He laughed.
“It’s good to see you, Laney. Pizza is on me tonight. As a friend.”
I waved, watching him disappear down the hall. There was a nostalgic magic to being at my high school again with my old friends. I knew my place here. I knew where I fit. I didn’t in the city.
I had Sophia. I had Newt, sometimes. But besides them? I didn’t have a community. I used to, here. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until now. I often felt like an island, waiting for Connor to come visit me. Soph was there and was my rock, but she had an entire community without me.
What if I truly wanted to stay here?
We both knew Connor would never leave his company. I would never ask him to. But did I want to go back to the city, to our condo where I spent all my time alone?
My gut knew the answer, but I pushed it away. It wouldn’t do any good to think about it now. My stomach churned, and I cursed the dang pasta from last night. I ran to the bathroom and got sick, found some gum, and put on my game face. I was here to take photos, and I’d take the best damn photos this town has seen. I’d channel all my energy into the event and not the fact I wanted to live here. Connor would never be happy.
CHAPTER TWELVE
CONNOR
Three of the board members loved the idea of bringing Petra up to COO. Dennis and Ryan were the two I had to convince. I could technically take it to a vote, but Dennis had sway over Margaret, who was still new in the role. If Dennis made a ruckus about it, Margaret could fold under pressure.
I hated the fucking politics of this role, but it was my life. The annoying flicker of doubt returned, but I brushed it away. I was too far in to have any regrets.
I knew setting up this meeting with Dennis would have a ripple effect. He’d call my dad, who’d rip into me. I tried to view it from their side, but I couldn’t. They had antiquated views of the workplace. They were misogynistic and didn’t have the same values about work-life balance.
I eyed my watch. It was 5:00 p.m. and Dennis was an hour late. I wanted to be on the road back to Cherrywood, but no. The prick had told me something came up, and he wouldn’t be free again for two weeks, so if I wanted to talk to him, I hadto work around his schedule. Instead of working—I desperately needed to catch up on emails—I called Laney.
It rang four times before she answered, a little breathless.
“Hello!”
“Hey,” I said, grinning at just hearing her voice. “How was the event today?”
“It was amazing.” She sighed and covered the phone. She spoke to someone, but I didn’t quite hear what she said. “Sorry about that. I stepped out.”
“Where are you?” I thought she’d be home with her parents. Not that she couldn’t go places, but she didn’t have anything on her schedule when I checked it this morning.
“Oh. I reconnected with some friends from high school today. They are all teachers, Connor—it’s so funny. They insisted I grab pizza and beer with them. I’m not drinking though, ’cause my stomach feels a little sour, but—”
“Your stomach hurts? Do you need anything?”
“Oh. You’re sweet. No, I’m okay.”
“So you’re grabbing pizza with high school friends,” I said slowly, hating the insecurity leaking into my voice. If Matt Heathen was there… “Who are these… friends?”
“Matt is here, if that’s what you’re wondering. You have nothing to worry about, okay? We talked today, and it was very clear we’re friends.”
“You talked about us?”
“What? No. Of course not.” Her voice quieted. “He made one comment and immediately backtracked, saying he knew I was uncomfortable and that he only wants to be friends.”
“What comment?” I barked out. The security camera beeped,alerting me that Dennis had finally arrived downstairs. What perfect timing.
“You’re focusing on the wrong parts. The comment is irrelevant. Matt is not someone you need to worry about whatsoever. I promise.” Her voice held no irritation, just patience.
Sometimes I didn’t deserve her.
“I’m sorry I’m being an ass. Dennis stood me up and just now waltzed in an hour late. I want to be back with you, and he’s delaying it.”
“Well, don’t stress too much, okay? I’m out tonight, so you can finish up your business without worry.”
