Game of Destiny by Dripping Creativity novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15-1

When Finlay arrived home, he called me, despite my earlier insistence that a simple text would suffice. We ended up talking for a full hour, my footsteps echoing softly as I wandered through my apartment, hastily stuffing my belongings into bags without much order. None of the things I packed were essential for a stay of a week or two in town. He gently inquired about how I was feeling. My initial reaction was to say I was fine, but then I recalled his plea for honesty, so I opened up. I confessed that being back felt strange—like a part of me was missing—and my wolf was restless, on edge, and uneasy. True to his caring nature, Finlay offered to send Sam and Medow over to keep me company, but I declined. I had been through this before and knew this unease was only temporary. What I needed most was for my wolf to accept that too.

The following morning, I prepared myself and made my way down to the bakery. I had been mulling over how to break the news to the sisters about my impending departure. Having known them for years, I was certain that once I told one, the other would find out within minutes.

“Amie! I’ve missed seeing that lovely face of yours,” Mrs. Andersen greeted me warmly as I descended the stairs.

“Hello! It’s comforting to see the place still standing,” I replied with a smile. She chuckled softly.

“Nothing ever changes in this town, and if it does, it certainly takes longer than three days. Here, I’ve made you some coffee and blueberry scones,” she said, presenting the treats with a proud grin.

“You’re an angel. I’m just heading over to the diner,” I told her gratefully.

“Don’t tell me that slave-driving sister of mine has you working the early shift?” Mrs. Andersen huffed in mock indignation.

“No, ma’am. I just need to catch up on some gossip with CeCe,” I said, quickly moving away before she could interrogate me further and poke holes in my flimsy excuse. As I stepped into the diner, the cook greeted me warmly. The moment Mrs. Jones and CeCe caught sight of me, they hurried over, enveloping me in hugs and welcoming me back. The feeling was bittersweet.

“Mrs. Jones, do you have a moment to talk?” I asked.

“Always, honey. Let me just put in Frank’s breakfast order, and then we can sit down,” she replied. I nodded and found a quiet corner table. Soon, she joined me, carrying a steaming cup of coffee. I took a slow sip of the brew Mrs. Andersen had made earlier, gathering my thoughts.

“Mrs. Jones, I’m not sure I’ve ever properly thanked you for taking a chance on me when I first arrived here. I was lost, and you gave me both a job and a place to stay. That means more to me than I can say,” I began.

“I’m glad I did. Workers like you are rare,” she said with a smile. “But why do I get the feeling you’re about to say goodbye?”

“It’s a vacation,” I started hesitantly.

“The first and only vacation you’ve taken in four years, and it just so happens to coincide with a certain persistent, handsome suitor?” Mrs. Jones teased knowingly.

“Yes, that one,” I admitted, and she laughed. “I’ve been offered a new position. It’s a great opportunity. At first, I planned to decline, but now I’ve accepted. I need to hand in my notice. I’m sorry, but I’ll stay on until you find someone to replace me,” I explained. She nodded thoughtfully.

“There’s no one to replace you. But I think I can convince Laura to come work here. I’d be grateful if you could stay for a week after she starts to help train her.”

“Of course. It’s the least I can do,” I agreed.

“Good. I appreciate it. So, this man of yours—does he treat you well?” she asked.

“There’s nothing romantic between Finlay and me, but he treats me well,” I said. She smiled and nodded.

“I won’t say I won’t be sorry to see you go. You’re my best employee and a damn good girl. But I think you’re doing the right thing. You were never meant to stay here permanently. You’re too good for a place like this—I always knew you were just passing through. But I’m glad we had four years together at least.”

“I’m glad too,” I said quietly. Even though the town seemed to poke at my vulnerable spots now, I knew that in time, I’d look back on this chapter with gratitude. It had been a turning point in discovering and accepting who I truly was.

Chapter 15-2

“Let’s not make this old woman cry,” Mrs. Jones said with a wink. “I’ll talk to Laura and let you know when she can start. And I’m sending CeCe over—I’m guessing you want to chat with her too?”

“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Jones.” CeCe came bounding over, bubbling with excitement about the events of the past three days. I listened happily as she shared her endless enthusiasm. But the moment I told her I was leaving, her cheerful expression faded, replaced by puppy dog eyes that made me feel like I’d just kicked a puppy.

“You’re leaving? Why?” she asked softly.

“It’s just my time. The job Finlay offered was too good to turn down,” I explained.

“Finlay—that’s the handsome guy who wouldn’t give up until you agreed to meet him, right?” CeCe asked.

“Right.”

“I see. Well, I kind of approve,” she said, rolling her eyes as she fiddled with her phone.

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