Chapter 23: Chapter 22

LILLIAN

“I quit my job,” she announced.

“I’m starting a business,” he countered.

They stared at each other in disbelief.

“Excuse me?” they both blurted out at the same time.

“Do you want to go first, or should I?” Lillian asked, still reeling from the shock. She had thought she was the only one with big news to share after the holidays.

Noah had come back a few days after her, and she had waited for his return to drop her bombshell.

“Why don’t you go first?” he suggested, waving his hand. “I’m curious to hear how this all came about.”

“All right…” She shrugged. “I guess you could say I made my New Year’s resolution while I was visiting my parents.”

“That’s it?”

“What else do you want me to say? I’ve been miserable there ever since Tamara took over.”

“I can’t believe I’m hearing that I was a good boss.” He laughed in disbelief.

“I didn’t say that.”

“You implied it when you said your unhappiness started with Tamara. I was her predecessor, so that makes me a good boss,” he said, a smug grin on his face.

“You were better than her,” Lillian clarified. “And I’ve told you before, I never planned on staying there forever. I just needed a starting point, a good reference, and then I planned to move on.”

“And what’s the next move?” he asked, curiosity piqued.

“I’m not sure yet, but definitely something where I won’t feel obligated to wear this kind of makeup just to keep someone’s ego intact. I still need to figure out where that will be.”

“So, let me get this straight. You quit your job without having another one lined up?”

“Yes, I did. I’ll be out of there by the end of the month.”

“Lillian, don’t you think that was a bit reckless?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

“That’s rich, coming from someone who dropped everything to travel the world for three years,” Lillian retorted.

“I sold my assets and I still have money—or had money.”

“To start a business?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes. But we’re not talking about me right now. We’re talking about you. Can you afford to be jobless right now?”

“Thanks to the deal I made with you, yes, I can. You’ve seen how I live. I’ve saved enough to last me six to eight months if I’m not too extravagant with my spending.”

“And if you are extravagant?”

“Three months.”

“Are you sure?”

“About my own bank account?” She laughed. “Yes, I am. I’ve saved a lot by basically not having a life. Don’t worry about me when you have your own problems to deal with.”

“What happens if you don’t find a job before your savings run out?” he asked, ignoring her previous statement.

Lillian wanted to slap him and kiss him at the same time. She hated these conflicting feelings. But she couldn’t deny that it was nice to have someone in this city who cared about her.

She never thought that person would be Noah, but life is full of surprises, isn’t it?

“I can always go back home. It’s not my first choice, but it’s good to have a backup plan,” she explained.

“And what would you do there? Spend your time at the library?”

His tone was slightly mocking, but Lillian wasn’t offended. She knew before he did that her hometown was lacking in excitement and variety.

“Maybe. I love reading anyway, and I’ll have plenty of time to plan my future. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but at least I know I have somewhere to go if this city chews me up and spits me out. Now, your turn.”

“Spill?” Noah chuckled.

“Yes, and don’t think you can avoid telling me.”

“I already told you,” he said with a shrug. “I’m starting a business.”

“What kind of business?” Lillian pressed.

“Well, I’m not sure yet, but I have the location.”

“You have the location,” she repeated, feeling utterly confused. “Are you messing with me? Because if you are, I swear I’ll crack your skull open.”

He laughed and shook his head. “I’m not messing with you.”

“Then how?”

“I bought it. I got a great deal too. I had to since it was my last bit of money.”

“Let me get this straight.” She chuckled. “You bought a building with your last dime, you have no idea what you’re going to do with it, and you don’t have a permanent place to live?”

“That about sums it up.” He nodded.

She stared at him in disbelief. “Are you insane?”

“I don’t think so. It might seem impulsive, but in reality, it wasn’t.”

“You’re surprised I walked away?” she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.

He shrugged. “You’ve got a point. But like I said, it wasn’t as impulsive as you’re making it out to be.”

“Really? Not even a little reckless?”

“Nope. If I’d hesitated, someone else might’ve swooped in and grabbed it.”

“So, you didn’t want to miss out on your big catch?” she teased.

“Are you going to let me explain or just keep interrupting?” he retorted, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“All right, I’m listening.”

“I’ve been eyeing that building for a while. I liked it, saw potential in it. I just haven’t figured out what to do with it yet.”

“But you bought it anyway.”

“I didn’t want to risk losing it. I can show it to you if you want.”

“Actually, I’m intrigued now. I want to see what made you think it was worth blowing all your savings on.”

“Great. Maybe you’ll come up with some ideas.”

“Like what?”

“You’re the one who suggested I could lead again.”

“But what’s your plan?” she asked, tilting her head to the side. “I just gave an opinion. I could be wrong.” She hoped her views hadn’t influenced his decision. Sure, he was an adult and could make his own choices, but she’d feel better knowing he had a plan.

“I want to build something from scratch,” he said slowly. “Something that’s entirely mine. Once I figure out what that is, I’ll know where to start.”

***

Her last day at work wasn’t really a day of work. She showed up more to annoy Tamara than anything else, aimlessly wandering around the office.

She’d taken care of all her responsibilities the day before, not wanting to leave any loose ends. Not that it would stop Tamara from making a snide comment, but she didn’t care.

She considered showing her true colors, but decided it wasn’t worth it. She’d stopped caring about the whispers behind her back, the murmurs when they thought she couldn’t hear. They didn’t deserve to know the real her.

When it was finally time to leave, she began gathering her things. She’d already removed most of her belongings the day before. She didn’t want a dramatic movie-style exit, carrying a box full of files and office supplies.

Everything she needed fit into her handbag. She had no intention of saying goodbye to Tamara. They’d said everything that needed to be said a week ago. She’d rather not exchange another word with her until she was out of the building.

“I wish I could say I’ll miss you, but I won’t,” Tamara had said, her smile too bright. “I’m glad to finally be rid of you.”

“Feeling’s mutual,” Lillian replied, matching her smile.

“I would’ve preferred to fire you, but you can’t have everything.”

“True. But I’m leaving in a week, and you still haven’t found a replacement.”

“Don’t worry about that. There are plenty of more competent people who can fill your shoes.”

“I’ve seen the candidates you’ve interviewed. All men, and yet none of them wanted to work under you.”

With that, she turned on her heel and left, letting the irony hang in the air.

Having the last word felt good. Knowing she’d be out of there in a week felt even better. She didn’t regret her decision.

She was more certain than ever that she’d made the right choice. On Friday, she’d go see the building with Noah.

She would’ve gone sooner, but they’d been too busy having sex. And she wanted him to find a purpose before showing her his investment.

For the past three weeks, he’d been staying at her place. They weren’t in a relationship—that much was clear. They were cohabiting mostly because they were sleeping together, and because Noah was now broke.

She told him, “You need to get a job,” the night before she quit hers for good.

“I’ve been mulling it over, but I’m not in my twenties anymore. Back then, I had a company lined up for me.”

She teased him, “So, because you were born with a silver spoon, you think you’re too good to work somewhere else?”

“I never said that. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve worked on and off during my travels. I don’t think work is beneath me, and I wasn’t picky about the job type. But I only did it for a few months at a time—just to get some quick cash for my current expenses.”

She informed him, “The bakery around the corner is hiring.”

“Thanks, I’ll look into it.”

She burst into laughter. “I’d pay to see you baking cookies.”

“I’ll snap a picture for you to keep as a memento.”

“You’re serious?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You didn’t buy a building to work in a bakery, Noah.”

He gently sucked on her nipple. “I need to minimize my losses, babe. And working in a bakery is the surest way to earn my keep—literally.”