25 It Was Good Knowing You (2/2)

”I join my new place of employment in a few weeks, Mr. Butler. I don't think I will have the time to do any freelance work.” My words were prompt. There was no way he would not understand that I was unwilling to work with him.

”I'm sorry to hear that, Miss Lewis.”

”I am sorry…”

”Don't be. I wish you the best of luck, Miss Lewis. May you prosper and find your way. I am sure you will excel in whatever you choose to do. You are a great talent.” I could hear the underlying words, but I was happy that he had not pressed me… forced me to admit to anything.

'It was good knowing you,' I could hear in his words. 'You would be wonderful in my field of study,' the narcissistic part of my brain said in his stead.

'Will we never meet again?'

The thought came to me in a flash.

I stopped myself.

There was no use of depending on anyone.

There was no profit in getting friendly with people when you knew you were incapable of giving them any benefits.

There was no way that Mr. Butler would have the leisure or inclination to continue meeting someone who served him no purpose. He was a rational man.

”Thank you,” I croaked. ”I-” he cut me off.

”I have already made the payment for your week and you should have received a message from your bank already,” there was no malice in his voice. He wasn't… offended by my rejection. ”Please let me know if there is any problem.”

”Or I could call Alec.” I was shocked by myself.

'Stop it, Evie. What are you saying?'

”Yes, you could call Alec.”

I didn't know the feeling behind those words, but I was terribly sorry for the miscommunication. ”Take care, Miss Lewis.”

'Yes,' I said in my head. I heard the dial tone.

He had hung up.

I lay back in bed, staring at the ceiling.

Another chapter of my life ended.

I would have to go back to my life.