The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 29

Three years can change a lot.

By the time she came back, nothing would be the same. Maybe Franco and Laura would be… Petty stopped herself, pressing her fingers to her forehead. There she went again, getting lost in thoughts of him. She really needed to quit that.

Out of nowhere, a face popped up right in front of her screen. “What are you doing? Don’t tell me you’re actually thinking about going.”

Petty barely had time to feel sad. She nudged Amy’s head to the side. “You got me. You’re too sharp for your own good.”

Amy huffed, fixing her hair. “Hey, careful with the hair, I spent all morning getting it just right. Seriously, what’s gotten into you?”

Petty just smiled and clicked open the application link.

But before she could go any further, Amy slapped her hand over the mouse.

Petty gave her a look.

Amy’s eyebrows were all scrunched up, her voice suddenly serious. “Did you read the requirements? If you go, you’re gone for three years.”

“I read every word, even the fine print.”

She meant it. There was no turning back.

Amy let go of the mouse and folded her arms, staring down at Petty. “Most people go for the resume boost, but you’re already the star reporter here. What more do you need? Don't blame me if you come back and I’m sitting in the editor’s chair. You’ll have wasted three years, you know that?”

Then she leaned closer, palms on Petty’s desk, looking more worried than before. “Wait, you didn’t hit your head too hard when you got attacked the other day, did you?”

Petty couldn’t help but laugh. She leaned her cheek on her hand and played with a strand of Amy’s hair, feeling a little warmth settle in her chest.

“Couldn’t sleep.”

It was true, just not for the usual reasons. Other people stayed up playing games or watching shows. She was up all night because she couldn’t stop thinking about her divorce.

Jared poured her some water. As soon as he sat down, Petty spoke up. “I want to apply for the Everell correspondent position, but the spots are full. I was hoping you could help.”

Everyone wanted in on the overseas assignment. It was a chance to shine, and after three years they’d come back with a boost to their career. The applications filled up in seconds. Petty had just missed out.

Jared looked surprised. “Why do you want to go abroad all of a sudden? I remember you gave up that chance four years ago.”

“I was young and let my feelings get in the way. Now I’m older. I want to focus on my career.”

Jared rolled his eyes. “You’re only twenty-five. Don’t talk like you’re ancient. I don’t want to hear it.”