I wipe my eyes, searching the glove box for a tissue so I can blow my nose. Pulling down the visor, I study my face. I look a mess, but there’s nothing I can do about that now. I’ll just tidy myself up when I get where I’m going. Blowing out a sigh, I dig around in my backpack for my phone, plug it into the onboard system, and dial a number, calling the one person who could make me feel better right now.
“Harlow, is everything okay? I thought you had your interview right now. Have you finished already?” Nana’s gentle tones come through the car speakers, the warmth and caring in her voice soothing an exposed nerve.
“No, Nana, it was a disaster.” I hiccup as I blurt out, “They didn't want me because of the billboard. They implied I was bringing the wrong kind of morals to the team.” I sob a fresh load of tears at her quick inhalation of air.
“Those assholes. Shall we buy the zoo and fire them all?” The fact that this isn’t just a grandmother siding with her granddaughter almost makes me burst out into laughter. Nana’s deadly serious, and the level of disgust in her voice tells me that she might already be looking into the funds to do so.
“Really, Nana? Could we afford to do that?” I ask, a little curious.
“Honey, we could buy and sell it ten times overandemploy and fire whoever we want. You want a zoo that badly? We will get you a zoo and find the best vet possible to train you.” Hmm, that explains so much about why the Summers kids are the way they are. Nana is a fierce grizzly bear when it comes to protecting her family, and I'm sure Dad and Poppy are no different. “I’ll get legal on it right away.”
“No, stop. Nana, just stop.” The tears have turned to giggles, and I wipe my eyes and face once more, throwing the tissues on the floor of the car.Poor Oliver, he’s not going to be happy about that.And that thought cheers me right up. “I’m okay. I don't want to work for a company that will slut shame me and judge me on choices I make in my private life.”
“They slut shamed you!” Nana shouts into the phone, and I turn the volume down slightly so people walking past can’t hear her. “They only wish they were so lucky,” she mutters, and I giggle.
“That’s basically what I said too,” I tell her, and she huffs.
“Well, come back and have some lunch with me. We will make some inquiries at other zoos. There are a few in California, and if we have to look at other states, we can do that. Although I want you as close as possible, it’s not like I haven’t got a plane at my disposal to visit whenever I want. Same with Brad and the boys.”
“Boys? What do you mean byboys,Nana?” There’s some muttering in the background, Nana murmuring back in a little bit of a growl.
“Poppy says come to the offices and he’ll give you a big squelch and not to worry about the job. You didn't want to work for them anyway. He’s just done some quick research, and it looks like they might not be in the best financial situation,” she says, ignoring my question. “Are you sure you don't want us to buy it for you?”
“I’m sure, Nana. Tell Poppy I’ll be there for lunch and I can't wait for one of his hugs. I really need one.” I hang up before she can come up with any more crazy ideas to buy me some happiness. Talking with them was really all I needed. My tears and sadness are gone, replaced with amusement and warmth at the joy of having a family who has my back...anda little bit of indignant anger at that woman and the assholes she works for.
Chapter Twenty-One
Harlow
Nana and Poppy must have told Dad what had happened, because when I arrived at the Neighpalm offices, I was immediately swarmed by the three of them trying to reassure and comfort me. My heart just about exploded with happiness, and I quickly forgot about the rejection from someone that didn't matter, basking in the love and acceptance of the people who did.
We had lunch and discussed our plans for riding the next day, deciding a nice trail ride would be perfect since they’d be off to the set the following day. By early afternoon, I couldn't decide whether I should wait around the offices or go and find something else to do, so I checked in with Hope. A few texts later, we had a plan set.
I would go check in with Nana on the Couture floor, possibly borrow something to wear, and then Hope would meet up with me after about an hour. While the clothes I’m wearing are suitable for a job interview, they’re not reallyme,and I want to find something more comfortable.
Waving hello to the secretary, I wander down the corridor toward Jacinta’s office where I know Nana is located, but before I can get there, I find Lindy, Jacinta’s PA, and the new hire Rowena standing just outside the office.
“You!” Lindy gasps, and I raise my hand to give her a little finger wave.
“Yes, me!”
“But, but …. You were supposed to be an intern. That's what Alex said,” she stammers, clearly remembering the way she treated me when I met her if her nervous expression is any indication.Definitely knows who I am now.
“Did he say that? Or did you take one look at me and assume? You really need to not judge a book by its cover. Nor gossip about things you have no idea about,” I tell her, remembering very well how happy she was to indulge in gossip about the Summers family when Jacinta wasn’t around. She lowers her eyes in embarrassment, and I turn to the painfully thin woman next to her who has a grimace on her face like she smells something bad. “What are you doing here? I was under the impression you weren’t starting until next week.”
“Well, I had nowhere else to be, so I showed up this morning and offered to start right away. Of course, Grace was so impressed with my work ethic, she immediately accepted,” she sneers. The longer I look at her, the more I’m thinking this is her normal voice. I can’t understand how someone can sound so disdainful all the time, but it’s apparently possible.
“Oh wow, she even asked you to call her Grace? She must have been impressed.” She blanches slightly, and I know I hit the nail on the head, but I don't call her out. I just let her stew a little in the fact that I know Nana would never have given her leeway to call her anything but Mrs. Summers until she gets to know her.
Pushing past the two of them with no further words exchanged, I let myself into Nana’s office. She’s on the phone but smiles when she looks up, waving a hand at the chair across from her, so I sit and wait for her to finish.
“Yes, Jacinta, I know. No, I won’t forget.” She pauses for a moment and listens to what my adopted sister has to say, a frown crossing her face. “Well, maybe next time you try and pull a stunt like this, you’ll stop and think about the consequences. Now suck it up and take your punishment with true Summers grit. An apology probably wouldn't hurt either.” Again, she stops. “No, not to me, to Harlow, you daft girl.” Nana slams the phone down in frustration and shoots an apologetic look in my direction. “Sorry, dear.”
I wave my hand at her. “Don’t be, let's just leave it between me and Jacinta to sort out now. We’re both big girls, remember? We’ll be fine.” I quickly change the subject when it looks like Nana is going to say more. “Can I raid the Wardrobe? I’m going out to dinner with Hope, and I don't really feel comfortable going in these interview clothes.”
“Of course you can. All staff have been given a memo declaring who you are and that you are able to make use of whatever you wish to. If you have any problems, just let Hope know. She will sort it out.” Nana’s attention is drawn back to the papers in front of her, not a purposeful dismissal but a sign that she’s definitely overwhelmed by all that needs to be done.
“Thanks, Nana, I’ll leave you to it,” I say, making my way back toward the huge office that has been converted into what's called the Wardrobe. Basically, anything ever designed and produced by Neighpalm Couture exists in this room, in a variety of sizes, ready at the drop of a hat to courier over to a celebrity in need of an outfit for something special, if Neighpalm Productions needs something for one of their movie sets, or Neighpalm Records for one of their music videos. The way every one of these businesses interacts with one another is nothing short of astounding, and it’s really amazing that Dad’s company has grown into this web of success.
