I promise myself not to go too far, so I can find my way back. The last thing I need is to get lost and not be able to get ahold of Owen.
When I reach the end of the street, I turn left, heading where there seems to be more people.
I spot a restaurant that looks promising for breakfast and stop there.
I get a table by the window and look out onto the street.
All these people … I don’t know them. I don’t know their lives, but they look happier than me.
I’m beginning to wonder if I’m ever going to be happy again—if maybe it is possible to die of a broken heart.
“Are you ready to order?” a waitress asks.
I shake my head free of my thoughts. “A coffee and an omelet with spinach.”
She smiles and writes it down. “I’ll be right back with your coffee.
I look at my phone as she walks away. The screen still blank. No texts or calls from Jace. I know it’s for the best, he’s giving me what I want, but it still hurts.
I pick up my phone and call work to quit.
I don’t know how long I’ll be gone and I can’t lead them on. They’ve been too good to me the past couple of years.
It’s a hard thing to do—the record store is familiar and safe—but I also think it’s time to move on.
“Hello?” Brenda answers.
“Hey, it’s Nova.”
“Nova?” she questions. “You’re not due in today. Is everything okay?”
“I’m in New York City right now. It was a bit of an unexpected trip.”
The waitress places my coffee on the table and I give her a grateful smile.
“Oh, if you need some vacation time, sweetie, that’s fine. We have it covered here.”
“Brenda, I … I don’t know when I’m coming back.”
She’s silent on the other end of the line. Finally comes a startled, “Oh.”
“Yeah,” I sigh. “So, I think it’s better if I … quit.”
“If you think that’s what you want to do. Just know, you’re always welcome back here.”
“Thank you. I’ll miss you guys.”
“We’ll miss you too. You let us know if you want to come back.”
“I will.”
I hang up the phone and feel a tear snaking down my cheek. I wipe it away hastily.
This is what has to be done.
It doesn’t mean it’s easy, or even that I like it, but this is what I need. I know it is.
After my breakfast, I walk around for a while and it helps to clear my head. Eventually, I wander back to Owen’s apartment and hang out there for the rest of the afternoon.