Page 162 of Finance Bros

“It’s more me,” I say. “Isla didn’t help, but honestly, I’m not a good fit for this kind of work. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

Georgie takes off their glasses and leans back in their chair, regarding me carefully. “You all right?”

“I don’t know.”

They sigh, a softer look on their face, like they wish they had time to get into this with me now, but I picked a bad day. “Well, touch base with me on Monday. If you have a change of heart, let me know.”

“Will do.” I appreciate the offer, but this doesn’t feel like an impulse. Already I feel slightly more in control of my own destiny. “Thanks, Georgie,” I say, and then back out of the office. Without a word to Isla, I gather my things and leave Marks & Baker for good.

It’s notlong before my phone starts blowing up.

Ryan

What the hell did I miss? What happened? Also are you coming over or not?

Ryan’s text feels aggressive, but I think that’s a me problem. I already feel like a bloody pulp, so anything less than someone tucking me in with the softest blanket would feel like too much.

Me

I quit. It’s not a big deal. And I can’tmake it tonight.

Ryan

Bullshit. Do I need to come to you? We need to talk.

I hate those words. There aren’t words for how much I hate those words.

Me

If you want to talk, you can call me.

Ryan

Ffs

My phone rings.

“Hey.”

“What is this?” he asks.

I assume he means the fact that I’m in my apartment without him. “This is me taking a minute.”

“Why would you quit without saying anything to me first?” he asks.

“You were clearly busy, and it’s not like I never told you I hated the job.”

“You hateIsla?—”

“No, Ryan. That’s not what I said.” I sigh, wishing Stephanie were curled up against me while I lie on the couch. Wishinghewere. I also wish for different kinds of wishes. Like to be one of those people who thrives on being alone. “I told you it wasn’t for me.”

“You said you didn’t think it would be for you. That itmight notbe. You never said straight up you hated it and you were quitting,” he argues.

“Look, I’m not gonna argue semantics with you. Whatever I said—this is what I meant.”

“What the fuck are you gonna do now?”

“Look for another job, I guess.”

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