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“Is it really something to celebrate?” I groaned.
“Yes! Because the way your boss handled everything is bullshit and you deserve better.”
“True, but after today, I’m jobless.”
“Well, I have some good news…”
“What is it?” I asked, my ears perking up.
“I found someone who will give you some freelance work in the meantime. At least until you find a job.”
“Are you serious?” I asked in surprise.
“Now, it doesn’t pay much, but it’s something.Andyou get to work from home. No more commuting to the city.”
“What would I be doing?”
“You’d be writing articles on nonprofit work.”
“I’m not a writer, though. I’m notyou.”
“You don’t have to be! It’s not like you’re writing a novel or something. You’re just writing short articles about something you already know.”
“You really think I can do it?” I asked hesitantly.
“Of course! Why do you think I put you up for it?”
“Wow,” I said softly. “Thank you, Monica. Really, you’ve done so much for me.”
“That’s what best friends are for. I know you’d do the same.”
“I would.”
“Look, I gotta get to the coffee shop to meet my editor. I’ll send you the contact information so you can touch base and get started on your new gig.”
“Okay, thank you!”
“Ta-ta!”
I hung up and felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over me. I might be losing my job today, the only real place I had ever worked, but at least I had something lined up. While I was terrified and not completely sure I knew what I was doing, it was something. And I got to work from home, which meant less stress on me and the baby. It seemed like everything was working out.
Hurriedly, I finished my coffee and grabbed my purse, heading out the door. As I walked down the stairs to the subway, I thought about how I wouldn’t have to do this anymore. I smiled to myself as I waited for the train to come through. Here I was, thinking today was going to be absolutely awful, and things were looking up. Now, I just had to actually get through the workday.
I walked into my building and rode the elevator up to my floor. When the doors opened, it seemed like a hushed silence washed over the room. A few people gave awkward waves, and the rest pretended to be busy at their desks. I noticed Brian leaning against the doorframe as if he was waiting for me.
“Addison, will you come in here?”
I nodded, a bad feeling coming over me.
I followed him into his office.
“Take a seat.”
I did.
“Clearly, there’s no hidingthatanymore,” he said, eyeing my bump. “People have been talking.”
“Oh?” I asked.