I was feeling totally depressed until Miranda called me with some great news. She set up a time for me to go to New York to meet Selena and tour the studio next week. And the best news is that two of the other instructors will be in need of another roommate very soon. Everything seems to be really coming together for my move. I’m starting to get more excited but still not as much as I thought I would be. I’m hoping that once I visit I will be more excited.
“I wonder what those girls are like?” Georgie asks. She’s sitting Indian-style on the floor in the middle of my room looking through a pile of clothes that I’m going to give away. “Doesn’t that freak you out? I mean, what if one of them turns out to be a complete psycho or like Ash? That would really suck.”
As much as I love Georgie, sometimes I wish she wasn’t so honest. The scary part is that she’s absolutely right—you never know what people are really like until you live with them. She was lucky enough that one of her friends at the hospital is looking for new place to live, so she at least knows her soon-to-be roommate.
“Yes, it freaks me out, but what other choice do I have?” I exclaim. “And to answer your question, I think I’d rather have a complete psycho as a roommate than someone like Ash. At least you would know that person was psycho. Ash is really deceitful and manipulative and I think that is way more dangerous.”
“Damn, that’s bad,” she says as she is reading the tag on a shirt. “So, you never told me what Ash had to say about the new job. I’m sure the green-eyed monster came out on fire.”
I try to pretend like I didn’t hear her by busily looking through a drawer. I haven’t given my notice to Lucy yet but not because I don’t want to but because she was on vacation. Granted, I know she got back a few days ago because she sent out a group email asking us to put together our new schedule plans. So maybe I’m avoiding the inevitable.
“Did Ash say anything?” Georgie asks again. Crap, she never just drops things.
“I actually haven’t resigned yet,” I say slowly. “But in my defense, Lucy just got back from vacation; I know I need to go see her in the next few days.”
Her eyes get big. “Oh wow—that’s going to be fun,” she says sarcastically. I nod my head.
“Yeah, I’m dreading it. You want to come with me?” I smile sweetly. Another option would be to get on my hands and knees and beg her to come.
“Um, yeah, I’m really busy.” She gets up and practically sprints out of my room. A few minutes later, she leaves to go meet the dreamy Dr. Scott and I continue to look through my clothes. I hear my phone ringing and find it still in my bag.
I cringe when I see that Beatrice is calling me. I haven’t seen or spoken to her since Trevor brought her to the recital. I have to try my best not to tell her what an ass her precious grandson really is. No matter what, I really like Beatrice so I won’t let my disdain for him affect my friendship with her.
“Where have you been hiding, young lady?” she says as soon as I answer the phone.
“Hi, Beatrice. How are you?” I say cheerfully. I’m silently praying she doesn’t talk about Trevor.
“Would you believe that I spent an hour on the phone today with The Pottery Barn?”
Who calls it The Pottery Barn?
“Katherine ordered me some items and I was trying to make some exchanges. I don’t know where they find these people that answer the phone.” Beatrice continues to ramble and I let her. Any topic is better than her grandson. Of course that doesn’t last.
“Have you heard the great news?” she asks excitedly. “It’s the best news of the year. Trevor finally got rid of that bitch Giselle! I have to say that now I will be able to die in peace. I would never have been able to rest knowing that she had her trampy gold-digging hooks in him. Isn’t that the best news?”
Even though I have to agree that it’s great news, I’m still trying to figure out a way to get off the phone and fast. Maybe I should tell her that we have a bad connection and I can’t hear her. Not like that would do any good because she would just bring it up again the next time we talk. I guess the only way to change the subject is to tell her about my new job.
“I have some great news of my own,” I say excitedly.
She listens as I tell her all about Miranda and my new job and, lo and behold, the subject switches back to Trevor. “Does Trevor know about this?”
Hmmm . . . maybe I should tell her it was her bastard grandson’s idea. He may even throw me a good-bye party.
“Yes, he does know and he was very supportive,” I reply. “In fact, he told me that he thought it was a great decision for me to go and he’s absolutely right.” Even though I’m still pretty mad at Trevor, he was right. I guess I should appreciate his honesty?
“As smart as my grandson is, that boy has no common sense. I’m going to call him and tell him that he’s a stupid idiot.” She’s practically yelling into the phone. I should probably calm her down, even though it would be pretty amazing to see her tell Trevor off because he deserves it.
“Beatrice, please don’t,” I beg. “I’m really excited about this opportunity and I’ve been hoping for something like this to come along for as long as I can remember.”
I manage to calm her down and she makes me promise to come visit her before I leave and say good-bye because, according to her, she’s ninety and she could die any minute. I really hate comments like that.
“Don’t say things like that,” I scold her. Now that I’ve gotten to know her, it’s almost as if Grandma is here with me. I know she’s kidding—at least, I think she is. All of a sudden I start to feel really uncomfortable. I hurry off the phone, promising to set up a time to say good-bye. When I hang up, I feel emotional and I really hate being emotional. Maybe it’s just all these life changes or maybe it’s hearing Beatrice talk about all that serious stuff. Either way I can’t worry about it—I have a bright new future ahead to look forward to, and soon Trevor Ericson will be nothing but a distant memory.
Chapter 21
“There’s my star,” Lucy says as she pulls me into to a tight hug. It almost feels like she’s suffocating me.
I finally realized that I had to stop putting this off, so I texted Lucy that I wanted to meet with her. Thankfully, she didn’t ask any questions. I’m more nervous than I expected I would be. My palms are sweating and my mouth is dry.
“Can we just talk about the artistry of your solo? I mean, I’m still completely mesmerized by that performance.” Lucy continues her praising and compliments, making my resignation even more difficult. Before I have a chance to say a word, she hits me with something I definitely wasn’t expecting.
“That performance made me realize that you’re the person to take over for me and run Do-Re-Mi Studios.” She stops and starts to tear up. “I’m not going anywhere just yet, but I know that you would carry on with my heart and soul for this studio.” This just keeps getting worse and I need to hurry and give her the bad news.
“Wow, Lucy, that’s really kind of you.” I smile warmly at her. “I’m honored that you would think so highly of me.” I look at her sitting there watching me so proudly. It almost feels as if my mom is sitting on the other side of the desk and that makes this even harder. I look down at the carpet and this time I’m tearing up.
“Lucy, I have something to tell you.” The next few minutes are extremely hard and the crying gets a little ugly (not as ugly as it was after saying good-bye to my parents’ house) but still not pretty. Lucy is speechless and her proud smile has turned into a look of confusion and then sadness.
“Oh. I had no idea you were even thinking of leaving. When is this move going to take place?” she asks softly.
“I’m hoping to leave in about three weeks.”
“Oh,” she replies shortly. “I remember you always wanted to go to New York but I guess I thought you had made your home here with us.”
“I did, and I do feel like you’re my family, but this is something I’ve always wanted and I finally decided to
do it.” I tear up again. “Believe me, this decision has completely turned my life upside down.”
“I’m sorry but I can’t just let you go,” she exclaims. “Is this because of what happened with Ash and Mimi? Just tell me what I can do to make it up to you.”
Although I was hurt by the way things went down with Ash and Mimi, I know I would have made this decision regardless. Of course my frustration with that situation helped to push me along. I try to assure Lucy that I didn’t make this decision because of what happened, and I tell her that there’s nothing that will change my mind, at least not right now.
“Well, I can tell you I don’t appreciate Miranda recruiting a member of my team,” she says firmly. I can see that her confusion has now turned to frustration. Lucy doesn’t like losing anything, especially the person whom she was planning to pass along her studio to.
“I’m sorry, Lucy. I hope that you can understand.” I’m completely at a loss for words because things have gotten extremely weird all of a sudden. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but it’s actually worse than I expected it would be.
“I do,” she says shortly. “I’m expecting that you will be contacting your students and their families to let them know of your plans.”
I was going to . . . well, kind of. In the back of my head I was expecting (and hoping) that Lucy would just contact them and assign them to Ash. Our meeting is abruptly cut short when Lucy receives a call. I practically sprint out of her office just to escape the negative energy. Cassie must really be rubbing off on me. As I make my escape, I run smack into Ash of all people. Admittedly, I feel a twinge of excitement.
“Oh, sorry Ash,” I say slyly. She rolls her eyes at me. All at once the moment I’ve been waiting for has been perfectly laid out in front of me. She starts to walk past me toward her closet-office.
“Wait, Ash,” I call. She turns around and folds her arms. “I’ve been thinking, since the recital was such a success maybe it’s time for you and me to move on from the past, maybe call a truce?” She doesn’t respond. “Especially since I’m leaving,” I add. Ash’s eyes get wider and her mouth hangs open.
“What do you mean you’re leaving?” she asks snidely. “Are you crazy? Lucy thinks you walk on water, especially after you performed your song. Let’s be honest, the rest of us had to compete with you before but now after that none of us stand a chance next to you.” Her complaining is ruining my moment.
“Well, you won’t have to compete with me for much longer. As I said, I’m leaving—moving to New York.” I must have piqued her interest.
“So, you’ve turned into one of those silly girls who thinks they will make it in the Big Apple? I definitely didn’t expect that from you.”
What does she mean by that? I always thought I’ve been pretty open about my plans to eventually make it there.
“Haha, not exactly,” I reply. “I have a really great opportunity and I’m excited about it. Miranda has really gone above and beyond for me.” The mention of Miranda definitely sparks something in Ash.
“Miranda? What did she do for you?” she demands. I knew that would get her going. I want so badly to gloat and brag, but I’m a firm believer in karma and I don’t need any more negativity in my life right now.
“She gave me some great contacts,” I reply shortly. “Anyway, as I was saying, why don’t we call a truce?” I hold out my hand to her. She stares at it as if it was infected with some horrible disease. She slowly grabs my hand and we shake, I doubt even the slightest bit of sincerity but at least I made the effort. She doesn’t say another word and rushes off to her closet-office. That wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be, but it did give me a small sense of satisfaction.
On my way home, I stop off at this quaint little café to meet up with Georgie and a few of her nurse friends. Apparently, it’s become a regular place for women to meet dreamy doctors. I admit I get a little jealous when I arrive watching Georgie and her new friends. I know that sounds totally high school-ish, but I can’t help but feel that way. I’m the one who’s moving away, so it’s silly to expect her not to have new friends. I’m sure I will make lots of new friends as well. I must be standing there daydreaming for a while because the next thing I know Georgie is waving me over.
“What the hell were you doing over there?” she asks. “I’ve been calling you for five minutes.” She giggles.
“What? Oh, sorry.” I follow her to her table with her friends. Hayley from the girls’ dinner is there. I can tell she has had more than a few drinks because she runs up to me and throws her arms around me as if we’re long-lost best friends. “Maris! I’m so happy to see you. Georgie says you’re leaving us to go to New York to get famous.” Did she say leaving us? I didn’t know I was leaving her.
“I don’t know about the famous part, but I am heading to New York.” I order a drink and sit down at the table. Hayley sits down next to me and continues with her questions.
“Can we come stay with you? I’ve never actually been to the city.” She takes a sip of her drink. “I really want one of those crowns that looks like the Statue of Liberty. Will you get me one?” This girl must be really drunk because there is no way in hell that I will be seen buying one of those crowns. I need to blend in when I get there. I want to be a true New Yorker and not look like a silly tourist.
“You can get one when you come visit,” I say with an innocent smile. I very subtly move away from Hayley and over to Georgie.
“Well, I did it; I gave my resignation to Lucy.”
“Ohhh—how did she take it?” she asks while awkwardly looking around.
“Not well, she kept mentioning how upset she was with Miranda for recruiting one of her team. I’m a little nervous she might call her or do something crazy.”
“Really?” she asks, still looking preoccupied.
“Who are you looking for?” I ask, abruptly changing the subject. She finally drags her attention back to me. “Sorry, Hayley told me earlier that Candace was bringing Giselle tonight. I was trying to run interference, you know because of the whole Trevor thing,” she says, waving her hand.
Oh goody, Giselle. This is going to be a super fun night.
“Maybe I should just leave. I mean, I don’t want things to be awkward for you and your friends,” I reply sadly.
“What? No way.”
Just then, as if she was reading our minds, Giselle walks in. Her outfit doesn’t disappoint, as it is a skin-tight black leather halter-top and painted on black leather pants. Maybe Giselle has a double life as an escort.
All of a sudden, I don’t want to face her because she probably thinks that Trevor dumped her for me and obviously that couldn’t be further from the truth. There is no time for me to sneak out since they are headed straight for us.
“Hey, ladies,” Georgie says cheerfully. She and Candace give each other a hug and even Giselle leans in with an air kiss. I follow her lead with giving Candace a hug and then the most awkward moment of my life as Giselle and I face each other. I feel like we are all in slow motion.
“Maris, so good to see you.” Giselle leans in for an air kiss to me also. I mindlessly lean in toward her. And then it comes. “I suppose you’ve heard that Trevor and I are no longer together,” she says nonchalantly. “I’m sure Beatrice opened her big mouth. It’s for the best though, I really don’t have time to deal with all his issues.” A bit of relief washes over me, I really wasn’t emotionally ready to handle a you-stole-my-man scene in public.
“Honestly, Trevor is not capable of being in a committed relationship, he’s a hopeless flirt who gives every woman he meets the idea that he likes them. I’ve seen him do it so many times.” Ouch. Now I really feel like such a fool.
“I didn’t know you broke up. I’m sorry.” I hesitate. Georgie gives me a judge-y look. Oh please, like she has never lied to escape an uncomfortable situation.
“No need to be sorry. Best thing that could have happened.” The server brings her a martini and she quickly t
akes a sip. “Be careful, Maris, he may try to pursue you next.” I had a feeling this was coming at some point in this conversation.
“Well, there’s not much of a chance of that happening because I’m moving to New York,” I say excitedly. And I do feel excited, finally.
Giselle smirks. “Don’t tell Trevor because he may follow you there.” I’m completely taken aback by that comment. Giselle must get bored talking to me because before I know it she’s off leaving a trail of stares from every man she passes.
“What was that all about?” Georgie asks. “She obviously knows that Trevor likes you, otherwise she wouldn’t have gone to so much trouble to badmouth him.”
I just nod my head. I still feel like an idiot. I was ready to give Trevor a chance, even over Kyle, and it turns out he’s just a big player.
“You don’t believe any of that stuff she said, do you?” she asks me. “She’s obviously lying.”
See You Soon Broadway (Broadway Series Book 1) Page 16