Cade would be proud of me for that optimistic thought. He’s been my rock since I got the call. Even though I went inside with The Quartet for a post-date recap, he had pizza delivered for us as I questioned every interaction Garrett and I had.
Did I slip up? Come off as unprofessional at any point? Was he upset that I beat him at golf?
Could it be the fact that I’m dating Cade?
I give my head a quick shake and banish the thought. Whether it’s the truth or not, I can’t spend my career wondering if my decision to chase happiness bit me in the ass.
My phone buzzes beneath my leg, and I reach for it.
Holly Trent
Here if you need a laugh
Or a cry
I’m a professional crier <3
I snort, send back a pink heart emoji, and reply to my other clients’ messages. After Garrett’s public announcement this morning, they rallied around me.
All I can do is focus on the future, which is getting that promotion.
“Turner.”
The deep voice is booming but kind. Winston.
“Hi,” I say as he sinks into the chair beside me. “Great BBQ you planned for us today.”
He points at the stunning redhead throwing a frisbee. “Thank the wife for that. And thank you for planning the cornhole tournament with Andy. She’s beyond excited to play.” The lovey dovey expression on his face morphs into something more serious as he faces me and removes his sunglasses. “I’m sorry about Garrett Blane. I know you put in a lot of effort to get him on the Permian team.”
The sorrow in his eyes is too much, and I have to look away. “Thanks, Winston. I’ll be okay.”
“Of course you will. You’re a tenacious one. When I was in your position, there were more losses than I’d like to admit. It’spart of the process, so don’t let it get you down for too long, okay?” He stands. “Brighter things are coming for you soon, Turner. I’m sure of it.”
As he walks away to join his wife, a tiny spike of hope shoots through me. I feel as if we just shared some secret, and I can’t lie. It completely boosts my mood.
Now I’m ready to play some cornhole.
“Come on, Andy!” Henrietta bounces up and down beside me. “Sink the damn thing already!”
I wasn’t expecting to go against my only work friend and his girlfriend in the championship, but here we are. Andy stares down the board with an intensity I’ve only ever seen when charcuterie is involved.
The red beanbag leaves his hand and slaps the board, mere inches from the hole.
Opponents or not, Hen grabs my hand. “Great job, babe!” she cheers.
Cade pats Andy’s back proudly before refocusing on the task in front of him. It’s unnerving to see him like this. This is exactly how he looks when waiting for a pitch or standing between second and third base, and I love having a front-row seat to his composed demeanor. Being neck-in-neck relaxes him.
“It’s not fair,” Trevor grumbles behind me. “He’s a pro at a game that has to do with throwing balls.”
He’s only pissed because we took him out in the first round.
Trevor has become unbearable since Cade and I started dating. His passive-aggressive comments are relentless, and it makes me want thispromotion even more. I can get out from under his thumbandwork under Greg, who’s better than Trevor.
“Shouldn’t have bet against him then, Trev,” Winston jokes.
The corner of Cade’s lip ticks up, the only hint he hears what’s going on behind me. Then he pulls his arm back and throws the blue beanbag high in the air.
It soars for what feels like forever before landing directly in the hole and smacking the grass beneath it.
