Page 77 of Real Forever
A woman’s voice answered.
“Hi, I’m calling to make an appointment with a counselor.”
Agatha gave Madison a small smile and nod.
“No, I’m a new client.”
After the woman asked Madison several further questions, she suggested she speak to a counselor named Anna, and made her an appointment for the following Thursday afternoon. Madison jotted the time, date, and address down in her calendar app and then thanked the woman for her help before saying goodbye.
“I’m really proud of you, Madison. That was a big step you just took.”
“Thank you, Agatha.”
“There’s another big step you’re going to need to make.”
Madison grimaced, puzzled.
“You’re going to need to quit your job here.”
“What?” Madison’s face paled.
“Don’t get me wrong—I love having you here. The regulars love having you here. I don’t know what any of us will do without you. But, my dear, this is not what you were meant for.”
“Ags, this is a great job, I don’t think—”
“I know it’s a great job. But it’s not a great job for you, my dear.”
“I don’t want to leave. I like it here and I’m good at it.”
“You are an excellent employee. But let’s be serious. This is not exactly your true heart’s desire. You are young, smart, and capable. You could do anything you want.”
Madison lowered her voice. “What if I don’t know what I want?”
“Then you take some time and figure it out. Maybe you could stay and help through the Christmas rush, for the next month or so. It’ll give you time to find something new and me time to hire a replacement. How does that sound?”
Madison nodded. “Okay, Agatha.”
Agatha narrowed her eyes. “What about Jake?”
“What about Jake? He’s moving to Calgary and probably never wants to speak to me again. I fucked things up with him.”
“Well, why don’t you move to Calgary with him then?”
“What? That’s an insane idea.”
“Why? What’s so insane about it?”
Madison stared at her like the answer should be obvious. “Seriously? Everything. I can’t just randomly pick up and move to Calgary.”
Agatha’s voice remained calm and even. “Why not?”
“Well—” Madison’s voice faltered. “Well, Lauren and Maisie, for one. I can’t desert them.”
“It’s hardly deserting them, Madison. Lauren is also a very capable adult, and she would miss you, but she would be fine.”
“I can’t leave them right now. Not with everything going on.”
“Madison, you can’t live your life for other people. And you can’t use them as an excuse.”
