The Definition of Time

Chapter 47

Your love for me was like the wind
You filled me and intoxicated me with every breath.
But you were a passing hale
Leaving me out of breath and empty.

My love for you was like the waves of the ocean
When I found you, I decided I would never leave
And so my love continues to lap against your coast
Even though you are now abandoned

April 24, 2015

"Hey, stranger!" I call out to Chloe who's awaiting me in our regular Latte Lilypad booth.

"Hey, lovebird," Chloe answers with a knowing grin. "You look happy."

"I am," I grin. "How's life? No more hot barista boy?"

Chloe laughs and shakes her head. "Nah. I'm doing my own thing. Besides, I graduate in a month."

"Holy crap, that's right! I forgot how old you are," I jibe.

"Hey, you're done this semester too, right?" Chloe asks with a dimpled smile.

A cloud seems to gather over me. After this semester, I'm moving home for my internship in the fall and taking a summer class. My time here is almost over.

"Yep," I finally answer with a sigh.

"I take it you and Josh haven't discussed that yet?" Chloe asks, eyebrows furrowing compassionately.

"You nailed it. But enough about me. What's up? Why did you want to meet?" I say, quickly changing the subject.

"So," Chloe says, her eyes sparking. "Take a look at this."

She reaches into her bag and hands me a paper.

"Dear Ms. Cassidy," I read aloud. "We have received your application at the Albany Times Union, and we are pleased to offer you a position as a staff writer at our newspaper." I pause and look up at her. "Staff writer? Freaking staff writer?"

Chloe squeals, "Yes! I interned with them last summer, and they're taking me on full time!"

"Holy crap, Chlo, that's awesome!" I answer. "So you're moving to Albany?"

"Yep," she answers with a shrug. "I don't really have anything keeping me here, and this job is an amazing opportunity."

"Have you accepted it yet?" I ask, glancing over the rest of the letter.

"Yep," she answers. "It only took me half a second to decide."

I reach across the table and squeeze Chloe's hand. "I'm so proud of you, Chloe. You rock."

"Buuut," she says, grinning at me. "I didn't just ask you to meet me here to tell you the good news. I have a proposition for you."

I wiggle my eyebrows at her. "Chloe, I'm flattered, truly, but I'm seeing someone else right now."

She slaps my arm with a laugh. "Oh, shut up. Listen, Rach. The Times Union offers a few competitive internships every year, and I know they're looking for someone with your kind of experience. I already mentioned you to my boss, and I'm pretty she'd be willing to hire you if you submit some of your work."

My jaw draws open. I've applied to a few internships and haven't heard anything, so this offer is almost too good to pass up. I want to take it, and if I were making decisions for only myself, I would, but there's Gramps to think about. Albany is four or so hours from home, and if he's still alive in the fall, I won't want to be that far from him.

"Chloe, I...I don't know what to say," I answer, my voice noticeably void of enthusiasm.

"I thought this would be a good thing," Chloe says, face downcast.