Page 120 of Across the Boards

I set the phone down, his words hitting uncomfortably close to the truth. Is that what I’m doing? Choosing fear over happiness? The accusation stings precisely because it resonates.

But it’s not that simple. It can’t be.

My phone rings, at this hour, it can only be one person.

“It’s 2 AM, Sarah,” I answer without preamble.

“And you’re wide awake, making yourself miserable.” Her voice is clear, not sleep-addled. “Tommy says Brody’s doing the same thing. You two are perfectly matched in your stubborn misery.”

“Did you call just to tell me that?”

“No, I called because I love you, and you’re about to make the biggest mistake of your life.” The directness is pure Sarah—no softening, no hedging. “Running to Seattle won’t solve anything. Jason will still exist. Your feelings for Brody won’t magically disappear. You’ll just be alone and multiple states away.”

“I’m protecting Brody’s career,” I say, the justification sounding hollow even to my own ears.

“Bullshit.” Sarah doesn’t bother with gentle reassurance. “You’re protecting yourself. From vulnerability. From the possibility of getting hurt again. From actually being happy with someone who adores you.”

“That’s not?—”

“It is,” she interrupts. “And you know it. Jason did a number on you, Elle. Made you believe you weren’t worthy of love, that you were somehow deficient. And now you’ve found someone who thinks you’re incredible exactly as you are, and you’re running scared.”

Tears prick at my eyes, unwelcome and revealing. “It’s more complicated than that.”

“Is it?” Sarah’s tone softens slightly. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks pretty simple. You’re in love with Brody. He’s in love with you. Jason is a vindictive ass who wants to control you even three years after your divorce. The only question is: who are you going to let win? Your fear or your heart?”

After she hangs up, her words echo in the quiet of my kitchen. Who indeed?

I pick up the contract again, scanning its professional language, its promises of career advancement and financial security. Then I reach for my phone, scrolling through recent texts from Brody.

Saw a woman correcting someone’s grammar at the grocery store today and immediately thought of you. The power of proper semicolon usage is sexy.

Jensen says my defensive positioning has improved since I started dating you. Apparently the fear of grammatical correction has made me more disciplined in all areas of life.

I missed you today. Just wanted you to know that.

Simple messages. Honest affection. The kind of genuine connection I’d convinced myself didn’t exist after Jason’s calculated manipulation and eventual betrayal.

Is Sarah right? Am I running from happiness because I’m afraid to be vulnerable again?

The answer comes with uncomfortable clarity: Yes. Absolutely yes.

But that doesn’t change the reality of Jason’s threats. Doesn’t erase the genuine danger to Brody’s career. Doesn’t negate the substantial age gap that will only become more pronounced with time.

By morning, I’ve made my decision. The logical decision. The safe decision. The one that protects Brody, advances my career, and shields my heart from potential devastation.

I sign the Seattle contract.

* * *

TellingBrody is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

We meet at a neutral location—a quiet coffee shop downtown, away from our neighboring townhouses where too many emotions linger. He’s already there when I arrive, two cups on the table, his smile fading as he registers my expression.

“You’ve decided,” he says as I sit across from him. Not a question.

I nod, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “I’m taking the Seattle job.”

The flash of pain across his face is quickly controlled, replaced by careful neutrality. “I see.”

---