Maybe I should go over there. See if I can help. Is that weird? Would it be helpful or intrusive? Maybe she wants to be alone, and I’d just be in the way, or I would say something stupid or do something dumb that would make her feel worse. How could I help? She barely knows me, even though I consider her my friend. She’d probably think it was awkward, some neighbor she barely knows coming over . . . to do what, exactly? How could I help?

I’ve tried everything I can think of and nothing works. Maybe this is one of those things I need to let go of.

And so she cries. Over and over and over again.

Chapter Seventeen

Going back to work is like putting on an old coat. A coat that’s been in the communal closet for three years, smells like moth balls, and probably isn’t even mine but was left by someone else. But here I am.

I’m stuck. And not just in a time loop.

I don’t know how to help Hugo. Nothing I’ve tried works, and I don’t know what to do next. I need a break, to take a step back, and then the universe will show me some signs, or whatever. I’m not giving up on him, I’m just setting it aside for now. Hugo’s tears, every night, after I’ve tried over and over to make him happy. It’s . . . depressing.

Besides, maybe taking time off work has given me new perspective. And also, I really want to tell Mark off.

I’m different now. This time things will change.

“Jane, you just don’t fit.”

Sigh. This again. “Right. Thanks. I’ll see myself out.” I gather my papers and head for the door.

“Jane, wait,” Stacey calls out as I’m crossing the threshold.

I turn around.

“That actually wasn’t bad.”

Blade clears his throat and she cuts him a look.

“If you find another job in marketing, if you keep putting that kind of effort and care into your ideas, you’ll do just fine. It was a good idea.”

“But not good enough to keep my job.”

Stacey sighs and shakes her head.

Drew snorts.

“Thanks anyway.” I push open the door and shut it behind me.

That was new, I guess. But I’m still fired.

Ugh. I lean against the wall, contemplating my next move. I need to go home and give Hugo the outfit.

I can’t hear them talking in there. Maybe if I could listen while they discuss my situation, I could come up with a new plan to work through whatever they hate so much about me, but all is quiet. Something tells me they decided to fire me no matter what my pitch was. Of course they did. How did I not see it before?