Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO WALKED AWAY
I resigned from the Grimaldi household in April.
Nicholas looked stunned when I handed him the letter.
“Why?”
I smiled.
“Because I want to build something of my own.”
He read the letter.
“You've been accepted into the hospitality management program.”
“Yes.”
“Full-time?”
“Yes.”
He looked up.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
He hesitated.
“Are you leaving because of me?”
I considered.
“Partly.”
His expression changed.
I continued.
“I can't work for you and figure out what we might become at the same time.”
He nodded slowly.
“That makes sense.”
“And I don't want people saying I got opportunities because you favored me.”
“Then we'll make sure your final pay and benefits are handled through the independent payroll office.”
I smiled.
“Good.”
He looked at the letter again.
“Where will you work?”
“I've accepted a position at a small hotel downtown.”
He nodded.
“Will you be happy?”
I laughed.
“I don't know yet.”
Then I added:
“But I want to find out.”
Nicholas stood.
He came around the desk.
Stopped in front of me.
“I'm proud of you.”
My eyes filled.
“Thank you.”
He hesitated.
“May I hug you?”
I nodded.
He wrapped his arms around me.
For a moment, I remembered being carried through the snow.
But this was different.
I wasn't helpless.
I wasn't freezing.
I wasn't afraid.
I was standing on my own feet.
And I was choosing to be there.
When we separated, Nicholas smiled.
“Dinner sometime?”
I looked at him.
“Are you asking me on a date?”
“Yes.”
“Then say it properly.”
He laughed.
“Emily, would you have dinner with me?”
May you like
I smiled.
“Yes.”
