by Bianca Vix
Lately I’ve only been seeing him at work, but that can change now. Now that I’m no longer spending time with Cora and Bryce, he and I can start spending more time together. It’ll be a new start for both of us. We can be a family, like we’ve never been before.
I’m on my way into work and I don’t want to wait any longer. I’m going to text him. Grabbing my phone, I find there’s a couple texts already on my screen. They’re from my father.
Not going to make it to work today.
I’ll see you later.
I blink and stare, not sure I’ve read them right.
What the fuck?
I text him back. He’s supposed to be working the same shift as I am today. So we’re going to be able to eat lunch together. We planned it already.
There’s no reply. I send another message to ask him what’s up. Maybe he’s sick and I need to help him out.
The train screeches into the station. Once I get out, I linger near the entrance. After the crowd flow dies down, I tap at his number. He answers on the fourth ring.
“Yeah.”
“Is everything okay? Why did you say you aren’t going to be at work today?”
He clears his throat. “Yeah, Devin. I’m not going to make it in. I’ve been thinking, I want to get out of town. You know, it’s time for a change of scenery. Chicago isn’t the best place for me, I don’t think.”
My hand tightens around my phone. “What are you talking about? You just started working at the hotel. You can’t take time off just like that, you’ll lose your job. There wouldn’t be anything I could do about it.”
“I don’t think it’s the right job for me anyway.”
“But what about all the debt you said you have? I know your position pays pretty decently. What are you going to do?”
“I’ll manage. I always do. I’ll be in touch, son.”
My stomach turns as I switch my phone off.
For fuck’s sake. I can’t believe this.
He’s just going to bail on his job? The one I got him?
Just like that.
I’ll go see him after I finish today. Talk some sense into him. He always used to go on about leaving town when I was a kid. He didn’t usually do it. I’m sure I can talk him out of it. Probably even smooth things over at work for him too, if he only misses the one day.
I can work it out. It’ll all be fine.
At least it’s not too busy today. The first chance I have to get away from the front desk, I head up to see if Randall Palmer’s available. I have to talk to him. He can help me out.
He’s behind his desk when I get to his office.
“Ah, Devin. I was going to speak with you later. Come on in. What’s on your mind?”
“It’s about George.”
“Right. Yes. I know it can’t be easy when something like this involves a family member. But there was no choice in the matter. No-one blames you for it.”
My brow creases. “Blames me? For what?”
“For the behavior that lead to his termination.”
Termination. What the hell? “He was fired?”
Mr. Palmer blinks at me. “Yes. I thought you knew. We had to let him go.”
“But why?”
“There were a few reasons. He wasn’t doing his job very well. He’s been accused of harassing some of our female guests. And on top of all that, when he started his shift yesterday, he was intoxicated. We also suspect him of drinking on the job. But that doesn’t matter now.”
He was drunk at work? I don’t always see him when he has evening shifts. I didn’t see him at all yesterday.
I can’t believe this. “Are you sure?”
“Of course. We would never dismiss an employee without cause. Frankly, Devin, he got more chances that he should have been given.”
I feel like a hundred pound weight is sitting on my chest. “I don’t know what to say.”
He shakes his head. “Like I said, Devin. No-one’s blaming you. Now, I need to talk with you about transferring over to our new hotel.”
I can barely focus on what Mr. Palmer’s saying. He’s looking at me expectantly. I have no idea what he’s just asked.
“Devin. What do you think?”
“I don’t know.” What the fuck did he say? I can’t ask him. He doesn’t like to repeat himself.
Except this time, he’s not calling me out for not paying attention. I guess he feels bad for me, for having a father like the one I do. After all I’ve done for that man. Giving him money. Getting him this job. And all he did was screw it up. And lie to me about it.
That’s nothing new. I don’t know why I thought this time would be any different. It’s no surprise. It shouldn’t bother me.
“Devin. I want you in the new hotel. It’s a great opportunity to represent us in our first international venture.”
“Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it.” I already know this. What did he ask me?
“That’s good to hear. The exact timeline will be finalized over the next two weeks. You’ll be leaving shortly after that.”
“That’s really soon.”
“Yes. Now that we’ve reached a certain point, everything’s going to be moving a lot faster.” Mr. Palmer leans forward in his chair, clasping his hands. “You’re very good at what you do. So I’ve decided to make you a department head over in London.”
For the second time since I’ve been sitting here, the air leaves my lungs. “Department head? But you said I’d be good for general manager.”
Mr. Palmer turns over one of the papers on the pile in front of him. “Yes. Originally that’s what was planned. Sheila recommended you for general manager, and so did Bonnie. And you’re certainly on the right track for it. If we were expanding locally, your name would be at the top of the list. But I don’t think you have enough experience to get a brand new hotel off the ground in a foreign country. We’re going to hire locally for that.”
A sharp spike pierces into my gut. “What made you change your mind?”
He looks me right in the eye. “I know you’ll be easily able to take on the position in the future. I’m counting on it. You’ve got what it takes to succeed in this industry. But, Devin. It’s important to decide who you want to be. And then surround yourself with the people who are going to help you become that person. Leave behind the ones who’re going to stand in your way.”
His phone rings and he glances at the call display. “I have to take this. We’ll talk more about the details over the next couple of days. Becoming a department head isn’t nothing, Devin. It certainly gets you closer to becoming general manager.”
I take the stairs down to the lobby. People who get in your way.
George. He was talking about George.
Mr. Palmer might not blame me himself, but I’m the one who asked for my father to be hired. That has to be the reason for this change. Palmer had all but guaranteed me the GM position already.
Fuck.
I get to lobby and find Austin. He’s alone at the front desk. For once, there aren’t any lineups demanding his attention.
“You want to go get some lunch when you have your break?” I ask him.
“I’m nearly done now. I’m on early mornings this week, remember? I could use some food though. You want to go to Bar 10?”
I give my head a sharp shake. “No. Not today. Anywhere but here. Even the pub across the street would work.”
“Sure. I’ll meet you there in twenty minutes.”
I head straight for a table in the back of the dark room. By the time Austin slides into the seat across from me, I’m halfway through my beer.
“What’s up?” Austin waves the waiter over and we put in our orders.
I shrug. “Nothing.”
“You’ve been acting really strange lately. Pretty much ever since that guy came to see you. Who is he?”
“Cora’s boyfriend.” I don’t want to describe Bryce that way. But it’s the truth. That’s who he is. Nothing more.
“Oh, okay. That explains it.”
“Explains what?”
“Why you’ve been so touchy lately. Is she serious about him?”
I take a long drink before I can answer him. “Yes.”
“Maybe it’s time you let the idea of being with Cora go. You’ve been wanting her for how long now? Years? If she’s serious with this guy, maybe it’s time for you to move on. Find someone new.”
I can’t even argue with him and pretend I don’t want Cora. Someone new is the last thing I need. With the look Austin gives me, my face must be showing what I’m thinking.
“I’m serious, man. You can’t wait around for her forever.”
“I haven’t been.”
In a rush of words, I tell him about everything that’s happened with Cora and Bryce. By the time I get to the end, his jaw is pretty much on the table. “Wow. That’s a hell of a thing.”
“Yeah.”
“So. Why the hell aren’t you down there right now?”
“What? You don’t think it’s strange? Getting involved in a threesome?”
Austin swallows the last of his food and sets his fork down on the edge of his plate. “It’s different, sure. But who cares? Sounds about perfect to me. How can you even think about giving up a chance to be with Cora? How long have you been trying to pretend you’re not desperately in love with her?”
My eyebrows shoot up. “What are you talking about?”
He snorts. “Are you fucking kidding me? You talk about her all the time. You get crazy happy whenever you’re going to see her. It’s pretty obvious you’re in love with her. I always thought the only reason you weren’t together was because she wasn’t interested. Now you’re sitting here telling me she is. Very. And her boyfriend too? If you’re into him, you need to go for it. He’s pretty hot.”
My eyes widen. “You think Bryce’s hot?”
“It’s not an opinion. It’s an objective fact. If I was ever going to go bi, I’d go for him.”
“So you don’t think it’s too crazy? Three people all being involved?”
“Nope. It’s not common. But so what? If I was in your position, I’d go for it. Especially if you’re half as into this guy as you are into Cora. How can you not want to go for it?”
I pick up my fork as Austin continues. “You’re too tied up here anyway. If you move to London now, you’re giving up a huge opportunity with them that you won’t ever get back.”
“If I move to LA, I’d have to start over. Find a new job.”
“So what? There’s always a risk. Sometimes you have to believe the future’s going to be different from the past. And if you don’t take the leap with Cora and Bryce, what are you going to be left with? Just a job.”
“Not just a job. A career. That’s something I’ve always wanted. A career means stability. A real income.”
“Being with them doesn’t stop you from having those things. Maybe you should just try putting Cora and Bryce first and see what happens.”
I swirl the dregs of my beer around in the glass. “Exactly when did you get so smart?”
“I’ve always been smart. You just get so caught up with what isn’t that important, you can’t see what’s in front of your face.”
“I don’t know if they’ll want me back.” I want to cringe when I think of how I treated Bryce. How I left things with Cora.
Austin looks thoughtful. “Do what you have to do to make it happen. If you’re serious, don’t let them go without a fight.”
He checks the time. “I have to take off. Good luck, man.”
By the time I’m back at the hotel, I know what I’m going to do. I’ve never been more sure of anything than I am now.
I go straight up to Mr. Palmer’s office.
“Devin.” He’s surprised to see me. “I’m about to leave for a meeting.”
“This won’t take a moment.” I close the door behind me while he gathers up his things. “I can’t go to London.”
That gets his attention. He stops short. “Why not? Is it a question of salary? Because you’ll be getting a raise when you start over there.”
“It’s not about the money. I can’t go to London.”
He sits down, gesturing for me to do the same.
“Okay. I have some room to negotiate. How much do you want?”
“It’s really not about the money.”
He’s silent for moment. “You’re one of my best employees, Devin. If you really don’t want to transfer over there, we can work around that. I’d appreciate it if you’d spend some time over there anyway. A few weeks at the most. It would be really helpful if you’d still be able to work with us to get the new operation up and running.”
For a moment, I consider saying yes. I don’t want to let him down. Mr. Palmer’s been nothing but supportive of me.
But I can’t. I’ve made the wrong choices for long enough. Steeling myself, I look Mr. Palmer square in the eyes.
“I’m sorry, Randall. But I can’t do it. I can’t go to London. And I can’t stay here either. I’m giving you my notice. And I’m going to take some vacation time before I’m done too. I’ll work my shift tomorrow, and then I’ll be done.”
He folds his hands. “I didn’t know you were unhappy here, Devin. Is there anything I can do to change your mind? Anything that would make your job better?”
I shake my head. “I’ve never been unhappy here. It’s nothing like that. There’s just something else I need to do. Another direction I want to go in.”
“Well then, I’m sorry I can’t convince you to stay.” He pauses, his expression softening. “If you ever change your mind, you’ll always be welcome to come back. You’re part of the family.”
I can’t believe it. He’s still offering to help me out even after I’m quitting. “Thank you. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I’ll miss being here.”
“Good luck with whatever direction you’re going to take. I know you’ll succeed.”
I’m still in shock as I leave his office. I can’t believe what I’ve just done. Quit my job without another one to go to. I pull out my phone.
There’s something else I need to do, before I turn around to go and take it all back.
Chapter 20
Dev
Austin leans against the counter with his back to the lobby. “I can’t believe you’re going through with this. I thought I’d be saying goodbye when you left for London, not LA. So was Cora surprised when you told her you’re going to visit?”
I refresh the page with my flight details. “I didn’t tell her I’m coming. Her or Bryce. Disarray’s doing a secret, surprise gig at a club tonight. She put me on the guest list way back when they were first planning it. So I’m going to go see them there.”
“Yeah?” Austin’s taken aback. “You mean you didn’t spend ages talking it over first? Working it out from all angles before you actually made the decision to quit your job for them? Do they know you quit?”
“No. I haven’t talked to either one of them for awhile now.”
“Wow. I can’t believe it.”
I close down the browser window. “No faith in me, huh?”
“It’s not that. It’s just that I’ve never seen you put anything or anyone ahead of your job before. Now you’ve up and given notice without even knowing what you’re going to find in LA. I’m impressed. Good for you, man. Look me up if you ever come back to Chicago.”
“Yeah, I might be back here by Friday. No idea how this is all going to go down.”
Austin shakes his head. “It’ll be good.”
If only I had Austin’s confidence. I didn’t exactly leave things in a good way with Bryce or Cora. And as much as I want to see them again, I’m dreading what their reaction might be when I show up.
The flight to California feels longer than ever. The hour and a half delay before takeoff didn’t help at all. By the time we land, my nerves are shot to hell.
I head straight to the club. It’s still earl
y and it’s pretty dead outside. I give my name to the bouncer, shifting from foot to foot while he goes slowly through the list. Cora put my name down awhile ago. I can only hope she didn’t take it off.
The guy jerks his head towards the door. “You’re good.”
I’m in.
The bar’s almost empty except for the people who work here. I don’t know when they’re going to announce that tonight’s band is going to be Disarray. There was nothing online when I checked on my way here. It’s pretty impressive for something that’s this big of a deal to not have leaked out yet.
There’s no sign of either Cora or Bryce. I want to talk to them before the show starts. I get the attention of the guy testing out the mic.
“Hey, man. I’d like to talk to Cora.”
He sneers at me. “Yeah. Right. You and every other guy in the world. Not gonna happen.”
I try the same thing with a couple other roadies. With the exact same results.
I don’t even want to try calling or texting her. Or Bryce. What I have to tell them needs to be said in person. And if they’d even take a call from me after everything I’ve done, I’d be shocked. I have a slim enough chance as it is, if there even is one at all. Once Cora’s done with a relationship, she’s over it. I’ve never known her to go back to a guy she’s done with. I can’t believe I let her go.
I don’t even want to think about what Bryce probably wants to say to me.
But I have to try anyway. Letting them both go was a huge mistake. I order a drink at the bar. If I can’t talk to them now, I’ll have to go by Cora’s place later. And who knows what she’ll be up to after the show tonight anyway. But I don’t want to wait, not another minute longer than I have to. I need to fix the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my life. As soon as I can.
All of a sudden I’m surrounded by people. In just a couple of minutes, the bar filled right up. News about the show must’ve gotten out. Or been announced. I work my way through the thick crowd to stake out a spot where I’ll be able to see.
It doesn’t take long before the lights go down. The band comes on and starts playing without a word to the audience.