— No. I saw a husband who had already chosen the state, the job, and the start date without asking for my opinion. Stop treating Olive’s stability and my business like little details that can be dealt with after the biggest decision has already been made.
He lowered his eyes.
— And for now, don’t ask me to move.
— Chelsea…
— I’m not saying “no” to Oregon. I’m saying “no” to being simply taken there.
A few days later, Ben asked if I wanted to go to Oregon with him.
I refused.
Then I changed my mind.
Not for him.
For myself.
— I’ll go — I said. — But I’ll decide how much this move will cost us, not just what it might solve.
Oregon annoyed me by the fact that I didn’t hate it.
I wanted the trip to confirm every reason I should say “no.”
But instead, I liked the area, the parks, and even the bakery near our hotel.
