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It wasn't like Gabe and Icouldn'tbe friends. We had always gotten along so well and him being back with Clara shouldn't ruin that. But somehow, it did. Her returning to him betrayed every indication that she was planning on coming back to me. It was so heartbreaking that I had to pause at the park and set myself down on a bench.
I breathed deeply. I gripped my knees to keep myself steady. My heart had decided to race well before I left Gabe's presence. As I focused on the tree near me, I tried to listen to the sound of the breeze winding through the branches. I honed in on the leaves dancing. I listened to them rustle together, creating a natural white noise that filled my ears.
I closed my eyes.
How much of a fool can I be to have thought Clara would have taken me back after all these years?I reflected with guilt.Maybe she just needed to rebound before getting back to Gabe. I was just a convenient interlude.
I rubbed my temples while keeping my eyes closed. Even if my thoughts decided to be a mess, I could keep my physical appearance under control. There was no need to panic. There were plenty of solutions to this issue. Since Clara hadn't called me or texted me about Sunday, I could safely assume her decision was set in stone.
It meant I could move forward. It meant I could call my boss and get on the next flight to Canada. I had most of the details I needed and there was nothing else holding me back. All I had to do was dump the same clothes I had been wearing into my suitcase and leave. No explanations needed.
Mom is used to this and so is Dad. I could easily hop the next flight and just leave Checotah in the dust.
I opened my eyes to let the sunlight flood my vision. At first, everything was strikingly white, but then the colors filled in and I found myself staring across the park at the cafe where my sister worked. I was on the same bench as a couple of weeks ago. It was odd, but it seemed fitting.
I sighed as I pulled my phone from my pocket. There were already several work emails in my inbox. I opened the one for Canada to review the details. It was an easy enough gig. I would have plenty of time to explore the city in between meetings.
I clicked on my boss's contact information and held the phone to my ear.
He answered after the second ring: “Levon! My favorite man!”
“Hey, boss. I got the details for the trip. I can leave immediately.”
“That's exactly what I wanted to hear. It was looking to be a bleak Tuesday, but you've made my day. I'm glad you changed your mind about leaving earlier.”
“Me too, Mr. Herring. If you could send me the flight information, that would be excellent. I can leave as soon as you'd like me to leave.”
“Wonderful—I'll get those details sorted immediately and send your tickets as well as your hotel accommodations. Just give me an hour to work it out. We could get you on a flight tonight.”
I nodded. “Excellent. Thank you, sir. I appreciate the opportunity to do this deal. I know it's a big one for you.”
“As I've said many times, Levon, I wouldn't trust anyone else.”
“Thanks, boss.”
“So, since you're taking up this extra trip, don't worry about the other account emails that have been sent. I'll pass those along to someone else. We need your full focus on Canada.”
I sighed internally. “That sounds great. Fill me in when you can.”
“Can do, Levon. This is getting to be partner territory. We might raise you up if you keep performing this well for us.”
“Wow, a partner? That sounds incredible.”
“Of course, you'll have time to think about that while you're traveling! I'll get back to you with the details in about an hour. Talk to you soon, Levon.”
“Thanks, boss.”
The line cut out and I set my phone down on my thigh, staring into the distance at nothing in particular. My career dedication was truly paying off. Even though things weren't going particularly well here, that didn't mean I didn't have options elsewhere. Becoming a partner meant getting the most high-end clients and overseeing my co-workers. I could really work my own hours. I could still travel if I wanted to.
This was the opportunity of a lifetime. I had danced around the idea of becoming a partner in the past. I knew my hard work would help me climb the ladder eventually, but I didn't realize how soon that might be.
I had thought that Clara returning to Gabe was the worst thing that could have happened to me aside from our initial breakup. But now, it was starting to look like the best thing that could have unfolded. If things hadn't gone this way, I wouldn't have taken up the Canada trip at all. I had even flirted with the idea of switching companies to stay here.
But not now, I thought with mild happiness.I could make more than ever. I could own a home. I could do things on my terms.
I hummed thoughtfully as I rose from the bench and meandered down the sidewalk. I had wandered a few blocks away from my car, but I didn't mind. It was giving me time to think. I avoided the same sidewalk leading to Bob's Deli and took an alternate route that went around the food buildings. As I approached my car, I pulled my key fob from my pocket and unlocked the doors.
I climbed into the driver's seat and met my reflection.