Got a couple beers at the Legion.
Didn’t talk much at first.
Mostly sat there while she watched people move around the room like she was already somewhere else.
After a while she told me she’s taking another job.
Gone a while this time.
She knew I didn’t have a project lined up and said I should use the downtime.
Figure out whether I’m actually in this now.
Think she could tell by my face I already made up my mind.
She studied me for a second after that.
Real direct.
“You really need to see this.”
Didn’t ask what she meant.
I already knew better.
She leaned back again.
Looked away toward the bar.
Said if I ever decided to go further with any of it...
“She’d be there in a heartbeat.”
Didn’t know what to say to that.
Finished my beer.
Already knew the shop was gonna feel different again.
Got up the next morning and she was already gone.
Found a note on the kitchen table.
“Goodbyes aren’t my thing.”
“We’ll see you soon.”
“If you need me, you know how to find me.”
Read it twice standing there in the kitchen.
Then folded it up and stuck it in the journal.