THIRTY TWO

Rachel always seems to be out of the country when I need her the most. I despise hotels, and now I'm stuck in one, spending money I should be saving, especially given my recent layoff. I consider my next move after rolling onto my back and staring at the ceiling. I wasn't mentally prepared for what had happened over the last few days, but perhaps this was the push I needed to get me on the path to my heart's desires. My phone rings for the hundredth time, and I immediately regret turning it back on.

If it's not Jordan at the end, it's Romina, and neither of them deserves my attention right now. They can save their apologies for someone who genuinely cares.

If they really need to talk to someone, they should call each other.

I grab my phone and hit the ignore button without looking at it. It's past time for me to start thinking about myself and prioritizing my own needs over those of others. My hands tremble as I scroll to the name I want and press the call butto