He glances expectantly between the two of us, and Hayley sighs in defeat.
“I was just leaving. Meet you in the car, Em.” My sister faces me, mouthing the words, “Dick head.”
Then she turns to leave, but stops by the door, regarding me with a shrewd gaze.
“For what it’s worth…I think you’re making the right call. A tough call…” Her smile is filled with encouragement as she nods. “But the right one.”
As she closes the door behind her, Beck shifts around to me with a frown. “What’s she talking about?”
Internally, I heave a sigh, too tired to have this conversation, but knowing it needs to be had.
“I’m quitting the business, Beck.” His nonplussed face doesn’t move an inch, and I blink several times, not quite fathoming his reaction. “Did you hear me? Once I’ve finished up with my current obligations, I’m out.”
“Whatever you say, Emerson. If you want out, I can’t stop you.”
It’s most assuredlynotthe rejoinder I’d assumed we’d have, but having spoken the words aloud, I feel buoyed and somewhat ready to tackle the rest of the evening.
“Okay, well, what did you need to talk to me about?”
Beck shakes his head with a shrug. “Nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow.” Then he extends his elbow with a smile. “Come on, I’ll escort you to the limousine.”
I adjust my skirts and rise to my feet, taking his proffered arm. He opens the office door with his free hand just as Thom and Kyle are regarding one another with heavy frowns. Kylespeaks into his wire in hushed tones that carry in the empty corridor, his words turning my world upside down.
“Are you telling me boss man’s beenshot?”
FORD
The jet’s wheels have barely touched the tarmacadam of the runway at Teterboro when I’m on my feet, much to the air host's distaste.
“Please remain seated, Mr. Holloway. You may disembark momentarily.”
He moves off to speak with the pilot, and I drop into the nearest seat, ants in my damn pants with the need to get to Emmy.
I tug my cell from my pocket, immediately noting that she’s most likely still working the red carpet. With a quick swipe of a finger, I can see footage from the Regal time marked from two hours ago popping up on my screen, meaning the premiere is most likely still ongoing. I continue to watch as a legion of cameras flash when she hugs the asshat.
My smile is broad as I watch them both. Their interactions are so normal to me at this point that I’d find it strange if they weren’t as familiar with one another. Not to mention, his actions at Rebels went a long way in my estimations.
I watch them on the screen until they disappear inside the theater, and I shoot Thom a quick text.
ME
Have landed. Will be there soon. Stay with her.
His reply is a thumbs-up emoji, and I quickly dial Vaughn, wanting to update him as to how things went. Having spent most of the flight talking everything through with Momma, I feel like I’m in a better place than I’ve been in years.
He answers on the third ring with not so much as a hello. “Did you hit him?”
I scrunch up my face. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Well, you hardly think I paid the guard off to allow you within such proximity for the hell of it?”
As I shake my head, I can’t help feeling my heart expand even further for this friend of mine who’s somehow become more like family, and I swallow roughly before clearing my throat.
“The fact that I’m getting choked up because you paid someone to give me access to hit my convicted felon father just goes to show how fucked up our friendship is.”
Vaughn booms a laugh on the other end. “I know you wouldn’t be where you are today if it weren’t for your association with my morally grey compass, Holloway.” As I grin, he sobers. “Did you hit him, or what?”
“Mr. Holloway?” I lift my head to find the air host gesturing toward the now-open door. “There’s a car waiting, as requested.”
