Page 81 of Idle

“I can’t believe it.” She runs her hand through her hair, causing her blonde bangs to bounce. “Wish I didn’t have to share the spotlight with my ex, though.”

“I understand. Perhaps he’ll change when you settle into your show?” Doubt it.

Her expression indicates she doesn’t think so either. “We’ll see. What are you going to do next? What’s on your design horizon?”

I’m going back to banking. Accepting the promotion my boss promised me. Work my way into becoming a chief compliance officer somewhere like Homer. Keep following Diana’s dream. At least I’m rewarded at the bank.Should tell me something.

Not about to reveal my thoughts, I reply, “Oh, I don’t know what the future holds.”

She taps my shoulder. “I’m sure something awesome will come up.”

One of the judges calls Mary Ellen over, and Quinn approaches me. “Sorry how things turned out for you guys. I was impressed with your work.”

Not a ringing endorsement. “Appreciate that.”

It’s as if the air around me encircles my neck and pulls. I need out. To flee this building. Find fresh air. “Do I have to sign anything, or am I free to go?”

My question pulls Quinn upright. “Of course, of course. You already signed everything, so you can pack your things whenever you’re ready.”

“Great.”

“Oh, and I have something belonging to you.” She fishes into her multi-colored tote bag and hands me my cell. On impulse, I do a quick photo transfer and return the one she issued to me. “There’s a town car outside that will take you to wherever you want to go.”

With a nod, I stride into the bedroom filled with the three bunk beds. Opening my suitcase, I dump all of my clothes into it, then go into the bathroom and clear out my toiletries. Less than half an hour later, I zip my luggage and wheel into the public area of the apartment, where people still linger.

Of its own volition, my gaze lands on Paige. She’s across the room laughing with a couple of the camera crew. Pain at what could have been slashes through every pore, confirming my decision to leave and not look back. She’s a living, breathing reminder of what I’ll never have—a career in carpentry, days spent creating fantastic pieces with my hands, and dare I even think this, love. Or what approaches love. I make my way to her and whisper in her ear. “Bye.”

Seeing my luggage, she tilts her head. “You’re leaving?”

My gruff voice replies, “Yes.”

“Wait. I’ll get my stuff and we can go together.”

I shake my head. “No. Stay here where you belong. Goodbye, Paige.”

Forever.

Her eyes widen, understanding dawning that this is our final interaction. Not wanting to drag out our breakup, I walk away from this amazing woman. My hand lands on the doorknob and I give one final glimpse into the place that holds so many memories. Soon, I’m down the hallway and ramming the elevator button.

So many scenes flit through my mind. Six weeks of my life. With nothing to show for it.

The elevator cab dings and I slip inside. Crossing the lobby, I wave to the receptionists and hop into the car, which takes me to my apartment on the Upper East Side.

Everything is as I remember it, only with a coating of dust. My fridge only has water and lonely crackers are on the shelves. Ignoring the kitchen, I walk into my bedroom and pull out my phone. My real one. With Wi-Fi and all my contacts.

I have only one person I want to talk with, and he was on the network’s phone as well. I press “Send.”

“Jesse. How’d it go? Am I talking with the next Renovation TV star?” His voice picks up with excitement.

I sit on the bed. “Sorry, but no. We lost.”

My statement hangs for a moment. “I’m sorry, Jesse. Don’t get discouraged, though. This was your first attempt at doing anything with your skills, so I guess you can’t expect to take the world by storm.”

“It’s over for me.” I drop my head. “I tried to carve a headboard and got dinged by the judges for it. Plus, I agreed to paint the wood.”

“In an effort to mask some missteps?”

“Yeah.” I half-smile. “Didn’t work. They pointed out it was a smart design move to hide my flaws, which reflected well on my partner.” I quash the annoying twinge stealing across my heart. No more time for that.

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