Page 30 of Someone Like You

‘Are you leaving us?’ Quinn whines. I’ve suspected for some time that he has a huge crush on Raff – now I’m positive.

Raff’s eyes flick to meet mine and I lift my hands in surrender. ‘Don’t look at me. I didn’t say a word.’

He turns to Lorrie and Quinn. ‘Well…’

Quinn sucks in a breath through his teeth and Lorrie appears distraught.

‘Yes, I am. I’ve just given notice,’ Raff adds.

‘No!’ they wail together.

‘Seriously, did you two rehearse this routine?’ I ask, but they both ignore me – they’re too busy imploring Raff to stay.

He raises his hands to placate them, and they fall silent. ‘It’s done,’ he tells them gently. ‘I’m working up till the Christmas break, but I won’t be returning in the New Year.’

‘Where are you off to then? Those bastards at Zenith didn’t poach you, did they?’ Lorrie asks, switching seamlessly to interrogation mode.

‘Lorrie, you know I’d never work for those bastards at Zenith.’

‘Those bastards’ include Cockwomble, the not-so-affectionate-but-apt nickname Lorrie’s given her ex-husband. Cockwomble is a senior director at Zenith and Lorrie would consider working for him tantamount to betrayal.

She exhales a loud sigh while Quinn falls into a chair. This is hitting them harder than I expected.

This is hittingmeharder than I expected.

In less than a month, Raff won’t be occupying the cubicle next to mine. We’ve shared that fuzzy green wall foryears– so long, I can’t remember when we didn’t share it. Even after Raff’s promotion last spring – a role that came with an office as well as a raise – he asked to stay put. Claire couldn’t understand why.Icould – Raff is the epitome of a team player – he thrives on working with the ‘little people’. He alsohatesit when I call us that – more evidence that he’s a genuinely good guy.

‘So where are you off to then?’ Lorrie asks wearily.

‘Why don’t you sit down and I’ll tell you everything,’ he offers.

Lorrie and Quinn exchange another look, then Lorrie takes a seat next to Quinn.

‘Um, are you guys cool if I sit this out? I’m already up to speed.’

Quinn shrugs, Lorrie waves me off, and when I catch Raff’s eye, I mouth, ‘Good luck.’

I leave Wordsworth and instead of going back to my desk, I take the elevator to the ground floor. I have about forty minutes before my next meeting and I need a breather. After exiting the Shard, I head towards the river.

I never get bored of walking along the Thames, especially watching the ever-changing river traffic. Sometimes, I’ll stop and take in the dense and varied architecture across the river on the northern bank. London is steeped in history, for sure, but it also has this vibrant modern energy. And Tower Bridge is one of the most spectacular landmarks I’ve ever seen. It has been far easier for this city to feel like my second home than I’d originally anticipated.

Though I do get homesick for Seattle – and not only because I miss my family. Seattle is a truly beautiful place – the city itselfandthe natural beauty surrounding it.

There’s a vantage point not far from my parents’ place that has always been my go-to for when I need to catch my breath or to ponder some dilemma. I’ll sit and stare at the view, taking in each incredible detail. The rough and rugged Orcas Islands nestled in Puget Sound. How the Olympic Mountains in the distance are silhouetted against the sky. The working port at West Seattle, with its enormous cranes and boat traffic. The ferries that cross the sound, miniscule from that high up. The converted buildings along the waterfront – once used for shipping but now restaurants, hotels, and events venues. And the city itself, including the iconic Space Needle, which is even more incredible at night. And on clear days, which are few and far between, you can see Mount Rainier in the distance – so tall and monolithic, it looks fake, like that logo at the start of a Paramount Pictures movie.

I stop at a spot along the granite wall next to the Thames and rest my forearms on top. It’s another crisp fall day and the sun is doing an impressive job of shining, making the sky a milky blue.

Raff is leaving.

Not only will I see less of him, but he’s taking this huge leap of faith. I haven’t done anything that extreme in years – not since my move to London. And with Freya gone…

Maybe this is why Raff’s departure from Global Reach is hitting me so hard. First Freya, now Raff… They’re both pursuing their passions.

But what’s mine? I enjoy my work, but if I’m honest with myself, I haven’t been stretched professionally for some time. I wonder if I should throw my hat in the ring for Raff’s role. Getting promoted would certainly help me shake off the doldrums.

Or what about moving back to Seattle? Gina would be thrilled –so would Dad – but is that what I want? And would it be good for me?

I’m heading back in a few weeks for my cousin’s wedding, then staying on to spend Christmas with my parents. I suppose I could check out the vibe while I’m there – jobwise, dating wise… Of course, I’d miss Freya and Raff if I moved back to Seattle – and CiCi and Devin, and Lorrie and Quinn – my London peeps. But I’d also be closer to my family.

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