Leave Him Loved_Harloe Rae

glamor of their offer. Red flags were staked and waving, but the potential possibilities outshined the pitfalls. As the weeks trickled on without word from them, suspicion replaced my naïve acceptance. My growing doubts were warranted.
Thankfully, the hope I clung to didn’t stubbornly stick until August or later. I managed to pull my head out of the clouds by late May while other opportunities were still in full bloom. Not that I had a shot at most of them. As if sensing my overdue rejection, Bellmoore sent an email that week confirming what I already guessed. They had to make unforeseen budget cuts and could no longer afford to expand their staff. As if that update couldn’t be passed along earlier.
A chime from my cell saves me from traveling further along my downward spiral. I glance at the screen, and a knot loosens in my stomach. With a quick swipe, I answer the call.
“How did you know?”
Vannah laughs in my ear. “We’ve been attached at the hip since orientation freshman year. It’s basically a sixth sense at this point.”
“Those are cherished moments.” A drawn-out sigh escapes me.
“That noise doesn’t sound good. What’s wrong?”
“Other than moving to an entirely different state? Being separated from all my friends? Starting over completely from scratch?” I’m not prideful enough to hide the slight tremor in my voice. A lump forms in my throat, and I struggle to swallow.
“Do you have some cheese to go with that whine? An aged gouda should pair nicely.”
“You’re such an elegant snob,” I mumble.
“And that’s why you love me,” she chirps.
“Thanks for the emotional support. Is that why you rang?”
“Just wanted to check on your progress. Have you arrived in Boondocks Valley yet?”
“Bampton,” I correct.
“Pardon me.” Vannah laughs. “Is there a difference?”
“Now you’re really being a snob.” I glare across the flat valley to my left. “What’s stopping me from ending this riveting conversation?”
She huffs down the line. “Oh, I’m just teasing. I have to mask my pain somehow. It’s my only defense against your absence. In all honesty, living in the country would be a great escape for me.”
“You could always work remotely,” I suggest.
“In real estate? I’m not ballsy enough to take on that challenge. Maybe after my first promotion or my company sets up an office down there, whichever comes first.”
“Don’t get too attached to the idea. My situation is temporary.”
That reminder plays on a constant loop in my mind. Don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful for being hired. By a reliable district willing to take a gamble on an inexperienced teacher, no less. Sure, I could’ve taken a chance and held out for something closer to home. But I’d stretched my luck far enough. Getting a full-time schedule with my own classroom is a blessing. I’ll never take this good fortune for granted, but that doesn’t mean I plan to stick around longer than financially necessary. No offense to them, of course. Being this far from home—my family and friends—isn’t meant for me.
“Don’t set an expiration date on this adventure. You never know what’ll happen.” Vannah breaks the daze I’m floating in.
I blink, and my surroundings zoom into focus. The endless fields of crops spread far and wide, a mix of green and gold dancing in the wind. The natural beauty isn’t lost on me. It’s such an organic vision to witness, one I’m not used to seeing. The contrast to my typical view of concrete and streetlights is almost startling.
“I’m a city girl,” I argue.
“Only because you haven’t lived elsewhere.”
“On purpose.”
She clucks her tongue. “Be careful. Someone might call you a highbrow.”
That gets a laugh out of me. “And will that person be you?”
“Hardly. I’m a snob, remember?”
That leads back to how we got on this topic. I cough to clear the prickling dryness from my emotional whirlwind, wishing for a gas station to magically appear at the corner. “To answer your earlier question, I’m not in Bampton Valley yet. I pulled over before crossing county lines.”
Vannah hums in that knowing way of hers. “Having second thoughts?”
I roll my eyes. “No, I just needed a moment to compose myself. The drive has me wired.”
“Do I need to come visit?”
“Already?” It’s my turn to tsk. “I’ll manage for a few days at least. After that, all bets are off.”
“Noted, but I’m sure you’ll find ways to stay occupied.” Her suggestive tone doesn’t go undetected.
“The landscape is stunning,” I deflect. “Makes me wish I’d taken an agricultural course or two.”
“Find a farmer to clue you in. You can assist with stroking the roots.” This girl is shameless.
I continue along the mature, respectable path. “That probably won’t be difficult, considering the array of plants I already see.”
My friend giggles, as if catching on to my game. “That’s the right mindset. I want to hear all about your dirt discoveries, emphasis on dirt-y.”
“And that’s my cue to get going. You’ve effectively raised my spirits.” The grin lifting my cheeks is all thanks to her.
“Pay it forward, and have fun. Don’t forget to send me pictures of your place.”
That reminder gives me another boost of happiness. “Can you believe I’ll have my own house?”
“You’re such an adult, growing up right before my eyes.” She gives a few sniffles for good measure.
“And you’re a dork. Thanks for the chat, Van.” I’m hoping my sincerity bleeds through the earpiece.
“Always, babe. Talk soon.”
The line disconnects with a click, and I deflate against the seat. No more delaying. I swipe over to the map, tracking the remaining distance. Twelve minutes left on my journey. That seems impossible, considering the lack of civilization. Only one way to find out. I switch gears and set off on the winding road leading farther south.
The rest of my drive to Bampton Valley passes in stretches of undeveloped plots of soil, thumping tires, and spotty radio reception. A premium Spotify subscription is in my near future. So is a car wash if the state of my usually shiny hood is any indicator. That’s another thing to expect when traversing