Several months after her promotion, Liza expected Charles to return today. They had communicated regularly during his absence, all in a professional tone. She missed his friendship, their personal discussions, everything about being with him. Liza had taken on new responsibilities, and shown her strength which led to the company's continued success. But now, she would be demoted to second in command. She was prepared for this eventually, yet hesitant about how her working relationship would change with Charles' return.

Liza thought about how his writing experience might have affected Charles. Never did she expect he would finish his book and be nearly ready to publish in just a few months. It became an editing process done through email and videoconferencing as he stayed away from the office. Liza felt saddened that they didn't work together face to face much. But she also knew he was keeping his distance for personal reasons.

Liza saw him toward the end of editing the book. Their meetings were in the conference room, and she noticed Charles was careful to keep some distance. They had working lunches, and often an assistant was present, taking notes. She was curious if he was dating anyone, but he never dropped hints. He was keeping his personal life a secret, at least from her.

When he returned to the office, ready to resume his old position, she was informed by text that they were to "have a restructuring meeting of sorts, due to unfortunate circumstances." He stated via text: 'I will clarify in an email. See you soon.' He also thanked her for her help editing. 'I couldn't have had a better editor to help smooth out the rough edges of my decades' old story. I will always be thankful for your help. ' His note, delivered with flowers, brightened her morning.

Now that Charles was back, Liza was also unsure what this meant for them personally. Over the last six months she had been asked out by her ex-boyfriend, Josh, and had decided to give him another chance. She had remembered the excitement of dating a man so much younger, several years ago, when she first met him. She recalled how exciting it was to rediscover herself and be surprised again. This whole time in her life, even beyond her relationship with Josh, was a new opportunity, a breath of fresh air after her divorce. And Liza felt like she owed him another chance for helping her open that door.

They went on a few dates, and she found herself, to her surprise, not as attracted to Josh as she had been previously. She had dated a few distinctly different men since her divorce, but now she wanted the whole picture. She was seeking a man her equal, who had similar life goals and interests, who she was also physically attracted to and compatible with. She was starting to think possibly this was too much to ask.

She still cared for Josh, and she still felt some attraction. But what had been fun in the past, she felt she had grown beyond. There were parts of her life she didn't care to revisit, even with a younger partner. She was sure he noticed. She would catch him looking at her as her eyes glazed over when he talked about his darts league at the bar or starting a new video game. Besides being immersed in his interests, most of their time was spent either with his daughter, or talking about his modern parenting strategies.

Neither of them was the same person the other remembered anymore. Liza no longer cared about impressing him, and rarely mentioned her work or interests when he was around. When she would start discussing a manuscript she was excited about or discovering new writing talent, he wore a similar glazed expression.

Liza also had seen Josh talking with other young families on the playground when they had Gemma. Most couples had several children, and he asked them how they managed their kids' schedules, taking mental notes. When she came over to where he was sitting, he brushed it off like he was just being friendly, promoting his business.

Reluctantly, she went on what would be their last date, selecting somewhere nearby to try to break it off gently. She thought back now, this morning where everything was changing at work, of her memories about how they had left things.

As they sat at the table at the bar Josh loved, he told a story. "So, since all Gemma's friends have siblings we decided to make it an all ages playgroup," he finished. Josh was telling how he and Clare had formed a neighborhood playgroup that was now thriving. Apparently playgroups were hard to get into these days, and you could charge for cuisine, enrichment activities and creative performers.

He was looking at her. Liza realized it was her turn to talk. "Oh, right. That makes sense to include everyone. Do you think Gemma would like a sibling? I mean, do you want more kids?" She asked. "Or are you ok with her being an only child?"

"Yes, I think so," Josh concluded. He looked concerned for a moment. "No, actually if I'm being honest, I would like to have a few more children. I really love being a dad."

Liza sighed. "I know you do." Then she said what she came to say, what she was dreading saying because she might hurt him immeasurably again. "We need to let each other go. I just don't feel the same way I did when things were new, when we first met. I hope you understand."

Josh hesitated before talking, "I do feel like I'm missing out on meeting someone who wants what I do. Unless you are thinking about adoption? Or we can have an open relationship." He knew she never wanted to be pregnant again. Starting over at the age of 45 with young children wasn't what Liza wanted. It never had been. She knew that Josh knew this. This wasn't as hard for her as she expected.

"I'm not thinking of adopting. I have been down that road. I don't want you to compromise what you want and resent me later. " Liza searched his eyes for understanding, and was met with a hurt look. "I don't think I could have an open relationship. I want a partner who wants only me. I shouldn't have to compromise either."

Liza might have been open to having another child a few years after her daughter was born. But now with Caitlin being 23 years old, finished with college and in graduate school, she would be starting over. Liza also had her career to think about. She finally had what she wanted and was thriving.

They agreed to stop dating, despite Josh's protests that Liza make sure she was reading herself correctly, and she didn't really want another baby. "This could be your last chance. " he mentioned. "I chose you despite all the difficulties. After all your lying to me and to yourself, and after you cheated. I know you and accept who you are. Shouldn't that mean something? "

Liza insisted, "I'm not going to change my mind. I know myself pretty well after 45 years. "At first he was reluctant to move on, but after time, Josh had met someone. And then another someone when the first relationship ended, she found out from Maggie, her roommate and still a close friend of his. Liza knew Josh wouldn't have trouble finding the right woman, who better matched him and wanted the same things in life.

Liza came out of her daydream, and back to reality, and read the email from Charles. "Important announcement about company operations today. Please attend at 9:00 am. CB"

'Back to now. Time to focus. ' she told herself. 'No thinking about what happened in the past. No looking back.'