Starting Over.

“And done!” I yelled out and looked around. The empty desks were void of any decoration. I sighed out and hit print. My last report printed and I got up to get the paper. “Is all your stuff ready?” I heard behind me. I turned and saw my boss Tonya Felton waiting by her office. “Yeah, I have the report.” I said walking to her. Her tall slender body and bright hair always pulled back in a sleek bun were intimidating, but she was actually very nice. We had grown into having a close friendship. “Thanks Ryan. You’ve been a big help.” Her voice was sad. It was the last day we would be work colleagues. Much like other businesses, due to the pandemic her small business was forced to close. “Anything Tony.” I said with a slight laugh as I walked over turning my computer off. I grabbed my box filled with all my belongings. I turned to see Tonya with her box. “Ready to go have a drink?” She said marching off to the front doors. “Oh am I!” I said following her out. We walked to our cars putting our boxes inside. “Driving or walking?” She said turning to me. “Let’s walk. It’s just down the road.” I said and she walked over locking arms with me. “Tell me how’s Matt?” She asked me and I groaned. “That good?” She asked looking at me. “He broke up with me. He’s moving his stuff out today.” I said sadly. “You don’t seem broken about it.” Tonya said nudging me. “I knew it was over. I think I was clinging on just to get the bills paid. Now I seriously need to buckle down at the interview tomorrow.” I said with a hint of worry. “I thought you had that job at that place Hugo went?” Tonya asked as we reached the bar. “It fell through! They filled the position I was going for and then I desperately pleaded for anything. They never called back.” I said and Tonya started to laugh as she held open the door. “Ryan!” She said mid laugh. “You didn’t beg them did you?” We sat at the counter. “I’m desperate! I have two weeks until my rent is due and moving back with my parents isn’t a option!” I said and the bartender walked up. “Hey Ed, two beers. What ever is on tap.” Tonya said and the man nodded. “Anything for you.” Ed said going to the taps with a wink. “He’s repulsive.” I said turning to Tonya. “Yeah, but he gives me a discount.” Tonya said smiling. “Here you are beautiful.” Ed sat down two beers in front of us. “Thank you handsome.” Tonya said and smiled as she shamelessly flirted. Ed went to say something when another patron flagged him for more drinks. “Ok let’s refocus back.” I said as Tonya sipped her beer. “What were we talking about?” Tonya asked. “My interview, being poor, affording rent!” I reminded her. “Oh right! You’ll nail this next interview. When is it?” Tonya asked. “Tomorrow, early around ten in the morning.” I sighed sadly grabbing my beer and looking into it. “Oh come on Ryan, you’ll be fine. You always bounce back. Drink with me! My business is closed, I’m bankrupt, and now I live with my parents! So drink!” Tonya started chugging her beer and I watched her in astonishment. We stayed for a bit as I nursed my single beer. I watched Tonya live it up with everyone around us. I felt my phone buzz and pulled it out. Matt was letting me know the coast was clear and all of his stuff was out. I stood and grabbed my bag. I started fishing for my wallet. “No need. It’s on me.” Ed said grabbing my half drank beer. “No I insist.” I said and he waved his hand. “I know it’s a sad day for Tonya, so first one’s on me.” He smiled and walked away. I walked over to Tonya as she danced alone in the middle of the floor way to into the music. “Hey I’m heading out.” I said and she stopped. “Noooooo!” She whined. “Yeah, I have the early interview. Do you want to come with? It’ll make me feel better to know you were somewhere safe.” I said and she pointed at me. “Great idea!” She said walking over and grabbing her bag. “I’ll be back later to settle the tab Ed!” Tonya stumbled and Ed slightly laughed. “Don’t keep me waiting beautiful.” He said and she blew him a kiss. I grabbed her arm and led her out. “What?” She whined as we walked down the street. “You’re flirting with Ed and it’s creepy.” I said as we made our way to the car. I opened the back seat door and got her in and she quickly laid down. I hoped into the driver seat and buckled. “Ryannnnnnn! Ryan!” Tonya said from the back. “What is Tonya?” I said slowly approaching a street light. “Ryan your so lucky that you’re young and beautiful! You can start over! My life is over now!” Tonya talked and I tried not to laugh. “I’m twenty six. That’s not exactly young.” I said rounding a corner and hearing her jostle around. “Stop!” She steadied herself. “You’re closer to BIRTH then you are DEATH!” She said with such vigor and I tried to hide my amusement. “You know Ry-ry… can I call you Ry-ry?” She paused. “Well I would prefer Ryan but we can discuss it tomorrow.” I said pushing my lips together. Trying to keep the laughter down. “Well RYAN.” Tonya emphasized now. “I’m in my early forties! I’m only going to be… to be…” I heard her voice tremble. “a*****e greater! I’ll be looking at receipts and wearing a mesh vest.” I heard Tonya start to cry. “Hey! That’s not true! You have a lot of talent. You’ll find something great.” I said pulling off the main road. Almost to my apartment, not a moment too soon. “Ry!!! I’m forty two! I live with my mom and her boyfriend! She’s going to be sixty seven this year!” Tonya sobbed as I turned into the apartment complex parking lot. “We’re here!” I sang out as I parked the car. “Yay!” Tonya said excitedly. I got out and quickly got to the back doors. Tonya already had them open and tried desperately to get out on her own. “Let me help you!” I tried as she swatted at my hands. She pushed her self up and slammed the door of my car. “Woah.” She said steadying herself. “Are you ok?” I grabbed onto her as she swayed. “Yes!” She took a step. “No!” She yelled running to a bush and throwing up. “Oh god… come on let’s hurry.” I said with a sigh as I walked over. Once finished I helped her up and to my apartment. I opened the door and she kicked off her shoes. I helped her to the living room where she collapsed on the couch. I grabbed a waste bin and placed it next to her. “Just in case.” I said and she slowly nodded. I walked over to my linen closet to get a spare blanket. I returned to Tonya snoring on the couch. I covered her and walked to the bedroom. I get in the door and sighed. Matt took the bed frame and our dresser we had bought together. He left all my stuff a pile on the floor. At least he left the mattress. I quickly dug through the piles of clothes and found pajamas. I got into the bed and covered myself up. Tomorrow is the big day.