Page 107 of Cut up
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Tools and dreams
I wake up the next morning to Lucas’s side of the bed empty. The sheets are cool where he slept.
I stretch, blinking against the morning light filtering through the blinds.
I’m going back to work today. I’m still in shock about everything happening with Sean but I need to keep moving.
I also need to let Rhonda know I’m leavingSnips.
My phone buzzes on the bedside table and I glance at Rhonda’s name. Speak of the devil.
I swipe to answer.
“Hey. Camille. How are you going, will you be in this morning?”
“Hey, Rhonda. I’m okay. I’ll be back today. Thanks for yesterday.Will you be in?”
“No, hun. Louise will be there though.”
“Oh alright. I wanted to talk to you to let you know I’ve made a decision.” I pause. “I’m not going to buy Snips. And I’m giving my notice.”
Silence. Then a harsh exhale. “You what? Camille, I needed you. You knew that.”
“I know. I’m sorry. But this is the right decision for me.”
A sharp laugh crackles through the speaker. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter now anyway. Louise came in yesterday. Took over your clients. Offered me more than I asked for the business. I’m selling it to her.”
I blink. “You’re kidding?”
“You heard me. So don’t worry about coming back. Just come get your stuff today and don’t come back. Don’t expect a glowing reference.”
She hangs up on me.
I stare at my phone for a moment, stunned. Then I start to laugh. Not the bitter kind—the relieved kind.
I grab my keys and drive to Snips. The sign outside feels like a joke now. Louise is at the counter when I walk in, smug and silent. She doesn’t even say hello. Whatever.
I head to my little station and start packing my scissors, brushes, blow dryer, and straightener. That’s when Sarah comes over, worry on her face.
“Hey,” Sarah says. “You okay?”
I nod. “Rhonda told me not to come back. I’m just grabbing mystuff.”
She sighs. “I figured. Louise has been strutting around like she owns the place—which I guess she technically does now.”
“Good riddance,” I mutter. Then keeping my voice low as I say. “Waves by the Seaopens next week, we still on?”
She smiles widely, but keeps her voice low too. “Hell fucking yes we’re still on Honey! And I love that name. That was one my favourites.”
I smile. “I remember.”
“I’m finishing out the week here. But I’ll come by Friday after work to have a look. I’m in, Cammie. I’m ready when you are.”
Relief and joy burst in my chest. “You’re going to love it Sarah.”
“Of course I am. And just so you know—all your clients were pissed to see Louise today. The second they find out where you are, they’ll follow.”
