I wanted to tell him everything, how technology had evolved while I'd been gone, how seven years away had left me feeling incompetent, left me unsure of whether I could even keep pace. But the words got stuck. They always did.
"I've thought about it… but…" My voice faltered.
Johnny didn't press, didn't pry. He just watched me with that steady, patient look he always had. "Elodie… the company needs you. You're still a shareholder. I hope… I hope you'll come back, take charge again."
I wanted to tell him I couldn't. That even if I returned, I'd be a pale version of myself. That every day away from this life had chipped pieces off me I wasn't sure I could rebuild. But I didn't. I only swallowed hard, staring at the tea, swirling it around, as if stirring it could make everything easier.
"
