Page 96 of The Life-Changing Magic of Falling in Love

I stare down at my hands steepled together. It would probably be easier for her – tidier – if I went home. ‘I don’t know but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.’

With nothing more to say I get up and walk towards her and to my utter mortification a security guard steps out from behind the door. He’s obviously been waiting outside, all along.

My ego shrinks to the size of a peanut.

Anya takes a step forward and with one look gets the security guard to stand down, which is even more humiliating. He steps to the side and I step out into the reception area of the top floor of the HR Advertising Agency.

Harrison is standing in the doorway of his office.

Anya is standing in the doorway of what used to be my office.

Harrison’s EA stands up from behind her desk.

Even Barbara-from-Human-Resources comes to an abrupt stop on her way to the elevator.

And then, to make it even more of a Tarantino-esque stand-off, the elevator doors swish open and standing there is Tim Duggins.

Out-bloody-standing.

My gaze settles on Anya. Anya’s settles on her father.

At least it’s not on Tim – whom, I realise, is simply collateral damage.

My gaze sharpens on Anya, because she has my job as well now.

Am I just collateral damage?

I feel sick.

Heartsick.

If I could close my eyes and when I opened them, be back in England, I’d be the happiest I’ve felt in a long time.

I do close my eyes briefly yet all I feel is that the very last place I want to be, is back in England. Not now the treadmill I’ve been on for years has come to an abortive stop, turfing me unceremoniously off at Destination Nowhere.

It all hits proper.

All the study. All the career planning. All the late nights and non-existent weekends.

For what?

I take the few steps needed to be right in front of Anya. ‘I don’t pretend you’re sentimental.’ I take off the watch she gave me and hold it out for her to accept back. ‘Turns out neither am I. Not about this anyway.’

When she stares awkwardly at the watch, I turn and place it gently on the EA’s desk, step into the lift and step out of their lives.

* * *

At the soft knock on my apartment door hours later I find myself lunging across the room to answer it. It’s probably Anya come to let me know she’s made a huge mistake.

Which is so handy because I’ve been sitting here thinking the exact same thing!

What the hell was I thinking, not fighting with every breath left in my body to get my job back?

What the hell is wrong with me?

What the hell am I going to do?

But when I open the door, it isn’t poised Anya looking heartbroken and desperate.

---