Olive was sitting at the table doing her homework.
— When’s dinner? — he asked.
— Seven.
— I can help. What should I chop?
His phone buzzed.
My stomach automatically tightened.
Ben read the message and replied.
— What is it?
— They wanted me to come in for a shift on Friday.
— And?
— I said no.
No long explanations.
He simply put the phone down.
Then mine buzzed.
A client wanted me to work at an event this Friday.
I looked at Ben.
— They offered me a job…
— I’m off. Take it, sweetheart. Olive and I will figure something out.
A year ago, I would have completely changed my life around his needs before he even had the chance to ask me for anything.
This time, I didn’t.
— I will.
For eleven years, I thought love meant quietly adjusting yourself until the other person didn’t even notice how much those compromises cost you.
