Page 61 of Time Loops & Meet Cutes
“I work longer hours than anyone else here,” I say. “Especially since I’m expected to mentor Tyler…” I trail off as I ponder an awful question: How much does Tyler make? How much would it piss me off if I knew? “No matter what I tell him, his work doesn’t improve. I’ve tried to be patient—”
“It’s your job to figure it out.”
“Then you should at least pay me an appropriate salary,” I say, my anger building.
“As I’ve tried to tell you—”
“Fuck that. It’s not my job anymore. I quit.” I savor the shock on Lee’s face. “I deserve better.”
I walk out of his office with my head held high, not waiting for a response. For the first time in my life, I’ve quit something, and it feels great.
I go to my desk and grab my stuff. What’s the point in staying?
As I’m heading down the hallway, I nearly bump into Tyler. I clap him on the shoulder. “Good luck on that proposal. It’s all yours now.”
“Wh-what do you mean?”
I leave him stammering as I get on the elevator. He’ll be fine—he’s the owner’s nephew, after all—but I’ll enjoy the moment while I can.
Leaside Brewing isn’t close to the Woods & Olson office. There are many more convenient places to drink, but I head there anyway. Since I arrive later than usual, I’m not the only customer in the taproom, and I’ve missed the sea shanties. Still, Cam does his usualyou look familiarthing before I ask for a pint of the Corktown.
“Somehow, I knew that’s what you were going to order,” he says.
There’s a pain in my chest as I introduce myself to him yetagain. Though he doesn’t consciously remember any of the kisses and meals we’ve shared, I still felt the need to seek him out today, for some reason.
When there’s a lull, I say, “I just quit my job.”
“Yeah? Does it feel good?” he asks.
“It does, but it’s a little terrifying at the same time.”
Cam nods. “I know what that’s like.”
“I have nothing else lined up, but I couldn’t stand it anymore, not once I knew how little they valued me.” I pause. “I’m a mechanical engineer.”
While I’ve never had this exact conversation with Cam before, I know that if we were out for dinner, he’d ask more questions. Ask me if I want another engineering job, or whether I want to switch fields completely. But right now, he’s working. He’ll listen, but I won’t ramble too much.
I take out my phone to text Avery, but she’s already messaged me.
AVERY: I quit my job today too.
ME: Why don’t you meet me at the brewery?
While I’m waiting for her to arrive, I scroll through my contacts and stop near the end.
Veronica.
I start to text her, asking if she knows anyone who’s hiring, then stop. Everything will probably reset tomorrow. Rather than making this all about work, shouldn’t I just talk to her as a friend?
A not-very-good friend, that is. I’ve been terrible at keeping in touch with her.
ME: Hey! It’s been a while. How are you doing?
I don’t get an immediate answer, but that’s okay. I’m sure she’s got a busy life, and she’s probably at work.
Avery arrives and orders a pilsner from the man who has replaced Cam at the bar.
“Did you tell your boss to fuck himself?” she asks.
