Page 253 of Beautiful Collide

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Molly

The early morningsunlight streams in through the curtains. My eyes blink, confused about what day it is and why my alarm hasn’t gone off.

But then it all comes flooding back. Today is the first time in years that I don’t have an alarm clock set or a list of things I need to do.

No. Today is my first day of being unemployed.

There’s no checklist.

No emails to answer.

No schedule to organize.

There’s nothing.

It feels odd.

I’m actually at a loss for how I feel.

On the one hand, it’s nice to be able to catch a few extra hours of z’s, but on the other, now what do I do with my life?

Who am I, if not Dane’s assistant?

Flipping over in the bed, I look at Hudson’s spot—it’s empty.

I’m all alone.

Hudson probably left a few hours ago for practice.

Grabbing my robe, I throw it on, head downstairs, and grab a cup of coffee before taking a seat. The house is quiet except for the soft hum of the fridge in the kitchen. I sit at the table drinking.

I should feel relieved.

Then why don’t I?

This is a blessing.

Then why doesn’t it feel that way?

For years, I’ve worked tirelessly for Dane, putting his needs above my own.

Now, I finally have a chance to focus on myself. To figure out what I want.

But the truth is, I have no idea where to start.

The first day is the hardest. After I get dressed, I leave the house with no destination in mind, just walking aimlessly down the quiet streets of Hudson’s neighborhood.

The air is cool, and the early fall leaves crunch beneath my boots as I walk.

I used to dream about what it would be like not to work for Dane.

Now I’m scared to find out.

Sure, I haven’t worked for him for a few days here and there, but never more than two months.

What do I do now?

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