Something Worth Living For (Watty Awards 2011)

(Chapter 15) Something Worth Living For

Chapter 15

Eric felt a sense of déjà vu as he sat in the familiar waiting room of Mr. Byron’s office. The place still looked the same. Granted, it might have gotten a fresh coat of paint, but other than that everything seemed to be the same. Even the secretary was the same woman who’d greeted him some eight years ago when he’d found out he’d gotten the job in New York.

Though Eric was now the only one occupying the waiting area, besides the secretary, he still couldn’t help but relate this moment to the defining moment that had occurred here eights years ago, the one that had changed his life forever.

He couldn’t help but feel that whatever it was that Mr. Bryon had called him in for was about to have that same impact as the news he’d been given than. He just hoped that this time it would be life changing news that would see him not having to move an inch further away from Chloe.

And Ally…

A voice echoed in his mind, shocking him.

It had been more than a week since the trip down memory lane with Allison and though he had made a point of never being alone with her or being that long in her presence, Eric still couldn’t help but feel the stir of those old familiar feeling from so long ago. It was like seeing that picture, talking about it with Ally had opened up something inside of him he’d thought he’d shut off completely some years ago.

Apparently they weren’t as tightly sealed as he’d thought and it had him questioning his relationship with Heather. He knew he loved her, there was no denying that. So why was he so caught up on Allison and what they had? He’d found himself asking this question more than once this week.

He’d finally come to the conclusion that he’d still been madly in love with Allison when they’d broken up and that all this familiar feelings of love were remnants of what had been. He’d never really gotten a chance to let go the way he should have and Eric knew until he truly said goodbye to Allison and what they had, he’d never be free to move on with Heather.

Just the thought of Heather had Eric wondering over the past week and her increased effort in bonding with Chloe. They both still seemed a bit uncomfortable and estranged towards each other, but Eric knew with time even that would change. He was just grateful for the change in Heather’s attitude towards Chloe. He could see she still wasn’t ready for the life of a stepmother and on more than one occasion he’d wondered if she’d ever be ready.

He wanted more kids and could see it in his future. When he looked, however, into the future of his and his future bride’s…. it wasn’t as clear as he’d like it to be.

Would Heather’s maternal instincts ever kick in?

He didn’t have time to ponder over this thought as Mr. Byron’s secretary indicated that Eric could go into his office, as Mr. Byron was ready for him.

With a smile and a nod sent the secretary’s way, Eric made his way to the closed doors of Mr. Bryon’s office. He found himself once again wondering what Mr. Byron wanted.

Eric had been working in the offices, just about coming out of a meeting, when a message was sent to him that Mr. Bryon wanted to see him. He’d found it strange that he was being called by such an important man. There was no reason other than the job as anchor that was up for grabs and Eric knew he wasn’t the only one up for the job.

He glanced once again over the empty waiting room. No, it had to be something else, Eric thought as he knocked and entered Mr. Byron’s office.

“Ah, Denton. Good to see again.” Mr. Byron said, as he stretched out his hand in greeting.