Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Please,” Dash whispered. I simply shook my head, proud of myself for standing up for myself no matter how much I wished life hadn’t turned out the way it had. “Then how long, Beau? How much time do you need?”
“I’m not sure.” When I noticed the pain break his strict control over his face, I relented. Certainly with time he’d fall back into his life without me in it. “Give it a year. We can reevaluate our lives one year from now.”
Dash let go of a sigh and wiped away his tears, squeezing my hand tighter than before. “And this is where you want to live?”
“It’s the first place where I truly felt happy being myself. I need to get back there…the understanding who I am part. I won’t go on the side of town where the resort is, but I’d like to maybe buy or rent a place close to the bay. I’m not sure. You have to give me time to find out who I am,” I said.
He remained quiet, I saw the urge to argue bubbling just beneath the surface, but he held it in, only giving a single nod. “I’ve only ever wanted your happiness. I want to be able to communicate with you.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You’ve been at my back, taking care of everything, since the first time I saw you. I feel like we need a clean break.”
Dash wiped his cheek while releasing my hand. Not a single word was said. It was weird for him to give so easily. He left my room, shutting the door snugly. Wow. I collapsed onto the edge of the bed. That conversation may have been the hardest one of my life. Did I truly mean what I’d said? Yeah, I did. My convictions were firming up.
Did that mean Dash was permanently out of my life? Maybe. Probably. It crushed my heart to think such a thing. At least I developed a plan for my future. My sole focus was on progressing, definitely not the striking blue eyes of the man I loved. First thing on the list was a shower, then I needed to find a job. After that, who knew? Maybe finding a house to live in. On my short walk to the en suite bathroom, I considered getting a dog. I’d always wanted one.
Dash
One week later
I was utterly uninspired. My vibrance had vanished. Of course, I was aware of it, but it seemed everyone in the office noticed too. It didn’t matter though. Beau brought happiness and normalcy to my life. Two qualities I cherished, now gone, maybe forever. Perhaps I needed a counselor. Eventually, I’d seek one out. Maybe.
In front of my desktop, I stared at the screen, my fingers poised to type, but my thoughts were solely on Beau. What was Beau doing right now? Had his job allowed him to transfer? He certainly had enough money to pursue his dreams. Once I sold our assets, I’d ensure his share went to him. Maybe I’d talk him into a high-yield savings account.
I loved Beau deeply. He was my breath, my wings, my reason for living. How was I ever going to live without him? Well, I refused to find out.
“Is this serious?” Angela, the firm’s managing partner, asked from my open office door.
I needed more context than the piece of paper she held in her hand. “About what?”
“You know exactly what I mean.” She stepped further into my office, prompting me to abandon what I was doing on the computer.
“My resignation?” I asked. “Then yes. It’s serious.”
Her penetrating gaze, a trait common among lawyers, seemed to bore right through me. Since it didn’t affect me, I waited as she crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m disappointed in you.”
I barked out a harsh laugh. “You’ll have to get in line. The number of people disappointed in me is growing.”
She found no humor in the situation whatsoever. I took a centering inhale then exhaled slowly, hoping to manage the sudden bout of anxiety. “I’ll stay on until we get my clients reallocated. The contracts that have me listed as a requirement, I’ll talk to them.” Which was a lie, I wanted them to go with me as I started my own practice.
“Dash, you’re an exceptional talent, one of our very best hires. What does it take to get you to stay?” Angela leaned against my desk, her knuckles resting on the top as she stared down at me.
“I genuinely love my job, but I can’t live without Beau. My life’s with him by my side. I’m sorry,” I said with finality.
“I’ll talk to him,” she offered.
“Please don’t. I’ll be available to answer questions or to consult with anyone,” I said, ready for this conversation to be over. My fingers went to the keyboard again, poised to type. She didn’t leave.