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Twenty-One

“I’ve been looking for the best time to talk,” Evelyn said, her voice quiet but firm. She stepped back slightly, her hands dropping from Jo’s and folding in front of her like she was bracing herself for impact.

Jo’s stomach twisted. “Okay,” she said slowly. “What’s going on?”

Holding Jo’s gaze, Evelyn exhaled. “I’ve been offered a promotion at work,” she said. “A big one.” Jo didn’t speak, only waited, watching the way Evelyn’s shoulders squared up, like she was preparing for a fight. After a beat, Evelyn continued. “It’s a lead position on a sustainability pilot program and a huge opportunity. I’d be working with multiple institutions and agencies across the Pacific Northwest.”

Not quite understanding why Evelyn’s tone and posture didn’t match the news, Jo nodded once. “That sounds amazing,” she said. “What’s the catch?”

“There’s travel involved,” Evelyn said in a rush. “A lot of it. I’d still be based out of Portland, but likely be on the road for months at a time.”

Something cold settled in Jo’s chest. “Wow,” she said after a moment to collect her thoughts. “That’s… something.”

“I wanted to tell you sooner,” Evelyn said, stepping closer again. “I did. I just didn’t know how. And then everything with the break-in, and the barbeque, and well…” She trailed off, biting her lip. “I was afraid it would change things.”

Not ready to accept the churn of emotions inside her, Jo shrugged. “You gotta do what’s best for you,” she said. “Congratulations.”

Clearly surprised at the calm response, Evelyn blinked. “Jo—”

“No, seriously,” Jo interrupted, forcing a smile. “It’s okay. We’re not…” She gestured vaguely between them. “We’re not anything official.”

“That’s not what I—” Evelyn started.

Holding up a hand, Jo cut her off again. “I mean, we’ve only been seeing each other for a couple of weeks,” she said, still smiling, but it was starting to feel brittle. “It’s not like I expected you to plan your life around me.”

“That’s not what I’m doing either,” Evelyn said, taking a step back.

“Good,” Jo said, nodding. “Then you should take the job.” There was a long silence, and a part of Jo felt like a door was slowly closing.

Evelyn’s eyes searched Jo’s face, looking filled with a mix of emotions. “That’s it?” she asked quietly. “Simply congratulations and good luck?”

Jo looked away. “You’re smart, Evelyn. You’ve worked hard. You deserve this.”

“Right,” Evelyn said, her words sounding tight. “Okay.” Jo couldn’t bring herself to look at her again. If she did, she didn’t trust what she might say. She heard Evelyn sigh. “I should go,” I have a lot to think about.”

Still not meeting her eyes, Jo nodded. “Yeah,” she said. “Of course.”

Evelyn lingered for a second longer, like she was waiting for something, anything, but Jo didn’t move. Finally, Evelyn turned and walked toward the exit, her footsteps echoing through the garage. When she was gone, Jo let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her chest felt tight. Her stomach felt hollow.

She rubbed a hand over her face. “What the hell was that?” she murmured before turning back to the Subaru, grabbing the wrench, and bending over the engine. She focused on the rusted bolt, hoping for a distraction, the metal groaning as she forced it loose.Why did I act like that?she thought.She told me something real. She opened up. And I shut down. She paused her work.But it’s easier this way.Growling in frustration, she started on the bolt again.This is why I don’t do serious.The bolt finally gave with a sharp jolt, and Jo swore as she banged her knuckles on the engine block.

“Whoa,” a voice behind her said. Jo turned to see Mica standing at the edge of the bay. “Did that bolt insult your mother?” she asked with a raised eyebrow, and Jo sighed.

“Don’t start.”

Disregarding Jo’s warning, as always, Mica stepped closer. “I saw Evelyn out the window getting in her car,” she said. “She didn’t look happy.”

Jo busied herself wiping the spot of blood from her knuckle. “She’s got a job offer,” she said without looking at Mica. “A big one. She will travel all over the place, which means she won’t be here.”

“Oh. Shit.”

“Yeah,” Jo muttered. “She told me. I said congratulations.”

Mica stared at her. “That’s it?” she asked, and Jo looked hard at her.

“What else was I supposed to say?”

“I don’t know,” Mica said. “Something that doesn’t make her feel like a one-night stand?”