Page 19 of In Another Time

“Yeah, it’s a lot to think about,” I admitted, wishing he’d leave.

“Well, if anyone can handle it, it’s you,” he said, his tone flirtatious.

“Thanks, Adrian,” I said, my voice cool.

He lingered for a moment longer, clearly hoping for more conversation, but I didn’t give him an opening. Finally, he left, and I exhaled in relief.

The rest of the morning was a blur of half-hearted work and constant thoughts swirling in my mind. I couldn’t focus, not with the weight of the promotion—and the move—bearing down on me. By lunchtime, I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed myphone, stepped into the privacy of the breakroom, and called Sherelle. It only took two rings before she picked up.

“Lennox! What’s up, girl?”

“Sherelle,” I said, exhaling deeply.

“Uh-oh,” she said, her voice immediately intrigued. “Spill it.”

“I got offered a promotion this morning,” I said, taking a deep breath. “They’re finally making me President. It’s the role I’ve been working toward for years.”

“Lenny! That’s amazing!” she exclaimed. “Congratulations, girl! All those late nights and sacrifices paid off.”

“Thanks,” I said, but my tone must have given something away.

“Wait a minute,” she said, the excitement in her voice dimming. “You don’t sound happy. What’s wrong?”

“It’s in Chicago, Relle,” I admitted.

There was a pause. “Chicago? Like, you’d have to move?”

“Yep. I’d need to be there in a month if I accept.”

“Damn,” she said. “That’s a big move.”

“Tell me about it,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

“So what’s the problem? This is what you’ve been busting your ass for, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” I said, slumping into a chair. “It is. But leaving means giving up everything I have here—my friends, my family. . .” I hesitated, biting my lip.

“And Omir,” Sherelle finished for me.

“Sherelle,” I groaned.

“What? Am I wrong?” she asked.

“We’re not even a thing,” I said quickly.

“Doesn’t mean you don’t want to be,” she shot back. I stayed quiet, unable to deny it. “Lennox, let me ask you something,” she said, her tone softer now. “If Omir didn’t come along, would you even be hesitating about this move?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.

“That’s what I thought,” she said. “Look, I’m not saying you should give up this opportunity. But maybe you owe it to yourself—and to him—to figure out how you really feel before you make such a big decision. You might regret it if you don’t.”

I let her words sink in, staring blankly at the breakroom wall. “Thanks, Relle,” I said, feeling a small wave of gratitude.

“Anytime, girl.”

As I hung up, her words replayed in my mind.Figure out how you really feel.It sounded so simple, but nothing about this felt simple.

I stared out the breakroom window, the city bustling below me. I had a decision to make—a life-changing one—and no matter what I chose, I knew things would never be the same.

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