Technically, Nicky was one of our customers, but I knew we weren’t there for work. David tried to go there for lunch most days. “Perks of being the boss,” he’d said when I asked, but I knew it was really because he missed Nicky. He was just a giant marshmallow underneath that beard.
We got seated, and I quickly realized that this wasn’t going to be a simple, friendly chat. No, it was going to be a friendly, “I wanted to check in with you because I’m your boss” chat.
Which meant David was worried about something.
This was a common tactic David used when we worked at Empire. Back when I was still trying to work out what I was doing. We’d had a fair few when my marriage collapsed as well.
So it was natural for me to start wondering where I’d gone wrong for him to want to have one now. I guiltily thought back over the last few months, how distracted I’d become since I’d met Jackson, all those days I left while it was still daylight outside, instead of staying back and getting more done.
No wonder David wanted to check in with me.
“So, I wanted to check with you, see how you’re doing.”
“I’m good. Busy with the launch.”
“Anything else going on?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You don’t have to look so worried, Audrey. I’ve noticed a change in you, a good one, and I want you to know you should cherish that, whatever it is. You seem happier lately.”
He paused, but I stayed silent, so he continued, “How are the plans for the launch coming along?”
“Fine.”
“Fine. No issues you want to raise, no problems I can help with?”
“Nope.”
“And Winnie and Jet are working out?”
“Mm-hmm,” I said, stuffing my mouth as an excuse not to have to say anymore, then groaned in delight. The food was amazing. I really needed to come more often.
“You’re actually getting some help, aren’t you? That was the reason I brought them in in the first place. Because if they have time to help, I want you to use them.”
“They’re already busy with everyone else’s work. Besides, I have it all under control.”
I could see this frustrated him, his greying eyebrows dipping in frustration, but he let it go. “Work isn’t everything, Audrey. You need to learn to relax.”
I was firm. “I’ll relax after the launch has been a success.”
Nicky brought over our meals and left after kissing David’s cheek. Damnit, they were as heart-warming as one of those Christmas ads with little kids and puppies. It was impossible to be angry in the face of that cuteness.
David continued. “You work harder than almost anyone I know, myself included somedays, but life is important and love even more so. Whatever it is that has you smiling lately is a good thing. I wouldn’t want you to let something good go by, and you shouldn’t be worried that it’s going to turn out the same as with Brad.”
“I …” I swallowed against the lump in my throat. “Thanks, David.”
Despite his kind words, I still felt a sinking in my gut. He might think I was working too much, but I knew better. As far as he knew, I’d been non-stop on this launch, but all I could remember were the hours I’d spent texting Jackson or daydreaming about seeing him or leaving early to see him.
Ok, five p.m. wasn’t exactly early, but it was for me.
For all that David said, I knew it was not the whole truth. The reality was that I’d been steadily letting this thing with Jackson take up more space in my life after I’d promised myself I wouldn’t let anything distract me from getting this launch right.
I hated the idea that something was going to have to give.
29
Jackson
