Page 78 of Only Ever You

I’m not even sure what I’m doing here, but I’ll press forward because the alternative is just too hard.

What a mess.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Pippa

Rochelle hugs me when I hand her my resignation.

“Are you sure?” she asks.

“I need to go home and just mope for a while.”

Her smile is faint. “I get it. I’m sure Garrett will give you a glowing reference.”

I swallow hard. This job—working for this company—has been everything I wanted. It’s not just about Deacon; it’s about the friendships I’ve made here and the fact that I enjoyed the work.

But here I’m surrounded by memories that threaten to drown me.

“Thank you so much for everything. I’m sorry things have turned out this way.”

“I told Deacon he’d better not do anything to mess this up.” She sighs. “I wish he’d listened.”

I shrug. “I don’t know what’s going on in his head right now. What he did has been devastating, but I can’t help but worry too. I’m missing something.”

She gives my forearm a squeeze. “Well, if you ever need anything and I can help, please let me know. I’ll be giving him a piece of my mind when he shows up.”

“I’m sure you will.” That makes me smile. I knew she’d have my back.

“Just leave your swipe cards with reception on the way out. They’ll get them to me.”

Nodding, I turn to leave. “I will. Thanks, Rochelle.”

I take a deep breath before I make my way to the elevator and up to the executive floor. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the butterflies I do now—probably the day I interviewed.

After making my way down the corridor, I stop before the closed door. We were supposed to be gone for a month, so the offices had been closed with Deacon’s teams temporarily reporting to Victor.

I swallow hard and slide my swipe card, unlocking the door. There’s no point in closing it behind me—I won’t be here long. Once I grab the few things I have in the office, I’ll get out of here.

After walking to my desk—what used to be my desk—I place the small box I’ve brought with me on it and circle around it.

There are a couple of photos of Deacon and I, and I place them in the box before opening the drawer.

The second week Deacon and I were dating, he bought me a coffee mug. At the time, I thought it was cute. Now I’m not so sure.

It’s plain white with black writing on it that says Best Girlfriend Ever.

Was that ever true? Did he ever think that?

Until I know why he left, there are so many unanswered questions in my head.

I place it in the box, along with the spare tampons and the odd bits of makeup.

“I was hoping I’d see you before you left.”

Mallory walks in the door. Her smile is pained, and this whole thing must be awkward. Deacon’s swanned off and left the deserted girlfriend to face the friends.

“I’m so sorry,” Mallory says.

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