EMMA

Dropping my work bag in the entry way of my condo, I simultaneously kick off the pumps I wore today, flexing my toes once they're free. Shannon is in the building this week and while I'm sure she couldn't care less about my footwear, I wanted to look good in front of the boss.

Which may not even matter, I sigh, dropping my keys in the bowl I'd designated for just that purpose, Because she asked me to lunch tomorrow, out of the office.

This is the first time Shannon has come to me with such an offer, and after Tori's apology and Jess's offer to help, I'm a bit worried that Shannon might know more than I want her to. Nadine didn't think I had anything to worry about when I'd asked for her advice, but of course, in her eyes, any company would be lucky to have me.

If I do end up fired, well, at least Nadine will be happy to have me back.

My thoughts shift towards Beau and the state of his poor face. Renewed anger flows through me as I imagine Jace's smug smirk in my mind - of course it had been him to leak the story. I'm surprised neither Beau or I saw it coming.

Looking ahead to Boston, I also know that weekend is the same as Beau's birthday. He didn't mention it and I'd bet anything that he never will if I don't, simply allowing the day to pass him by without anyone making a fuss about it.

Well, that's too bad for him. Because since the day I pried the information out of him, I've woken up every April tenth with him on my mind. There will be no forgetting of his birthday this year.

On my way to the kitchen to cook up some dinner, I open the coat closet in the hall. Already overflowing with boxes I couldn't force myself to unpack and some other items like winter jackets, boots, and my vacuum, the closet pops open the second I turn the knob. Pushing my heavy coats aside, I reach to the very back and grasp the cool neck of the guitar.

Pulling it out all the way takes some effort but finally I've got the instrument in both hands. I run my eyes over the neck, surprisingly still in tact after my tantrum, before wincing at the scratches and dents in the body. I still remember the gala we went to - the one where I placed a silent bid for the guitar, a donation from one of Beau's favorite 80's rock bands. And there's no forgetting what came after - the heartbreak and pain that led me to smashing the guitar against my coffee table - the way I'd seen Beau do on stage during his concerts.

I chuckle, remembering the look on Nadine's face when I borrowed her truck to bring the table to the dump. Old and beaten to begin with, the table nearly split in two under my rage.

It's a miracle the guitar survived. I lean it against the wall in my living room carefully so that I won't forget it when I'm packing for Boston.

It may not be in pristine condition, but a little damage never bothered Beau anyways.

***

I check my watch and then the clock on the wall that I'd hung on my first day. As I knew they would, they read the same time: five minutes to go until I leave with Shannon.

Adam is sitting on the edge of my desk, wearing his normal, cheerful grin, a stack of notes in his hands. "I don't get why you're so nervous, it has to be good news. She wouldn't make a big deal of it if it wasn't, right?"

Trying to remain positive, I force a nervous smile. "Probably. But either way, you probably shouldn't be lounging about when she comes down,"

Heavy footsteps down the stairs at the end of the hall emphasize my point. Adam smirks and whispers "Good luck," before slipping out of my office and into his own, just as Shannon appears at the end of the corridor.

"Alright, well let me just speak to Jess quickly and we'll be ready to go." She shouts, her slight Irish brogue coming out as she does. I nod and quickly grab my things, closing my laptop on whatever I had been working on before Adam popped in, mind too jittery to remember what it was.

"So Emma, can I ask where you see yourself in five years, ten?" Shannon uses her napkin to dap the edges of her deep red lips before sipping her peach-tea. The restaurant is casual, but we aren't the only ones out for a business meeting it seems. Tables of men with laptops and briefcases make up the majority of today's patrons. A mom sits beside us, on her own with three rambunctious toddlers, and I feel a pang of sympathy for the young woman.

I shift in my seat. Lunch with Shannon has gone well, but it's all been pleasantries so far. How I'm liking the job, if I have any friends from school who might be looking, how I'm settling into my condo. Nothing worth taking me to lunch for.

Would she really take me out to lunch to fire me? Adam's attempts at comfort replay in my mind. I gnaw on my bottom lip nervously, convincing myself that there's no way she could be so cruel. Right?

I watch a waitress, just a bit younger than I am, as she carries four steaming plates by our table - two in her hands and two on her forearms. The sweet smell of baked fish nearly makes me gag, already overfilled with pasta that I force fed myself to appear at ease and nonchalant.

Turning to Shannon and her wide framed glasses, I offer an honest smile. "I love my job. If anything, I'd like to grow into a larger role at the company."

Shannon grins widely, her soft skin creased from years of that big smile. "I like you, Emma. You've done great work so far."

Not fired, then.

The pit in my stomach disappears as I breathe a sigh of relief. My chest swells with pride - compliments from Shannon aren't all too common in the office. One of the toddlers in the booth across from us let's out a piercing wail, startling me so suddenly that I forget Shannon is waiting for me to speak. The younger businessmen in the far corner shoot the mother dirty looks and somehow I know that they have little to do with children in their own lives.

"I'm glad you're happy with our company. If things continue the way they're going, I can see you going far with us." Shannon's sea-blue eyes, magnified by her thick glasses, twinkle as she smiles again. "That's why I asked you to lunch."

"Thank you," I say too quickly to make up for before, "I've learned so much already."

Shannon chuckles before taking another long drink from her iced tea. "Well, hold on, I haven't even gotten to the best part yet."

I stare at her expectantly, not sure where she's going with this. Just a moment ago, I was sure I'd be out of a job so any prediction I have is pretty useless.

"See Emma, I like hard workers. And I like to reward my employees when they work hard." She pushes her graying bangs from her eyes, "How does a raise sound to you?"

To my horror, I choke at her words, inhaling crushed ice from my soda. "Excuse me," I frantically dab at the table, mopping up some of my mess, "A what?"

"Oh, don't be so surprised," Shannon waves a hand casually. "You deserve it. You deserve more, but we'll start small."

I open my mouth but close it again, momentarily stunned. Here I was ready to pack my things and head home in defeat. Excitement courses through me and it takes everything in me to stay still.

"I don't know what to say," I breathe, blinking in disbelief. "Thank you so much,"

"You don't have to say anything," Shannon grabs the attention of our waiter for the check. "Just keep up the good work and hopefully, there will be more where this came from."

We leave after I promise to keep doing my best. My eyes nearly fall out of my head when I see the large cash tip Shannon leaves for our waitress, but I can't dwell on it for too long. As Shannon drives us back to O'Donnells, I recall Jess telling me during my interview that there would be room for growth at the company.

I hadn't expected the growth to happen so soon. When Shannon is focused on the road ahead, I sneak my cell out and send a text to Nadine and to Beau, sharing some of my excitement.

The rest of the day passes in a blur: Jess gives me a knowing smile and a quiet "Congratulations" when I return. Refilling my water in the break room, not even Lizzie's dirty looks can get me down, especially now that I know they glares are fueled by jealousy.  When I get my door unlocked, Adam nearly bombards me in my office for details. While I don't tell him about the raise, I'm glad that things seem more back to normal with him.

By the time I wrap up for the day, I'm nearly bursting with excitement, anxious to share the good news with Beau. I dial his number and prop my phone up on my dashboard stand.

"Hey, Em." Beau grins into the camera and I wince at his yellowing bruises. "How was work?"

Right as I'm about to launch into a breakdown of today's lunch, I hear Rocco's gruff voice in the background. "Beau, let's go, five minutes!"

Beau ignores the calls and repeats his earlier question. "You had lunch with your boss?"

"It went really well! That's why I'm calling actually, I think -"

"Beau!" Rocco interrupts me.

"You said five minutes," Beau growls back, rolling his eyes off screen. He and Rocco argue for a couple of minutes before he finally refocuses on my story. "You were saying,"

"I got a raise - Shannon said she sees me going far with the company." Pride colors my tone even though I'm trying to be humble.

"Hey, that's my girl." Beau's green eyes brighten. "I'm proud of you." His smile fades as his eyes squint at the screen.

"Beau?" I peer down at my phone when I reach a stoplight.

"Sorry. It was Beck." His dark brows furrow.

I turn my car into my condo complex parking lot. "I guess stubborn runs in the family."

Beau scoffs, fingers fiddling with his dangly cross earring.

"You could try talking to him," I bite my lower lip as I put my car in park and take my phone from the stand.

"No," He shakes his head, dark hair flopping into his eyes.

"Okay," I don't push him. "I wish you were here to celebrate," I sigh longingly. Seeing his face on the screen, all bruised and cut, makes me ache to touch him even more than before. To soothe him, somehow.

"Me too." His voice is soft. A bang comes through the line along with Rocco's shouting, urging Beau to hang up already. His eyes meet mine sheepishly. "Duty calls. Miss you."

I half smile, the deep pang of missing him cutting right through me. I unlock the door to my condo and step into the dark hallway, flicking on the overhead light. "Miss you, too, Beau."

I skip dinner tonight, choosing to cuddle into my bed instead. Sporting Beau's t-shirt, one of the few that still smell like him, and clutching a body pillow, I finally drift off to sleep, impatiently dreaming of the night when Beau will be beside me again.

Thanks for reading loves! Don't we love seeing Emma flourishing? 🥰
Countdown till Boston & Beau's birthday begins!