Heartbreak You - T.L. Smith Page 0,4

was with him?” Tina asks.

“Her husband was Atlas’ cousin.”

“So, of course, she is using that to her advantage,” Tina says, sitting next to me. “You go to work tomorrow, yeah?”

“Yep.” I nod.

“And you have given your two weeks’ notice?”

“Yep,” I reply again, not wanting to talk about any of this shit for longer than necessary.

“Okay, this is for you.” Tina hands me the paperwork she’s holding. “You have to take it, and don’t try to give it back because its paid for and finalized.” I open one of the envelopes and pull out an airline ticket, followed by a document. Looking up to Tina, her eyes are wide, and she looks hopeful.

“You shouldn’t have,” I say.

Tina reaches and pulls it out fully. “It’s an around-the-world ticket, stopping in some of the places you’ve always wanted to go.”

For the first time in days, I smile as I start reading.

“I can’t accept it. At least let me give you some money for it.”

Tina waves her hand. “I got a big contract. Massive actually.”

My eyes go wide. “Oh my God, how come you never told me?”

Tina’s cheeks go red as she looks down at the floor.

“Atlas got it for me. I was planning to tell you, but then…” she trails off.

“I get it, but it’s good news for you, right? This is what you wanted. You are an official party planner, making good money now.” I smile.

“Yes, and now I get to give my best friend a present she truly deserves. Think of this as your combined birthday and Christmas present.”

“Now, my present will seem like shit next to yours.” I laugh, then lean over and wrap my arm around her, squeezing her body tight and holding her to me.

“This way you don’t have to sell, you can simply travel. And then when you’re back, you can decide what to do.”

I nod. There’s money in my bank from Nicholas, which I never touched. And I still don’t know if I should, though it’s not like I can give it back. Plus, I’ve made extra payments on my house which will cover me for a few weeks. And if worse comes to worst, I have savings.

“Will you see him at work?” I ask, and she shakes her head.

“No, it’s his assistant I usually deal with.” I nod. “Do you want me to junk punch him next time I see him? I mean the contract is signed for his next event, so it’s not like he can fire me.” Tina smirks.

“No. Maybe it’s best you don’t, you never know he might give you more contracts.” I laugh again and realize things can only get better.

I hope.

I train Marissa for my position, and on my last day, I see Sydney, who hasn’t been in since I’ve been back. She walks into her office, which is next to mine, and doesn’t say hello, not that she ever did before, but this time I don’t even get a glance in my direction.

“Are you sure you’re done?” Marissa asks as she watches while I start packing up my things.

“Very much so. But you know you can email me if you need to,” I tell her.

She nods and wipes away tears. “You’re really going. Oh gosh, this is so much for me to take on. No one would ever have thought you would leave. No one. At least not by choice.”

“Me, too.”

My office door swings open and Sydney steps in. She looks at Marissa who leans in and cuddles me before she walks out, leaving me alone in the room with Sydney.

“Your sister is a bitch.” Her first words pack a punch, but they are not untrue. “How are you two even related?” I raise an eyebrow and get back to packing my things. “He asked me to pay you out for your holidays and sick leave, plus a bonus.”

My hands stop, clutching the photograph I’ve just picked up as I turn to look at her and say, “No, he didn’t.” He hates me, he thinks this is somehow all my fault—the idiot.

“No, you’re right. It was me. Take it! You deserve it,” she says with an eye roll. “In case you’re wondering… Lucy isn’t staying at his house as she told you. He’s put her up in an apartment, and she calls me every day asking for his number. Atlas only gave Lucy my number in case she needed anything.”

“Oh, I bet you love that.” I smile at Sydney while she brushes a hand through her long, black ponytail