Page 77 of You'll Love it Here

I nod. And my voice cracks around the words “I do.”

She nods, settling back into her seat. “Anyway, Lana’s going to cut off my ice-cream supply when she gets here, so be a dear and refill that bowl before you leave. I have lots of defensive eating to do.”

“Of course.” I grin.

I refill her ice cream. Then I close the door on the lady who bet on me and everyone here.

And let her enjoy her home.

I open the email as soon as I’m back in my apartment. This time it’s from Carolyne.

Subject: RE: Return to Office

Hi Mona,

Following up on this message, we are very much looking forward to your return to the office. I also wanted to let you know that I received a lovely note about you from Lana Winston. She’s eager to discuss working with the firm.

Upon your return, I and the other directors would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your very bright future at the office.

Thanks again, Mona!

Sincerely,

Carolyne

cc: Bill Cleg

Normally this would be a definitebuy something bubbly and tell all my friendsmoment. Yet here, with just Alice’s vacant eyes staring back at me, it feels so... anticlimactic.

That’s the problem. Normally, I’d be feeding off the buzz of the office. Normally, I’d send this kind of victory to the group chat right away. I’d humblebrag and everyone would act fake happy for me for securing someone like Lana, and we’d all go home better for it!

Now, it’s been so long since anyone has added me to the thread, that this message from me would come from out of nowhere.

And why was my next instinct to run to Jane or Sami—or even fucking Carmen—over something I knew was at their expense?

Because that’s the problem. This victory could very possibly cost my new friends their homes.

I shove those thoughts away for now—no use dwelling on worst-case scenarios. At least Missy and Robin seemed to care about the building and the tenants. I’ve given this place its best shot at a happy landing, or at least a softer one.

I type a message to just Olivia:

Guess who’s bringing in Lana for a pitch meeting next week!

Immediately the dots that Olivia’s typing appear. At least someone will be happy for me.

Before Olivia’s reply comes, a knock sounds at my door. I drop my phone and make my way over. When I open the door, I’m surprised to see Norm—he’s in his brown shirt and grey work slacks.

“Hey, Norm! Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” Norm backs away insecurely—he’s gripping a grease-stained paper bag in his hand. “I brought you, um, lunch.” His words are almost a whisper.

I get the feeling any sudden moves will send him running. So I hold myself very still and smile at his incredibly sweet gesture. “Thank you so much. Please, come in.”

He steps tentatively into my front hall.

I point toward my couch. “Make yourself at home. I’ll grab some plates.”

Once we’re settled in my living room, we dig in. He must have asked Sami what I like, because it’s my favorite sandwich with the right dressing. I dunk a fry in mayo and ask, “So how is work going today?”