I drive to NYC in the small convertible Jaguar, and I park under Rhett’s over-the-top, massive head office and stretch.
It is a huge ad agency with an overall chic white and silver style, and he’s done well. Heck, we all have.
I am shown straight into Rhett’s office on the top floor. His view is one of the best in Manhattan and it looks over the city.
“Good timing,” Rhett says, walking in with Troy, “we were about to have an intervention.”
“A what?”
“We were close to pulling you aside and unleashing some hurt.”
We sit at the double white couches, and Rhett hands out sparkling waters.
“Look, you need to slow down,” Troy says, crossing hislegs and studying me.
I sigh, telling myself to open up for the first time in my life. I nod and run my hand through my hair. “She already pulled me up on that. I even got a hobby.”
“What the fuck is a hobby?” Troy asks.
“I don’t know, but I think it’s basically taking your foot off the gas.”
We all laugh. We are all workaholics, but we all have hobbies, like diving, sailing together, and exploring ancient ruins at times.
“And one other thing,” Troy says.
“What’s that?” I ask, not wanting to be targeted.At all.
“You need to get her back!” Troy growls, watching me close.
“She hates me,” I say, standing and pacing.
“Buddy, we hate you too, but we put up with you.”
I look at my two friends, and I know they are holding back smiles. “You sons of bitches,” I growl low. Troy and Rhett lean back on the large white leather couch and grin as I pace.
“Get her back. Get some balance, and let’s do some more God darned business,” Troy demands.
“And meanwhile,” Rhett says, “email us ninety-nine percent of your duties, and we’ll make it work. We will both oversee a team to insure it’s done.”
I nod, and I know they’ll protect what I’ve built. I also know they will deliver.
“And one last thing,” Rhett says as his top execs gather outside the glass office in his busy ad agency. “Get the hell out. Some of us still work for a living.”
I shake my head and smile.
The big goons then rise and hug me tight. As their hotshot ad execs wait outside, they watch on.
I’ve never been a hugging type, but here and now, it feels good. We then share a three-way look, and it’s time to close.
“Really, go get her, and get the hell out. I have a meeting,” Rhett says, crossing his big arms.
Laughing, I leave as Troy throws me a look. “Get her, and now, or I fucking will!”
I feel better as I walk for the elevator. It’s good to still have friends in the world and people I love. My small tribe is still strong, but it can be stronger. And maybe this:a family.
As I step into the elevator, I think about Samantha, wondering where she is.
I try calling her again as I exit… Nothing.
