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“Pick up the earrings first.” He dismisses me without even looking up and starts banging away on his computer, just like I knew he would.
I stare at his dark, silky hair. “Before I go, I have something for you.” I’m determined that he knows.
He is forced to look up and then at the letter in my hand.
“I told you. Just leave it here.” He motions to a space on his desk and goes back to his typing.
I set my letter down then turn on my heel and leave. Inside, my stomach churns, but it’s not a crumbling, debilitating feeling, like I’m about to vanish into myself. This feels like roaring flames of a brightly burning fire.
And I feel like a phoenix rising from it.
All because I’ve finally done the thing that has taken me so long,too long, to do.
I've handed in my resignation and I finally feel free.
It’s liberating.
Which is strange, because Jett doesn’t even know what I’ve given him. I'm smiling from ear to ear when I flop back in my chair, feeling like a slab of concrete has been lifted off my shoulders.
The emotion is so profound that I start to laugh because I see glimpses of my future, of the flower shop I used to think about opening. I am now free to do something for me, for once.
The door to Jett’s office opens and he peers out, his brows pushing together. He opens his mouth to say something, but words seem to fail him. He must find thissostrange.
I quickly reach for my bag and make to leave. “I might be gone for a few hours,” I tell him, suppressing my happiness. “It’s going to be a looooong lunch.”
His stony face is expressionless. “Enjoy,” he says, before closing the door and vanishing from my view.
***
Later that evening, I walk through the door of the apartment I share with Eliana. She’s waiting for me, her face lighting up the second she sees me.
“Did you do it?” She practically bounces with excitement.
“I did!” I pull out a bottle of fine champagne. I splurged a bit, because I have good reason to celebrate.
“You did it, hon!” Eliana screams, putting her arms around me. We jump up and down like kids, the champagne bottle still in my hand.
“You finally did it.”
Eliana squeals and throws her arms around me again, hugging me so tight I can barely breathe. “We have to celebrate! This is amazing! The first step you’ve taken to regain control of your life.” She pulls back, beaming. “That man has worn you down, Car. You’re finally breaking free.”
I hand her the bottle, before taking off my jacket and collapsing onto the couch. “I took a long lunch,” I tell her, as she begins to peel the foil and metal cage off the top.
“Yeah?”
“I called up the other assistants and they leapt at the chance to join me.”
“Did you drink much?” Eliana asks, as the cork pops and I jump, feeling energized. Feeling like I want to pop myself.
Why does this feel so freeing?
“Nothing. Not when I'm working. We also didn't talk about work.” I push the conversation away from the Knight brothers. I didn't want to know what's been going on behind the scenes. I was also afraid that I'd secretly let slip that I'd resigned, and I don't want the news getting out before Jett discovers it for himself.
I want my resignation to hit him like a wrecking ball.
I’ve been so miserable working for that man. Not always, I remind myself quickly, because I’ve had some good times. Happy moments. I was good at my job, and paid well for it.
“To Cari Summers, the woman who finally found the courage buried deep within her.” We clink glasses.