Two heart's in one home | H.S. | AU

chapter 28

It's incredible how quickly a life can be packed into boxes. Years of belongings and memories took me nine days to compartmentalize and hide behind walls of cardboard. If only the same can be done to lingering emotions, perhaps I wouldn't have accepted Niall's offer to join his new publishing firm in Los Angeles so easily.

It's not that the job offer isn't a good one. Actually, it's the dream acquisition editor job I've been anticipating. With worth, valued opinions, a solid paycheck, and a company rental home to keep me living comfortably. And I have James White and Louis Tomlinson to thank for making it happen. The first recommended me to Niall, the second supplied my phone number. I should send them gift baskets or something when I settle in LA.

Then again, David and his brother deserve a little credit in making this happen, too. If they hadn't been such jerks while running their own company, Niall would've never sold his shares and found the inspiration to start his own company with the sole mission of outcompeting them in their own industry.

We've spoken nearly every day since the initial phone call, and Niall exudes warmth and passion. Our conversations have indicated he's in this to publish good material and to create lasting relationships–with not only his employees but his authors as well. He admires my talent, wants to harness it effectively, and since that's what I've been aiming for in my career, I'm eager to build this company with someone who respects the industry and people involved the same way I do.

We're going to be a great fit.

But that means I'm forced to say goodbye to New York City. It's been a good run, complete with great friends, important life experiences, and cherished memories. After everything I've been through here, I thought it was going to be difficult saying goodbye. And in a way, it has been.

Kate and I cried as we packed up boxes and shared a bottle of Moscato last night. We'll be face-timing once a week to keep up with each other's lives, which will work just fine for us.

Alice, on the other hand, is going to be much harder to leave. She's been an emotional wreck each time she's stopped by to offer her assistance with my packing, and while she's remained a continuous beam of positive support, I know she's taking the news hard. Distant phone calls will help us as we tread our future together, but it's not the same as face to face. I'm going to miss her spastic hugs and bubbly face. Mostly I'm just going to miss her being around. We'll make it work, though. True friendships defy all odds, and I'm certain that's what we have.

As I glance around my apartment, at the bare walls empty of my belongings, I can't help but think of Harry. We spent so many hours in this place discovering ourselves, uncovering each other's secrets. Just like us, nothing is hidden anymore.

It's how I know I won't miss this apartment. I'm ready to be free.

Clean breaks may be a myth, but physically relocating makes it feel like less of a delusional dream. Nothing screams 'fresh start' like a change in scenery and bare walls. I just need to make it through these last few minutes. Then—just like my belongings—I can leave whatever I don't want to keep behind me, while still keeping what matters.

Since only a few boxes remain, ready to be carried downstairs by movers, I spare a minute to send my second, and last, manuscript as a freelance editor to the author. Freelancing on the side is a breach of contract and once I sign the one waiting for me on the west coast, I'll have to close my account. At least it was fun while it lasted. The job I quit at the café around the corner, not so much.

I've just tugged my laptop in my purse when Alice comes out of my bathroom. She's been a mess all day, constantly fighting off stray tears. She's full on sobbing now. It's hard to fight off my own emotions when she's reflecting them back at me, so within seconds I'm a bit of a mess myself.