Page 113 of Across the Boards

I set the phone aside, then force myself to examine the room service tray—a cheese and fruit plate, tea, some chocolates. I leave it untouched, too nauseated to eat.

Instead, I open my laptop and begin researching Seattle—housing costs, neighborhoods, transportation options. If I’m going to do this, I need to be thorough. It’s what I do best—research, planning, controlling what variables I can.

By midnight, I have a plan: If Catherine’s offer is reasonable, I’ll accept it. I’ll return to Phoenix just long enough to pack essentials and put my townhouse on the market. I’ll break things off with Brody in person—he deserves that much—using the distance and career opportunity as my explanation. No need to burden him with Jason’s threats.

It’s the cleanest solution. The one that protects Brody while giving me a fresh start. Everyone wins.

Except my heart, which already aches at the thought of walking away from the first real connection I’ve felt since my divorce. From the man who remembers what books I read, who makes blueberry pancakes on a whim, who looks at me like I’m something precious.

But this isn’t about what I want. It’s about what needs to be done. The responsible choice.

I finally fall into a restless sleep, dreams filled with chase scenes where I can never escape the shadow following me, no matter how many city blocks I put between us.

Morning arrives with gray Seattle light filtering through the curtains. I shower, dress with care in my most professional outfit, and head down to meet Catherine, conference folder containing my resume tucked under my arm.

The restaurant is busy, but Catherine has secured a quiet corner table. She stands to greet me with a firm handshake.

“I took the liberty of ordering coffee,” she says as we sit. “Hope that’s okay.”

“Perfect, thank you.” I take a sip, grateful for the caffeine after my restless night.

For the next thirty minutes, Catherine outlines their technical documentation department, the role they need to fill, and the projects I’d be working on. It’s interesting, challenging work—medical software documentation requiring both technical precision and regulatory compliance.

“Let’s talk compensation,” she says, sliding a paper across the table. “This is our standard package for someone at your experience level. Negotiable, of course.”

I glance at the figure and nearly choke on my coffee. It’s significantly more than I’m making in Phoenix, with better benefits and a generous relocation allowance.

“That’s... very competitive.”

“We value expertise,” Catherine says simply. “Seattle’s cost of living is higher than Phoenix, and we factor that in. We also offer quarterly bonuses based on project completion.”

We discuss more details—start dates, team structure, remote work possibilities. By the time we’ve finished breakfast, I’m seriously considering the offer.

“I don’t expect an answer today,” Catherine says as we prepare to leave. “Take some time to think about it. But I will need to know by the end of next week. We’re looking to fill the position quickly.”

“I understand.” I shake her hand. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

As she walks away, I remain at the table, thinking. The job is perfect—challenging, well-compensated, in a city far from Jason’s influence. A clean break, a fresh start. The responsible choice.

So why does it feel like I’m running away?

My phone buzzes with a text from Brody.

Morning, sunshine. How’s the head? Feeling better?

I stare at his message, a wave of affection and despair washing over me. How do I respond? What do I say to the man I’m planning to leave behind for his own protection?

Better, thanks. How was the game?

We won! Jensen stood on his head in goal, and I had two assists. Coach said it was my best game of the road trip.

That’s great. Congratulations.

You okay? You seem... upset. Did something happen?

Perceptive, even through text messages. Another quality that makes him so different from Jason, who barely noticed my emotional state unless it inconvenienced him.

Just busy with the conference. One more day, then flying home tomorrow evening.

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