Page 24 of Worth the Fall
I sucked in another quick breath and crossed one leg over the other. “I got a job offer that I couldn’t turn down, and I’d like to give you my two weeks. I know I have a few events on the books, but I promise that I’ll get all the details squared away and handed off without a hitch. I won’t leave you high and dry.” I started to overexplain and offer more of myself than I knew I was required to give, but it felt like the right thing to do.
Felicia had never mistreated me, and before this morning, I really had enjoyed working here even if I wasn’t one hundred percent fulfilled.
Now, all I could think about was starting in my new position. And seeing Thomas every day. Even with his crotchety attitude, just looking at him would be a perk.
“Where’s the job?”
“Sugar Mountain Resort,” I practically whispered. It wasn’t as if I could keep where I moved on to a secret. Especially since I knew our paths would eventually cross.
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “I didn’t realize they were hiring. Are you working with Sierra?”
“She’s leaving actually. I’ll be taking her position.”
“Wow,” she said, and I wasn’t sure if she was upset or not. “Can’t say I’m not sorry to see you go, Brooklyn. You’re an asset here, but I completely understand.”
“You do?” Relief coursed through my body, finally settling my nerves as I leaned back into the cushioning of the chair.
“If I were in your position, there’s no way I’d turn down that job either. And I’m a little excited to know that you’ll be the contact for events there. Especially when that barn opens.”
“Does everyone know about the barn?” I said out loud even though I’d meant to just think it in my head.
“It’s a big deal,” she said. “And listen, your upcoming fall events here are pretty easy to take over. Don’t worry about the two weeks.”
I shifted again in the seat, a little uncomfortable. “What do you mean?”
“I’ll cut you your last check, and you can pack up your desk. Start at the resort tomorrow if they’ll have you,” she said with a smile that looked genuinely sincere.
“Really?”
“Yes, really. I knew I couldn’t keep you here forever. I could see that you were getting bored even if you wouldn’t admit it. The summer season is officially over. Everything else seems like a breeze in comparison.”
To say that I was surprised by the way Felicia had taken the news would be an understatement. It wasn’t that I’d expected her to be angry with me, but I hadn’t anticipated her being so agreeable and understanding. I definitely hadn’t seen her letting me leave right away. I’d figured I’d have to plug along for the next two weeks, doing things I suddenly had no interest in doing anymore while I dreamed about what was to come.
“Thank you, Felicia. For everything. You’ve been a great mentor and boss. I really respect everything you’ve built and accomplished here.” I stood up and reached across to shake her hand, which she took with fervor.
“Well, you’ve been a brilliant event planner. I wish you nothing but the best in your next endeavor. And, hey, you get to hang out with those O’Grady men all day long. That’s not a bad bonus to any job.” She pursed her lips, and I couldn’t fight the grin from appearing.
“Not you too,” I teased, shaking my head.
Everyone in this town seemed to have a crush on at least one of those men.
“Honey, I have eyes.”
“Sometimes, I wish I didn’t,” I said, but it was weak, and we both knew I was lying.
“Try not to get pregnant,” she warned, and I started coughing.
“Pretty sure that’s not in the job description.”
We both laughed. It was all we could do as we walked out of her office together before I headed toward my cubicle to pack up my belongings. In under an hour, I’d have all of my things in a single box and my last paycheck in my hand.
I had a feeling that this called for another celebration, but Thomas might fire me on the spot if I let the sweet bartender, Bella, be in charge of it again.
Idrove straight toSugared, the day spa and salon on Main Street, where my best friend worked, crossing my fingers that I’d be able to find a parking spot at this time of day. When I found one in front of the defunct restaurant next door, I figured it really was my lucky day. Slamming my car door closed, I peered through the window of the out-of-business space, expecting to see nothing but emptiness and a For Rent sign with a contact number somewhere.
But there was no sign, and all the kitchen equipment and tables were still set up inside. It was almost like they were waiting for someone to open the doors and let people back in. It was weird. I’d obviously seen businesses close before, but no one typically left all their things when it did. They usually sold off every single item piece by piece, attempting to recoup at least some of their losses before shuttering completely.
Maybe the owner hadn’t needed the extra cash? He was apparently some rich out-of-towner who had swept into Sugar Mountain and opened up a quite literal five-star restaurant, assuming that it was something our town could sustain outside of the tourist season.