Page 32 of For One Night

I wallow out of the floor, holding my hand out. “Come on, I still have things to pack.”

“Oh! The cleaning lady slipped out about a half hour ago.” She winces.

“Lovely.” I roll my eyes. “I got her drunk and had a breakdown in front of her. She probably ran out.”

Millie giggles. “Actually, she chilled another bottle of wine for us.”

“Good, we’ll take it with us. There are only a few more boxes to pack.”

She follows me to the extra bedroom. “I’ll call for the truck.”

“I can’t afford it.” I close my eyes tight, not wanting to face her. “I was only allowed to take two weeks’ worth of pay. Even with my severance, it isn’t enough to last until I can find a job.”

She has her phone in hand, smiling. “It’s been taken care of, so don’t worry about it,” saying as she dials the phone.

“I promise, I’ll repay you every penny.” I squeeze her hand. “Thank you.”

We finish the room in no time, so we carry the boxes outside. I make sure the place is cleaned up, but Millie insists on getting photos. “Just in case, you never know what he’s thinking.”

“Fine, let’s hurry. I want to help get the things in the truck and out of here before he gets home.”

She follows me around the house, taking photos in every room. “Lola, have you thought about where you’re going?”

“I planned on renting a storage unit and finding a new job, while I stayed in a hotel, but after losing my job, I have no idea.” My shoulders slump as I think about what I’ve gotten myself into.

Millie rubs my arm. “Why don’t you come back with me?”

“Huh? Like, to live?” My pulse begins to race at the realization that this place I’ve called home may never be home again. “I knew things would change, but I never thought it would be so abrupt.”

“I get it. You hadn’t thought of moving out of Charleston, just this house.” Millie does her best to reassure me.

I nod. “I suppose I should’ve thought this through a little longer.”

“There’s no rush. Come visit for a few days and think things over.”

I look around the room, reliving every moment I’ve spent in it, and the same feeling I got the other night comes over me. A calm confidence in what I need to do. My lips twitch as a smile forces its way out.

“No,” I say to Millie’s shock. “I don’t need time to think. I want to do it. I think it’s exactly what I need.”

Millie jumps up and down, clapping. “Yay! I’m so excited!”

“Me too.” A lightness fills my chest. “I know this is the right thing for me.”

“Welcome to Cherry Grove!” Millie throws her arms around me, making me feel at home already.