Chapter 3

Halfway through dinner, Rachel was cutting into her beef Wellington when she brought up next month's transfers.

"The HQ transfers go through next month. How's everybody doing with the move?"

"I'm staying put. Too much hassle," said a guy from sales, shrugging.

"Same. My girlfriend doesn't want to move to New York," said another.

Rachel turned to Julian. "What about you, Julian? You're going to HQ, obviously."

Julian was looking at his phone. He didn't even glance up. "Obviously. It's been settled for ages."

Then, as naturally as anything, he looked over at me, completely sure of himself. "Evelyn's coming with me. We've already picked out an apartment in Manhattan."

I didn't say anything. I kept my eyes on my plate and cut my asparagus.

Mia was sitting on Julian's other side. She set down her wine glass and smiled. "Actually, I applied to the marketing team at HQ too. If it goes through, we'll still be working together next month."

The room went quiet for a second.

Julian's knife stopped in midair. He turned to look at her, clearly caught off guard. "You applied to HQ?"

"Mm-hm." Mia nodded, still smiling sweetly. "There's more room to move up there. And... with you there to show me the ropes, I'd feel a lot more confident."

She said it so naturally, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. The looks around the table got very interesting. Someone set down their glass. Someone reached for a napkin. Someone snuck a glance at me, then at Julian and Mia.

I still didn't look up. I just kept eating.

After dinner, Rachel suggested everyone go to a speakeasy around the corner for a drink. I said no thanks.

Julian stayed in his seat and gave me a long look, but he didn't ask me to stay.

I picked up my bag and walked out of the restaurant without looking back.

•   *   *

A few days later.

I wheeled my suitcase into the airport, checked in, and got in line at the gate.

My phone rang. It was Julian's father, Mr. Sterling.

"Evelyn, do you know what day it is today?" He sounded like he was smiling.

Of course I knew.

It was our tenth anniversary.

It was also the day of the "surprise proposal party" Julian had spent two weeks planning.

Nobody remembered that date better than I did. For ten years I'd started planning his gift months ahead.

"Mr. Sterling, could you please tell Julian happy anniversary for me?"

"And..." I stopped and took a deep breath. "Tell him there won't be any more."

There was stunned silence on the other end.

I didn't wait for him to answer. I hung up and turned off my phone.

Right on cue, they called my boarding group. I picked up my bag and walked toward the gate.

I didn't look back.