Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 27008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
The fact that it’s so late and that I’ve been up for god knows how many hours is the only reason I’m answering this. I should make this email self-destruct like James Bond would.
I’ve always used condoms with partners but not because of smart or even logical reasons. It just seems intimate and very personal to have a partner come inside me. So I don’t want to do that until I know I’ve found my Mr. Right. Daddy Right? That sounds very weird. Even I’m not tired enough for that to sound right. Ha. Right.
God, I need a nap, but this plane is bouncing around in the sky like we’re in some kind of alien pinball game. When we land, I’m going to sleep for twenty-four hours straight and my boss can kiss my ass if he thinks I’m going to answer the phone.
Daddy, tell me not to answer the phone. Make it a rule like checking in with you every day. Then I can’t feel guilty about ignoring work.
Okay, no more whining. I’m going to find some cartoons to watch and everyone around me can kiss my ass if they think that’s weird. God, remind me to tell you what my coworker’s wife did. She’s so…interesting. Yep, interesting.
Get more sleep than me. Night.
Joseph
Chapter 5
Arthur
“You keep changing the subject every time you talk about work.” Joseph’s not-quite question had me trying not to look guilty. “You said your last project was winding down, but you haven’t said where you’re going next.”
He was right.
I’d just been hoping to put this conversation off until I knew more about where his head was at when it came to us. I was glad there was an us, because I hadn’t been sure of that before, but I still had more questions than answers.
“Because I turned in my notice and I’m winding down a few things, but I don’t have any other big projects coming up.” I paused for a moment as his mouth dropped open. “I’ve given them a month’s notice, and right now I’m focusing on making sure the projects they have coming up are all well planned out so someone else can easily take them over.”
Setting up training for large companies wasn’t something most people found fascinating, but I liked knowing I was leaving a mark on companies. Lately, it just hadn’t been as fulfilling as it had been, and I was ready for a change.
“You quit?” Joseph seemed like he was stuck on that point. “You really quit?”
“Yes.” I shrugged, feeling a bit defensive but not able to explain why. “It’s not as surprising as it sounds. I mentioned that I was frustrated with the direction the company was taking and how long I’ve worked there in general.”
No one worked at the same company for as long as I had, so wanting a change was perfectly reasonable.
As Joseph started to nod, I pointed out an obvious issue. “And it wasn’t easy having a relationship when I traveled so much.”
Raising one eyebrow and shrugging had him chuckling. “Yeah, that’s a valid point.”
But something was running through his head making him question my decision. If we’d had endless time to wade through the start of our relationship, I’d have let it go, but we didn’t. “But?”
He blinked, clearly not expecting me to question his reaction. “I…guess I’m surprised because I’ve been going back and forth on something like that and I just couldn’t.”
“Because we’re in two different places, ketzel.” I wanted to get that out of the way right off the bat. “You’re still in the thick of your career and I can hear how much you’re enjoying it in your voice. But I’m not.”
Swallowing, I could see the moment his thoughts shifted and his brain found the trail I was walking down. I knew he got it as he started to talk through it out loud. “You’ve been frustrated…and bored. Not of traveling, but you didn’t really like the last couple of projects you were assigned to.”
That was an understatement.
“Honestly, it was painful.” My dramatic reaction had Joseph grinning. “It felt good to tell them I was leaving.”
Surprisingly good.
“What are you going to do?” He studied me for a moment, wheels turning. “Not retiring, right? You’re too young for that.”
Nearly fifty was right on the line probably, but he was right. I wasn’t old enough for retirement to be practical or fun. Just thinking about time stretching out like that had me frowning and shaking my head. “I’d get bored.”
Chuckling, Joseph nodded. “I have to agree. So…what’s the plan? Are you looking for another company to work for to do something similar?”
Shaking my head was easy, but the rest of the answers were harder. “I’ve been approached by several companies over the past few years, so I know that option is available. But I’m ready for something new. I just have to figure out what that’s going to look like.”