Wasted Time (The Steel City #1)

10. Penny

CHAPTER TEN

penny

“I’m just saying, I’m on board with this temporary grounding now,” Avery says through the computer screen. We’re having our daily coffee break over FaceTime. She’s talking about the ice-out that I’m giving Declan. “He went too far.”

I let out a long breath, taking a sip of my hazelnut latte. I’m working from home today. My favourite home. In Windsor. It’s only my home for a bit longer and then I have to hand the keys over to someone else. Someone who might not love every corner the same way that I do.

“Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure,” she says, lowering her mug to her desk. Her earrings with the dangling apples bob back and forth as she does. “When is your first appointment? Did you have it yet?”

“No. Next Thursday.”

Therapy. Couples therapy, to be precise. I came home with one goal, and it was to try and improve my relationship before it became unsavable. I sat Gavin down, explained how I was feeling and what I’d need to help push us on the right track again. I had a list of therapists in the area ready to go, and I asked him to pick one.

He stared at me for a moment. Said nothing. Reached forward, took the list, read over their names and specialties, and pointed at one. He made the decision, and I made the appointment.

This feels like a good turning point.

“Are you excited?”

“Nervous, but happy,” I admit, leaning back in my chair. “I think it’s going to be the best decision we’ve ever made.”

“Absolutely,” Avery encourages. Her brown eyes crinkle at the sides as she smiles. “I want to go with Seth. Everyone should go to therapy. I think it’s healthy. Especially with couples, it gives you so many tools to maintain a stable and successful relationship.”

True and true. We probably should have started years ago, but therapy feels like a scary word when you’re young. As you get older, you start to realize that protecting the health of your mind and your heart is equally as important as protecting your physical health.

“He’d go with you if you asked him to.”

He would. He’d do anything she wanted him to do, especially if it was to keep them on the same page. Their relationship isn’t perfect, none are, but they’re as close to perfect as you could get. Even then, therapy can be a positive influence.

“You’ll have to let me know how it goes.”

“Of course I will,” I say, clicking my pen. I flash her a smile. “I’ll put you on FaceTime if you want.”

Avery barks out a laugh. “Bad idea. Gavin blames you for anything, and your back pocket will start swearing at him.”

I do not doubt that for a second.

“I have to go. I have a meeting in fifteen minutes and need to grab some new fuel.” I show her my mug.

She winces. “Nothing worse than an empty mug.”

“Facts.”

“Let me know how that conversation with your new boss goes. I’m crossing my fingers, toes, and tits for you to get good news.”

I’m waiting on word if I will be offered a position equivalent to the one I have now at my marketing firm or a higher position. Lydia, my boss in Windsor, put in a good word with her old college roommate who owns a firm in London. Her name is Morgan, and she’s intimidating as all hell.

I was hired over one, single conversation. I’d hardly call it an interview.

But Morgan also told me there are two open positions and that she needed to have some conversations behind the scenes to determine which one would be the better fit for me. Lydia casually let me know that one was a much better opportunity, and that Morgan was only saying good things.

I’m nervous. I don’t want to move to London, that’s no secret, but a better job would be a nice incentive to start trying to enjoy it.

“I will. Let me know if Aubrey stops biting other kids.”

Avery grimaces. “She won’t.”

I smile, bringing my hand to my mouth. She does the same, and we blow each other three kisses before ending the call.

I let out a long sigh, feeling a bit of tension leave my shoulders after seeing Avery’s face for fifteen minutes of my day.

Things are looking up.

It’s only going to get better. I’m optimistic, even if Declan and I are in ruins. Our relationship might be slowly decaying, but everything else in my life seems to be growing and fighting to stay alive.

Things are looking up.