Maybe I didn’t need a vacation to relax. What I needed was a little time away from home to get some perspective and learn to see things in a different light. My family can be a handful, but they’re my handful and being smothered with love isn’t as bad as I thought.

“Your correspondence is on top of your desk,” Mom says, “and there are some bills due soon, along with a notice from your landlord.”

I sigh. “I’m behind for just one day,” I mumble.

“Oh, your dad took the liberty to pay the rent,” she says while Dad murmurs, “It’s your birthday.”

“Thank you so much.” I hug him pretty tight because he has no idea that he just saved me from financial ruin. “You’re the best.”

“There’s also a job offer that you need to answer soon.” Mom goes to my desk and brings the paperwork. “I didn’t know you were thinking about moving away.”

“It’s just an offer,” I say as if that explains everything.

“Well, you have until next week to answer. The salary is good and the benefits are better than what you have in your current job but—”

“It’s in New York,” Dad finishes the sentence. “However, we support whatever you choose to do. Seems like a great opportunity.”

“Daniel,” Mom warns.

“Time to go home,” Dad says. “We need to wake up early. The chickens aren’t going to feed themselves, are they?”

We hug and say our goodbyes one more time. “I left a few containers in the fridge with food. There’s fresh fruit in the basket. Hand-picked cherries and homemade frosting,” Mom says, as Dad drags her out of the apartment.

“Thank you for everything,” I say, closing the door behind them.

I change into a pair of yoga pants and a sweatshirt and grab Reggie’s leash to walk him around the block before I call it a night. I end up walking about a mile before I realize and turn around. I shouldn’t overdo it but I’m restless. The stupid part of my brain swears that Miller is a good guy and was hoping to see him today.

It hits me all at once. My first mistake might’ve been saying yes to his unusual proposal. My second and fatal mistake wasn’t to believe in him but to fall in love.

What do I do with that information and all the unrequited love?

“Reggie, why are guys assholes?” My dog huffs and continues walking all the way to the house, letting me soak in my misery.

After I brush my teeth, I grab my phone and decide to send a text to Miller.

C. Solis: Thank you for the weekend. 

I wait for a response, but after staring at my phone for an hour, I decide to turn off the lights and go to sleep.