“Oh.”
“You have more to say than ‘oh,’ right?”
“It just took me by surprise, that’s all. The way you said it. No buildup.”
“Like they say in the newspaper business, don’t bury the lead, right?” Sarah was practically bouncing with excitement.
It was, to be fair, outstanding news. A children’s television show wanted her to join the staff and write new songs each week. An incredible opportunity. She could go from being a waitress with a few songs that occasionally got radio play on local stations to a full-time songwriter.
“But it’s in Chicago.”
“Well, yeah.”
“I’d have to quit my job.”
“Yes, you would. You don’t have any great love for that job. You never have.”
“We’d have to pull Garrett out of school.”
“Yeah, and he’d go to school in Chicago.”
“He’d have to make new friends.”
“He’s six. He hasn’t formed lifelong friendships yet.” Sarah stared at him in disbelief. “Why are you giving me crap about this?”
“I just don’t want to move.”
“Why? What ties do you have to Orange Leaf?”
“I’ve lived here my whole life.”
“And…?”
“That’s not enough?”
“Of course it’s not enough! This is a dream come true. I realize it doesn’t pay that much, but I’d get to write songs for a living. That’s what I’d do instead of bringing people ketchup and extra napkins. I thought that you’d want to grab the suitcases out of the garage and start packing.”
“Well, I don’t.”
She looked at him with such hurt that Toby wanted to fall to the floor, clawing his eyes out in a fit of self-loathing.
“Are you jealous?” she quietly asked.
“No.”
“Then why?”
“I don’t have a job there.”
“You’d find one. That’s not an answer. It’s not like we’re moving to Antarctica-it’s Chicago. It’s two states away.”
“I can’t leave Orange Leaf. It’s my home.”
“Your home is with Garrett, Hannah, and me, wherever we are.”
“We can’t leave.”
They didn’t speak for a few moments, as her shoulders began to quiver and tears streamed down her face. “You’re really going to take this away from me?”
Toby couldn’t answer her.
She called and declined the offer.