I didn't block Owen.
I considered it, then decided I didn't need a dramatic ending to keep my boundary. I muted the conversation and removed his contact from my favorites. I told Marcus and Dana I didn't want updates about Owen's dating life, his counseling, or whether he seemed better. They understood.
The next month, I was offered a full-time position at the arts center. The salary was enough to cover rent without taking extra weekend shifts. I read the offer letter at my kitchen table, then called Tessa.
"Are you sitting down?" I asked.
"I am."
"They offered me the job."
She cheered so loudly I had to pull the phone away from my ear.
I accepted it that afternoon. The new role came with more responsibility and less time for the workshops I loved most. I had to learn the center's d
