Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22633 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22633 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
He leans back as if this is just a random conversation, but I know my big brother. He’s planned this conversation out and probably even practiced it in the mirror. I don’t rush him. I sit quietly and watch him, waiting for him to say what’s on his mind.
He rubs his hand across his clean-shaven jaw. “Look, I know we all have our strengths. We each serve the company in different ways.”
“Fuck, Eddie. I know I’m not pulling my weight.”
He slides to the edge of his seat. “Yes you are, man. That’s not what I’m saying, just hear me out. The truth is you hiding out on that mountain has turned into the best possible scenario for the business. The research you’ve done on stills and everything you do on the actual production is amazing. Would I rather have you down here helping me with the legal, accounting, public relations part of it? Hell, yeah! But I know you’re best suited where you’re at.”
I’m not understanding. “Oookay… so what’s the problem then?”
He puts one hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “If you were happy up on that mountain, doing your thing, it would be one thing. But you’re not. You’re up there stewing, letting the past eat you alive—”
I interrupt him. “I’m not going to talk about this here.”
He releases me, and his shoulders slump. “Fine. All I’m saying is forget the guilt. Your contribution to the business hasn’t gone unnoticed, and you are exactly where we need you to be.”
He wants to say more, and I hold my breath waiting for it. When he doesn’t continue, I nod my head. “Got it, man. And I appreciate it. I love being up on the mountain. I really do. But yeah, there’s shit I need to work through. I’ll uh, do better.”
His eyes pop out of his head. I know that’s probably the last thing he expected me to say. I’ve never admitted that I have a problem, and maybe this is the very first step on this long journey of getting over my shit.
I stand up and stuff my hands into my jacket pockets. “All right, enough bullshit. You have a speech to give, and I need some air.”
I jerk my head toward one of the back entrances, and Edward nods his head. “If I don’t see you later, thanks for coming, and I’ll see you tomorrow at our weekly meeting to do a recap of tonight.”
I nod and almost get away before he stops me. “And Ben, just because you are on a video call, it is a business meeting.”
His nose is scrunched up, and he shakes his head. “Wear a damn shirt.”
I laugh. I probably shouldn’t because he’s right, but yeah, I laugh. “Sure thing, big brother. Shirt. Got it.”
I wave bye to him and make my way through the people laughing, drinking, and talking. When you’re by yourself 99 percent of the time, events like this are a little overwhelming. Just a quick breath of air, then I’ll find Elana, and then I'll get to head back up my mountain.
Maggie
Everything is ready.
I’ve driven myself batty. I’ve double- and triple-checked everything until there’s nothing left for me to do. I’ve paced around the party, made sure everyone knows where they’re supposed to be and when, and I’ve talked until I’m all peopled out. I had to escape, and even though I should feel guilty about it, I don’t.
I lean back on the swing, slowly rocking back and forth. The only light here in the courtyard are the tiki lights that have been set up and the light from the flames in the stone fireplace.
I lean my head back and look up at the starry sky. I did it.
The sense of accomplishment I feel is like nothing I’ve felt before. It just proves that doing this, the social media, the planning and coordinating, is exactly what I should be doing. I love my job, and I can’t screw it up.
A door opens, and I hear the noise from inside before it shuts again. I tense in my seat, hoping it’s not Elana with our “dates.”
Curiosity gets the better of me, and I turn in my seat. The man walking toward me hasn’t spotted me yet, and I suck in a breath as I look at his broad shoulders, long beard, and dark hair that is longer than most. I’ve never seen him before. I tried to read up on everyone that I knew would be in attendance tonight, and I definitely don’t recall him. Could he be the “date” that Elana has set me up on? My hopes go up for all of two seconds before I squash them. No way that is him. Elana is always trying to set me up, and it’s usually with men that are too put-together, a little snooty, and definitely wouldn’t be caught with facial hair. Not that length, anyway.