you’re on isn’t an easy one, and you deserve help.”
“You sound like everyone else that’s trying to convince me to go back home.”
“That’s because we all love you. I’m sure there are other bank opportunities there.”
“Yeah, there are quite a few.”
“See. Now, just do what I said. Pack your shit, and—”
“Go do some work, Angela.”
Groaning, she stood up from her chair. “Oh, so now that I’ve given you all of this good advice, you want to put me out of your office?”
“Is that what you call that? Good advice?”
“That’s exactly what I would call it. Honestly, I should be charging you a fee. But because I think you’re cool, I’m going to let you slide this time.”
“Yeah, okay,” I replied before shaking my head.
“You know what? You’re going to miss me when you leave.”
