Page 2 of Worth the Fall

Becca's response pulls me back to the present, her message full of enough emojis and exclamation points to power a small city. At least someone's excited about my tentative step back into social life.

Becca

Yay! Can’t wait! Wear something cute.

Standing to gather my things, I smooth down my pencil skirt and square my shoulders. I'm twenty-seven, successful, and according to Linda, in desperate need of a life outside these walls. Maybe it's time to stop hiding behind work and start living again.

My computer dings with a new email. Cameron's name in the subject line makes my stomach drop, but like the masochist I apparently am, I open it anyway.

Hey Mia,

Thanks for looking over that contract. I know things are weird between us, but I really appreciate you doing this. Maybe we could grab coffee sometime and talk?

My finger hovers over the delete button. Twelve years is a long time to just walk away from. But maybe that's exactly what I need to do. It didn’t seem that hard for him to toss in the towel after a dozen years, high school sweethearts and promise rings be damned, I guess.

"Don’t." I blink several times, willing myself not to shed another tear for a man who clearly thought of me as just a space filler for the last decade plus.

Instead of replying, I shut down my computer and grab my bag. The yoga class I attempted last week may have ended with me falling on another student, but at least I was trying something new. Baby steps.

In the elevator, I confirm plans with Austin for pickleball. My first attempt at dating since Cameron may not have led to romance, but it gave me something maybe even better, a friend who doesn't look at me with pity when I order dessert first.

The night air hits my face as I exit the building, carrying with it a hint of possibility. For the first time in weeks, I feel something other than numb. Maybe Linda's right; all work and no play isn't the answer. Maybe it's time to let go of what I thought my life would be and embrace the uncertainty of what could be.

I give the cab driver my new address, not the one I shared with Cameron for five years. As city lights blur past my window, I make a silent promise to myself: no more hiding behind work. No more letting fear of the unknown hold me back.

It's time to take a risk.

I close my eyes, leaning my head back against the back seat of the vehicle, reminding myself that there’s so much more to life than what I’ve let mine become. When I reach home, I change into comfortable clothes and curl up on my couch—my couch, bought with my money for my new place. Yet another little thing I remind myself to celebrate. Austin's response to my pickleball invitation makes me smile.

Austin

Using me to avoid awkward social situations again? I'm in.

Setting my alarm for tomorrow, I realize I'm actually looking forward to the weekend. Maybe that's what moving forward looks like, small moments of anticipation replacing the constant ache of what used to be.

As I drift off to sleep, I think about how life has a way of surprising you. Six months ago, I thought my world was ending. Now? Now I'm realizing it might just be beginning.

The next morning brings a flurry of activity at the office. I'm buried in case files, my shoes kicked off beneath my desk and my hair already falling out of my clip when a familiar voice drifts down the hallway, making my heart stutter.

"Actually, I needed to discuss the contract."

I freeze at the familiar sound of Cameron’s voice, a million thoughts racing through my head on how I should handle this.

"Miss Mason," Linda announces unnecessarily, given that Cameron's six-foot frame now fills my doorway. "Mr. Reynolds is here to see you."

I force myself to look up, keeping my expression neutral despite the way my stomach flips. He looks good—he always does—but different somehow. My brow furrows as I scan his new look. His usually clean-cut appearance has been replaced with what I can only describe as hipster-chic transformation. Complete with… is that a man bun?

"Cameron," I manage, proud of how steady my voice sounds despite wanting to blurt out,what in the hell are you doing here and what is with the getup?"I was going to email you about the contract but as you can see…" I gesture to the mismanaged pile of files on my desk just as several slip slowly off the corner, falling into a scattered mess onto the floor.

"I thought it would be better to discuss in person." He steps into my office, skirting around the pile of papers on the floorwith zero attempt to help pick them up, and I catch a whiff of… sage?

"Plus, Jasmine thought it would be good for us to have some closure."

"Jasmine?" I freeze.

Is he seriously here to tell me he’s already moved on with someone else?

"My life coach," he explains, settling into the chair across from my desk like he belongs there. "She's been helping me navigate my spiritual journey."

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