I ended up working from home for the rest of the week to make things easier for myself. Luna had tried calling me to see how I was doing and to give me different jobs. But I stopped taking any more jobs. My plan was to finish what I had on my plate and be done. When I showed up at work early Monday morning, everything was still the same—down to the co-works forgetting my name and expecting me to clean their mess.

Good old work. I can always know what to expect.

"Guys, stop," I cried above everyone's shouting. "I already told Luna I'm not taking any new tasks. I'm finishing what's on my plate, and that's it."

Anna scoffed, folding her arm across her chest. "What do you mean you're not taking any new task?"

Owen shoved a file at me. "It's your job to confirm bookings and create a list of acceptable locations, catering, and anything else we need. So how about getting off your lazy rump and catching up on some work?"

Teagan took the file from me and shoved it back at Owen. She sized him up with a fire in her eye. "Actually, as the planner, it's your job to do all that. So how about you all dust off the comb webs from your lazy rumps and pick up your own slack? If any of you can even remember how to do your job."

The boys gasped, giving me a shocked yet disgusted look as they marched back to their desks.

"This isn't over," Anna warned, glaring at me.

Teagan stood her ground. "Keep walking and take your lame, empty threats with you."

I winced, seeing the look on Anna's face. I know I had to stand up to my co-workers, but that didn't mean we had to be so mean about it. "Sorry, Anna, this is my last day. I only have time to finish what's on my plate."

"Whatever, you're nothing but a useless sidekick anyways," Anna huffed and stomped off like a little girl. I blew out a relieved breath when everyone returned to their desk, and I could get to mine.

Teagan leaped for her, but I pulled her back. Shaking my head, I silently pleaded for her to just let it go. She glared at Anna for another moment. Sighing, her body relaxed, and I let go of her arm.

Teagan followed me back to my desk. "I know what I'm not going to miss."

I shook my head. "They might not be that nice, but you can still be the bigger person. I'm sure there's something you'll miss about them."

She rolled her eyes. "You know wars exist because of bullies like them. If more people like you or your family were in this cruel world, there would be world peace."

I smiled at Teagan's comment. "We're not that different," I replied as I logged onto the computer before giving her my full attention. "We're human, just like you and everyone else on Earth."

She leaned onto my desk and folded her hands in her lap. "No, we're normal humans. You and your family are from a rare, extinct kind of human species-the kind with a heart."

My mouth dropped open, giving her a confused look with my brows narrowed. "That makes us sound like dinosaurs."

Teagan shrugged. "Given the display, we just saw and the amount of empathy we've seen from humankind recently, I'm pretty sure we are talking about anything non-human-dinosaurs included."

I turned back to my computer. "I'm sure it's not that bad."

"Really, because society says otherwise. I mean, just ask your so-called friends from high school. Oh, and let's not forget your ex's family winning some big maret points."

I turned to her folding my arm. "OK, try naming people who I didn't wrong in the first place."

She gestured around the room with a 'duh' look. "Take your pick. Oh, let's not forget your baby daddy. He's a real gem indeed, and I'm sure you'll find more just like him. Just head down to any old bar; they're filled to the brim with brainless Neanderthals."

I rolled my eyes with a chuckle. "OK, bad date?"

"Oh no. Bad described the first five minutes," She corrected. "After that, it went from horrible to never again when I called 911 on the jerk for vandalism and arson. Don't even get me started on his attitude and drug use."

I winced. "Wow, I can see why that date went south. But you must have had other dates that have gone better."

She shrugged. "Sure, would you choose the Neanderthal who only wanted 'action' or the brainless caveman whose idea of a good time is smashing their enemies' stuff as revenge?"

I was at a loss for words. I needed a moment to wrap my head around what I was hearing. Over the years, I've seen all kinds of men…heard about them too. But hearing about how awful men could be never stops shocking me. Maybe it was because I was surrounded by so many great men growing up.

I found my voice. "OK, so you haven't had the best luck, but maybe you'll score with the next one."

She shook her head, holding her hand up in defense. "I'm done with men. With my luck, the next guy I meet might actually be a murderer. I'm better off admitting the fact that most humans I meet are Neanderthals."

I understood why Teagan was feeling so defeated. I only had one good run at a relationship in high school with Troy. After we broke up, I've had a couple of dates here and there. But none of the other guys I went out with after compared to him. None of them were that bad, but I just wasn't feeling it. Trey was the longest relationship I've had in three years, and after how everything was turning out with him, I was feeling pretty defeated in the romance department too. I could only imagine how defeated Teagan must feel.

I paused what I was doing for a brief second and brushed the indent on my ring finger. The ring had finally come off early that week, and I had admitted to myself the relationship was over a long time ago. It was a relief to finally admit the truth to myself, but I also felt sad that things didn't work.

"Sounds like we could both use some time away from guys. How about we forget about guys and have a girl's night tonight," I suggested, figuring we could both use a night out. "We can even see if Blakely wants to join us."

"And where are we supposed to go," She pointed out with a frown. "We're both parked at our siblings, and Blakely's landlord evicted her remember? She's parked at her in-laws in the conjoined room until they find a new place. None of us have a place of our own anymore."

I thought for a long moment. "OK, if we can keep the volume at bay, we can do it at Javy's place. Javy's on call tonight, and I'm sure Rosie wouldn't mind the night off. Once the kids are in bed, we can hang out in the living room."

Teagan paused for half a second and shrugged. "I guess it could work if Javy and Rosie are OK with it. Plus, it's been forever since I saw my goddaughter."

I pulled out my phone to text Rowan and Javier. Neither of them had a problem with us having a girls' night at their place. Rowan even offered to watch the kids and let us have the downstairs after dinner.

Looking up from my text, I jumped. "Owen, you scared me. What can I do for you besides taking on any new assignments?"

Teagan looked up from her phone and gave Owen a warning look. Owen shook off his anxiety and took several steps back away from Teagan. "The Scott's party venue list. I'm meeting them later this afternoon, and they are asking about venue options."

I set my phone aside and started typing on my computer. "Right. I just have some things to double-check, but I can get the completed list to you in about 30 minutes."

Owen shrugged. "Fine, just get it to me ASAP."

He spun on his heels and marched off before I could reply. Letting out a tired breath, I quickly looked up a few things. Teagan helped me finalize the list after she finished texting Blakely.


I was crossing my t's and dotting my i's on my last list when afternoon rolled around.

"OK, that's the last of it," Teagan announced, returning with the last of the stuff I printed. "We are free."

The excitement in Teagan's voice was clear. I had only stayed as long as I have at Fantasy Event Planning after admitting that Trey and I were over because of the work I still had on my plate. Now that I was assignment-free, nothing held me back from breaking up with Trey and handing in my resignation letter. Which meant Teagan would be right behind me. Today was officially our last day.

It was bittersweet as the realization sank in.

I closed the folder in my hand. "OK, so should we wait till the end of the day or just rip the bandage off now?"

Teagan narrowed her eyes at me. "You want to stay one more second than necessary in this jail cell with these bullies?"

I scanned the room. Most of the people there didn't even notice me. Thinking back, there wasn't much for me to miss about this place. But I still couldn't help the sad feeling I felt. Maybe they wouldn't miss me, but I knew a small part of me would miss them.

I sighed, looking down at my resignation and my dear john letter for Trey. "You're right; there really is no point for us to stay. We're better off just ripping the bandage off."

I took the stack of paper from her. "I'll get these to everyone else before talking to Luna. Want me to hand in your resignation too?"

She handed me her letter with a smile. "You know me all too well."

I chuckled, taking her letter from her. "Start packing; I shouldn't be too long."


I quickly finished distributing the list and came to a stop in front of Trey's office. I paused for a moment, making sure I was prepared mentally and emotionally. Closing my eyes, I took a few calming breaths.

Knocking on the door, I held my breath until I heard Luna invite me in.

"Gabby, come in," Luna greeted, waving me in, "I'm glad you're feeling better; what do you want to talk about?"

Stepping forward, I placed two envelopes on the desk. She eyed me for a second before cautiously picking it up. The ticking silence felt like years while she read the letters. I kept my head down, avoiding her eyes at all costs.

I stepped forward again, breaking the silence after a second. "I've also been trying to reach Trey, but I couldn't reach him," I placed the break-up letter on the desk with the ring. "So, please help me give this to him."

Luna frowned, picking up the ring. Her eyes went from the resignation in her hand to the ring and back again. Her head dropped as she blew out a defeated breath.

"Are you sure this is what you want," She asked, picking her head back up to look straight at me.

I nodded. "This time, I'm sure."

Stepping out from behind the desk, she leaned on the desk with her legs crossed. "What happened? You weren't sure if you wanted things to end before. Why now?"

I leaned on the desk beside her and let the silence linger between us as I tried to figure out how to explain. No matter how I swung it, it didn't seem to soften the blow.

Avoiding her eyes, I decided to just stick with the truth. "

"And is the break-up why you and Teagan are handing in your resignations," She asked, setting aside the break-up letter to pick up the resignation letters.

I shook my head. "No, our decision is our way of starting fresh. Something we both need."

She set the letters aside and turned to me. "Do you have plans after you leave?"

I shook my head. "Not really. Right now, it's just to take it one day at a time and make sure both my kids are happy and healthy."

She let out a sigh, and I could tell she wasn't going to try and change my mind, even if this wasn't what she pictured.

We were both silent again, waiting for the other to speak. Luna finally broke the silence and asked me, "Are you planning to co-parent with my brother somehow?"

I fidget with my fingers when the question sends my mind into a frenzy of confusion. There were already so many unknowns with Trey and me; our break-up only added to the laundry list of unknowns. And I didn't have a single answer.

I shrugged, avoiding her eyes. "Honestly, I'm not sure. There's still so much to figure out, and a lot of it isn't my decision alone."

Luna nodded as she stood up. "That makes sense. Promise me you'll keep in touch somehow. Even if it's just to let us know how you're all holding up."

I nodded with a smile as I stood. "I will."

We hugged, and I started for the door. She called after me, causing me to turn. "Gabby, wait! Good luck with whatever you and Teagan decide is next in your lives. I know it doesn't seem like it, but you'll be missed here."

I mustered a small smile through the sadness I felt. "Thanks; good luck to you too, and I think a part of me will miss it here too."

I started to leave again but paused again as I reached for the door handle. Turning around, I asked, "Why are you OK with this? Us leaving, me breaking up with Trey- I thought you'd surely try to stop us."

Luna leaned back on the table and folded her arm across her chest. "I'm not totally OK with it, but everyone has their own path. You and Trey are headed on separate paths, and I must accept that. Just like you have."

"No matter what path we take, we'll always be friends," I assured her. "Nothing will ever change that."

Luna grinned from ear to ear. "I'll hold you to that."

With a final wave and goodbye, I left the office.


It didn't take me long to gather my stuff. Since I had the privilege of working from home, there wasn't much I had here. A charger, notebook, book, and pencil case with simple essentials were all I had. I could carry all the items in my two hands.

Unplugging my charger, I turned off the computer at my desk. Grabbing my stuff, I took one last look around.

This is it—the last moments at Fantasy Event Planning.

Pushing whatever sadness I felt away, I met up with Teagan at her desk.

She picked her bag up. "Ready," She asked in a perky voice. Clearly, she wasn't going to miss it here.

I half shrugged, "guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

Teagan turned off the computer at her desk, and we left. I paused when we got outside and turned back for one last look.

So long, everyone, good luck.

We headed for the car, ready for a new start.


Teagan and I pulled into the parking lot at the local supermarket. It wasn't too packed, making it much easier to find a parking space. We were parking when Teagan's phone went off. Killing the car engine, she pulled out her phone as we got out.

"Everything OK," I asked, noticing the look of uncertainty on her face.

She nodded as she pocketed her phone. "Just another firm accepting my application, asking when I could start."

"You don't sound too excited," I pointed out while we made our way into the supermarket.

She shrugged, grabbing a cart. "I guess I just didn't figure the offers would start coming in so fast. Thought I had more time."

I put some bananas into the basket. "You're one of the top graduates of your law class, and you still keep up to date on your law studies. Plus, you've taken a few extra law courses since you graduated. You're not exactly a slouch; I'd be more surprised if firms weren't accepting your application."

She looked up from the box of strawberries in her hand. "If we're singing praises, you did better than me in law school, and you're not exactly slacking either. Why aren't you getting any replies?"

I paused where I was with a sheepish look. "Sorry, I never sent in any applications to any firms."

She narrowed her brow at me. "Why?"

Placing my hand on my small baby bump, I started down the aisle again. "I was about to, but then I realized I needed to stop blindly charging forward. I need to stop and figure out what it is that I want for myself. Since I'm almost five months pregnant, even if I get hired, I will be going on maternity leave soon. So I might as well just take this time to figure out where I'm headed next and start applying for jobs after I have my baby."

Teagan sighed and picked up her pace, following after me. "I wish I had an excuse to stop and figure out what I want in my life."

I placed a can of whipped cream into the cart. "You know why I feel comfortable taking the time I need to figure out my life?"

Teagan shook her head. "Not really. I would think you'd be more worried about making bank-especially with two little ones. Unless you're planning to dip into your trust fund."

I stopped where I was and turned to her. "Not even close. Up until last week, I felt like I had to keep charging forward. But Rosie reminded me I had many supporters if I would stop and look. And so do you, starting with your brother."

We hit the jackpot aisle, and I started dumping food into the cart. "Don't you feel guilty, though, having to count on your brother?"

I shut the freezer door and placed the ice cream into the cart. "I did at first, but that's what family is for…."

"And BFFs," Blakely added when she found us emptying the ice cream freezer.

The three of us squealed like school girls and pulled together for a group hug. We've all been so busy we'd hardly seen Blakely in two weeks. But it seems much longer. She was glowing with her now obvious baby bump.

Worry crept into me as I wondered how my baby and I would be when I was as far along as Blakely. The more I thought, the queasier I felt. Remembering Rowan and Jaiver's advice, I buried the worried feelings to focus on the present and the positive.

I smiled, glad to have the time with my two best friends. "OK, Blakely, any request for tonight? Any particular food you're into or not?"

Blakely laughed and replied. "I wish. I went from food aversions to human garbage disposal. I gained like ten pounds in the last month. If it's food, I'll eat it."

We were emptying another freezer when my phone went off. Curiosity filled me as I dug for my phone until I saw the Caller ID.

Smiley.

Swallowing my nerves, I answered. "Hey, sis, everything OK?"

"I should be asking you that," Sharon replied.

"Javy told you about my nausea," I stated knowingly.

"And about your break-up."

"I'm fine," I assured her. "It's been a long time coming. But is that the only reason you called?"

I heard Sharon sighing. "No, I just found out that Troy's grandma and step-gramps are selling their house in Albuquerque too."

My mouth opened a little, but no words came out. After processing to news, I uttered, "So Troy's Grandma and Gram Gram are both selling their house. Why?"

"That's the million-dollar question I have yet to find out."

Closing my eyes, I slowly inhaled and exhaled. I didn't get a chance to answer before my call-waiting indicated that Esmerelda was calling me. I put Sharon on hold and quickly picked up Esmerelda's call.

"Esme, everything OK?"

"I just got a disturbance call from Troy's Gram Gram's neighbors."

What on Earth is going on?

I got a sinking feeling as I struggled to find my voice. Something was going on, and I had a bad feeling if we didn't figure it out soon, something horrible would happen. I only hope we weren't too late.

"OK, keep me posted."