Page 29 of Beauty and the Grease
Chase
I feel exhilarated. At the top of my game. Ironic, since I’m now unemployed.
I just quit my lucrative sales job and have no idea what’s next. This job stress has been simmering too long. My excuses ran out the clock. No more games with Cliff or sacrificing time with my kids.
Angelina and Anvik tumble out of the banquet hall. “Chase,” Angelina calls over. “I tried to tell you before dinner. I overheard Cliff talking about you. Something about your marriage records. It sounded nutty. I was hoping to find out whether I’m getting promoted.”
“He digs for personal information on us,” Anvik responds to my unanswered question. “I’ve been trying to prove it.”
“We can report him together,” I tell him. “But I don’t want to cost you your job.”
“Not an issue. I’ve already got a few interviews lined up.”
It feels good to have allies.
Speaking of allies, Ben appears. “I saw you leave. Everybody’s wondering what’s going on. The C-suite are all arguing.”
We rehash what happened. My heart pounds. I feel like I can do anything. Adrenaline is something fierce. But Jenny—this was hard on her too. “I’m sorry you had to go through this. He had no right to look into our history.”
“I’m glad you quit.”
Same. I get to see my kids. I get to see…Jenny. More of everything I want in life. I have time to find a new job. A few ideas are brewing.
She smooths back her hair. “I know I decided for us to tell him about the annulment—”
“You got ahead of it,” I finished for her. “Brilliant.”
Her smile is sadder than I want it to be. “I’m going to take off. It’s time.”
Her words hit me like a brick wall. “What? Now?” Right. Neither of us have anything left to do here. “Let me get my stuff and we’ll go.” Just the two of us, riding off into the sunset, forging a new beginning.
She chews her bottom lip. “I think I should go on my own.”
She doesn’t look upset. We aren’t fighting. I can’t tell what’s wrong. “But I quit. You told me I was too good forthis place, and I finally believe it. I should probably leave as soon as possible.”
“Oh, definitely. Please do. I just need to get going myself.”
A hollow sensation creeps over. Like hunger but deeper. “Are you upset with me? I don’t understand.”
“I’m not, no. I meant it when I said I had unfinished business and joined you for dinner. Little did we know how eventful it would be!” Her laugh comes out nervous.
“Look, I know I literally don’t have a ride home, but Ben may be able to take me, or maybe a ride share. Whatever. But I’d like to go with you.”
She considers this. “I know. But I need time.”
Time as in, this is a temporary parting. We can resume this all later when emotions aren’t so intense. I get that. Still, I can’t help the thought we’re over-thinking here. “It’s just a ride.”
Her face, there’s pain there. Pain I’m causing her, somehow, and I can’t stop it. She expected to leave me here yesterday and go on her merry way, living her life as she has all these years. She only stayed because a tornado stranded her. She stayed for safety, and was lured by gentle stretching.
In the meantime, we reconnected. But it’s not enough.
I fell for her again. In one day, I already know I want her in my life again.
But Jenny doesn’t want to leave with me. It’s not just a ride. Taking me with her would mean the beginning of something more. Jenny doesn’t want the more. Only I do.
“Thank you for everything.” She blinks, so calm, so in control. “I mean it, Chase. This was a good weekend for closure. I wish you the best.”
Well, that sure sounds like goodbye.
