Page 62 of The One I Hate
I’m here. I’m doing this. I’m a resident, and about to be business owner, in Rolling Hills.
Holy shit. What the fuck am I doing?
I let out a yawn and just sit for a second before mustering up the energy to start taking some of my things upstairs to the apartment. There’s still plenty of sunlight, despite it being after six o’clock at night. The warm rays are going to put me to sleep if I sit here any longer.
Which would be nice. This week has been a lot.
On top of starting to get things ready for the new restaurant, I officially put in my notice at Napoli’s. Mellie squealed in excitement, then also put in her notice. Mr. Napoli begged me to stay and even offered me a raise. Billy thought he could charm me into staying by offering “private cooking classes” where he’d be on the menu. But, I told everyone thank you for years of employment and that opening my own restaurant had always been a dream of mine.
Inside I was telling everyone where to go and how to get there.
Because I’m leaving soon, Mr. Napoli didn’t think it was wise of me to meet with prospective clients, so my workload is pretty light. The only event I have is Oliver and Izzy’s reception, which takes place in one week, then my time at Napoli’s is officially done. And while I wish I could use the time to rest and recharge, there frankly isn’t enough time. I need every spare second to pack, move, and get the diner ready. Which is why I’m here after work, moving clothes, instead of taking a nap.
I love naps so much.
“Come on, Charlie,” I say to myself as I give my head a shake to wake me up. “The totes aren’t going to move themselves upstairs.”
With a heave, I push the door open to my 2012 Honda Civic and pop the trunk. My tiny car is filled to the brim with bags, totes, and anything else I could stuff in for the drive down tonight. Even with one week left at Napoli’s, I’ll actually be here more than there, so I figured it was time to bite the bullet and officially make my move to Rolling Hills.
Which…shit…I promised Connor I’d text him when I got here.
Connor: Did you make it?
Oops…
Charlie: Sorry. Just pulled up. Shut my eyes for a bit. Long day.
Connor: You sure you’re okay? You’ve been running yourself ragged. I can still come down and help you move.
Charlie: I’m fine. It will only take me a few trips to carry everything up.
Connor: I hate I didn’t come to help.
Charlie: There was no reason. It’s just totes. No big furniture. And you would have had to find a sitter for Lila.
Connor: Stubborn as always, I see.
Charlie: You’re gonna miss me and you know it.
Connor: We already do.
My brother follows that last message up with a picture of him and Lila blowing me a kiss. Damn him…now I’m about to cry.
Correction. Iamcrying.
Last night was more emotional than I thought it was going to be. Every time I looked at Lila and Connor, I broke into a crying fit. I was so emotional I even cried when Nuggy licked my face. I knew it was going to be hard to leave them, but I didn’t expect that. I haven’t cried like that in years. Probably since the day of Mom’s funeral.
“You got this,” I say to myself. “One step at a time.”
With one more deep breath, I get out of my car and look at the building that’s about to become my world. A sense of calm runs through me as I take everything in.
This is right. It’s what I’m supposed to be doing.
But just as quick as the calm comes, it’s replaced by an uneasiness I feel from head to toe.
“Bug! You’re here!”
Oh, now it makes sense.
