Page 2 of Waiting for Sunshine

“Well, I promise not to cut my toenails in the kitchen.” I laugh.

“Does that mean you’re coming home?” she sounds so excited.

“I’m coming home,” I say softly, trying to reel in my emotions about leaving the city I’ve called home for the past six years. Taylor squeals on the other end of the line.

“I can’t wait, Shaney!” I smile at the response. Knowing my best friend is so excited to have me stay with her makes the other hard decisions worth it.

“Me either. Now, I have to go pack my shit and quit my job.” A job that I love and adore – a job that it’s absolutely killing me to leave.

“You got this, boo. Text me later.” I can hear the sympathy in her voice.

“Will do. Love you.”

“Love you too!” We hang up the phone and I take one more deep, cleansing breath before heading to the home I have shared with Pete for two years, to get all of my belongings and cram them into my jeep. Seeing as how the apartment and all the furniture were Pete’s, everything I have to pack should easily fit.

* * *

The Galleryis one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, and I don’t say that because I’m biased. The beauty of it makes it even harder to walk up to for what I know is the final time. The outside of the building is whitewashed brick with some of the natural brick still exposed. It has massive arched windows that let in the best natural light, and the glass doors push open into the foyer. There’s a round desk that sits underneath a crystal chandelier where Sherry is always stationed to welcome guests and direct them when needed.

When I walk in, I smile at Sherry who is, no surprise, standing behind the counter.

“Hey Sherry, is Hugh in his office?” I ask.

“Yeah. He shouldn’t be too busy, you could probably just go back and knock.” She waves her hand toward his office, gesturing for me to walk on back.

“Okay, thanks.” I try to hide the anxiousness in my voice, but I think it just makes me sound overly cheery. This is going to go swell. I get back to Hugh’s office and take a shaky breath in before knocking.

“Come on in.” Hugh’s smooth swagger-like voice calls. I walk in and when he looks up at me, the biggest grin comes across his face.Shit.

“Shane, what a pleasant surprise. I thought you were off today.” His brows draw together as he reads my expression. “Everything alright?” he asks. I sigh and shake my head because I’m afraid if I speak right now, a stream of tears will follow.

“Have a seat.” He motions for me to sit in one of the armchairs across from his desk. His office is as immaculately styled, as is he. Hugh is one of the most attractive and well-dressed 40-year-old men I’ve ever met. He salt and peppered early in life and completely owns the look. At six feet tall and perfectly toned, the man is a walking sculpture. He’s always dressed in cropped dress slacks, a fitted button-down shirt, and loafers with a belt and watch to match.

His office is no different. Completely modern in style, and extremely neat. He has a glass desk with only a computer, notepad, and writing stationery on it. There are bookshelves lining the back wall, full of books, art awards, degrees, and funky art pieces –of course.There’s a large table off to one side where artists can show him their work if they get so lucky. Two armchairs and a small table between them with a water pitcher and glasses sit across from him. Where I am currently planted, trying to choke down the lump in my throat to find words to say why I’m here.

“You don’t look well, would you like a glass of water?” he offers.

“No, thank you.” I clear my throat. Hugh sits back, crossing his hands behind his head.

“What can I do for you today?”

“Well, I actually came to tell you I might be quitting,” I admit, looking down at my hands in my lap, unable to meet his gaze. “Effective – like, today.” I finally look up and see the surprise on his face.

“Well, that definitely wasn’t where I thought this was going. May I ask why?” he sits up, placing his forearms on his desk, staring more curiously at me now. I let out a long breath.

“You may, but the answer might be a little more drama than you bargained for,” I warn.

“Go on,” He quirks a brow.

“Well. I caught my boyfriend cheating on me today. It’s our two-year anniversary. Seeing as I was living with him, I am currently homeless. I don’t have any close friends out here that I could room with, and my salary won’t be enough for me to support myself. Not that I don’t appreciate what I do make in my position, I do, honestly. I will not be finding a roommate on the internet because I want to live to see next year. And I am basically out of options outside of moving back home.” I get the words out as quickly as possible not wanting to bore Hugh with the mess that is me, Shane.

I’m sitting here, waiting for him to respond, to tell me to hop on the next train at the hot mess express and he’ll see me never, when he shocks me instead.

“I am very sorry to hear about this horrible anniversary you’re having. Sounds like you’re better off without him.” He raises his brows as if you sayAnd you better believe that.“As far as your salary and living situation, I wish I could be of more help. Right now we wouldn’t be able to offer you more pay for your position, and I could look into some of my rental properties and see if we could work out some sort of agreement, but that would take time, and it seems as though that is not something you have right now.

“I wish there was more I could do for you Shane, truly.” He gives an apologetic look.

“Hugh, you have been the best mentor and boss ever since I started here 2 years ago, I couldn’t possibly ask you for more than that. I will miss working here and under your expertise, immensely.” He stands and rounds his desk, and I push to my feet as well. He offers his hand and I accept.

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