Tears threaten to fall. “But now I’m not your agent because I quit.”
“And I’m positive the reason is plenty enough,” she breathes. “I don’t need to know specifics to support your decision and know you did the right thing.”
Hugging myself, I sniff. “You don’t hate me?”
She sniffs too, and I know she’s close to tears. “You’re like my favorite person, Shay. I could never hate you.”
My eyes start to water as I pull the phone from my ear, place it on speaker, and scroll through the texts that have been popping up since I stormed out of Permian. I didn’t even go back to my office to grab anything. I left with my head held high.
Andy
Trevor is spiraling. Proud of you. Here if you need me
I text back a thumbs-up and a pink heart before opening my group message with The Quartet while Holly swears she will never work with the stuck-up assholes in my office.
GOAL GALS
Menace to Society
Arson is always an option!
Joelly Bean
Did you slap him? Please tell me you slapped him
Marshmallory
Heading to Permian. I’ve always wanted to whoop a grown man’s ass, and it looks like today’s the day
Joelly Bean
Come pick me up! I’ll record
Menace to Society
WORLD STARRRRRRR
Swallowing my laugh, I tune back in to Holly. “Tomorrow, send an email to Winston and say you want to be on Andy Walker’s client list moving forward.”
She gags into the microphone. “What don’t you get about me not wanting to work with any of those bastards?”
“Andy’s a good one,” I promise.
Not only did Andy have my back when he didn’t know I was around, but he stood up to Trevor and verified what I heard through the door. He’s a real friend.
“Maybe I can find a way to get out of my contract and followyou—”
“I have no clue what my next steps are, Holls,” I choke out the sad reality. “Stay with Permian. I’ll always be here for you. To call or cry or chat. Okay?”
“Like a friend?”
I smile. “Like a friend.”
“Good, because I’ve always thought of you as my best friend.” She chuckles. “Have you talked to Cade?”
As if summoned, the doorbell rings, and I pull myself up. “About to. Good luck tonight!”
“Thanks! For someone who just quit her job, you sound like a total badass.” Her praise keeps me from collapsing, but I can feel my body starting to shut down. “I’m about to watchBridge to Terabithia. I’ll shed some tears and play hard for you.”
