Firstly, I’m sorry to hear that you’re leaving. I honestly cannot even tell you how sorry. I know things haven’t always been smooth sailing with me, and that I’ve likely caused you a headache or ten since your arrival. For that I apologize, I truly am sorry – I would hate for you to leave and not know that.

Secondly, I know of the stray you’re talking about. You’re very kind to watch and worry about a pet that isn’t yours. I’ll make sure to keep an eye out for it, no worries on that score. Believe it or not, I know a thing or two about cats.

I also agree that we have become unlikely friends and the fact that you went above and beyond to be kind and so nice to me when you’d surely been warned about my ways, says a lot about you and the type of person you are, decent, honest and considerate.

The world needs more people like you.

Also sorry to hear about your recent professional and personal struggles – and heartbreak especially. Truth be told, I’ve been facing the same thing myself – I’ve told you as much, but I’m beginning to feel hopeful.

I do in fact watch TV, and I believe I know what you’re talking about. If that’s what you’ve been dealing with, well, let me just say that your asshat ex got his comeuppance fair and square. And maybe worth mentioning that in my humble opinion, no man goes to bat like that for someone, unless he cares about her deeply too.

So I’m pretty certain your guy feels the same about you.

Could you maybe be looking at things the wrong way? Trust me, I’ve made a mistake like that before. Thinking that the person I love is with someone else, when the opposite is true.

Like you said, we have a lot more in common than we thought.

And you are right, your (former) client is going to be OK – professionally speaking. Removing the client label is the best thing that could happen.

You say I’ve given you good advice before – there’s a real chance I’m right this time, too.

In any case, considering all we’ve shared this last while, it feels wrong to not put a face to the name before you leave. If you feel up to it, maybe we could meet for a quick coffee?

Let me know if you’re open to it. Anytime tomorrow is good for me. You pick the place. Really doesn’t seem right to part ways without having the chance to truly say hello before we say goodbye?

Hope to see you soon,

P-1

Chapter 70

HANNAH

The following morning, Hannah wandered hesitantly down the street and around the corner for her unexpected ‘blind date’.