I'd been working the evenings for a while due to some staffing changes, not that I minded. It gave me the chance to spend more time with Paige, now that things with Laura had cooled off a bit-nothing bad going on there, she was just spending more time with her beau Steve, though we did get together from time to time, both solo, and as part of a three way, when Steve and I would bone her good.
I had worked with Paige on and off for most of the nine years she had been at the station, and had watched her mature into the job. We'd also become close over time. Despite her occasional forays into the dating world, we had maintained our "friends with benefits" relationship, and it was not uncommon for Paige to spend weekends at my house when she wasn't seeing someone, or Laura wasn't on tap for me.
Then one day, the station grapevine was abuzz with a rumor. Paige was leaving to move into another job, outside broadcasting, closer to her home in Chicago. I caught her between newscasts.
"Hey, Paige, let's go get dinner," I said as she was gathering her papers from the 6 PM newscast.
"Sure," she said in her usual perky tone.
We headed out for a quick dinner at one of the local Mexican places. As we settled into our chips and salsa, I looked over at Paige.
"I hear a rumor..." I said, looking into her blue eyes.
Paige looked at me, then sighed. "Yeah, it's true," she said, some trepidation showing in her face. "Just don't mention it to anyone yet. I'm sure the gossip mill is going full tilt, but I haven't said anything to station management yet. The details are not final, and it may not happen."
I smiled at her. "Come on, Paige. You know I don't talk. What's up??"
Paige smiled. "Yeah, I know. You're good at not letting on that you know things, or what's going on." She looked at me a moment. "I had an offer for a PR job in the Chicago area. You know I grew up there, and I kinda miss home. My parents are getting older, and it would be nice to be a little closer."
I looked at Paige, knowing that our arrangement was probably coming to a turning point.
"I hate that we won't be able..." her voice halted. I reached across the table and took her hands in mine.
"Don't be sorry. Do what's best for you. Hooking up with a 63 year old camera man probably isn't your best future anyway,"
Paige laughed, even though I could see a tear or two in her eyes. "I know, but over the last few years, I've come to really enjoy your friendship." She looked at me. "Love, even." She squeezed my hands tight. I could see the tears welling up in her eyes.
"Yes, love. I know we've said it many times when we've been together, but it's funny how it comes around and hits you hard when you realize something is coming to an end, and you didn't expect it." I held her hands tight. "That won't go away, even if you do. But you're in the early stage of what hopefully will be a long, fruitful career, and I'm on the verge of retirement. Honestly, given the way people move around in this business, I didn't think you'd be here this long." I brought her left hand to my lips and kissed it. "And, yes, I do love you, enough to tell you to not get hung up on me, and go where you need to. We'll be in touch. You know how I like to travel. Chicago isn't that far." I kissed Paige's hands again, then stood, pulling her up, and we kissed across the table. I pulled her away from the table, having now finished our quick dinner. "Come on, back to the grind, for a little while anyway."
We started toward the front. I paid the check, and we headed for the parking lot. As we got to my car, Paige turned to me, kissing me quickly.
"Stay with me tonight??" she said, tentatively, as if I would refuse.
I smiled. "Sure, Paige. I'd like that." I wondered for a moment if tonight wouldn't be the last time we shared a bed. Paige squeezed my hands and gave me a short kiss.
"Thanks," she said, smiling. "I just need you tonight." We hugged and headed back to the station.
The rest of the night was uneventful, and both newscasts went off without a hitch. Afterward, I followed Paige back to her apartment, and she let us in. As soon as we went inside, she pulled me to her, hugging me tight, then kissing me.
"I'm pretty sure I'm going to get this job. I know it's a good move for me, and it's a lot more money, more than double what I'm making here."