Which means…they don’t need me andmyfucking sparkle.
He obviously feels how stiff I get and tries to squeeze me again, but I wiggle out of his arms.
“That’s a great idea,” my brother says, oblivious to how I’m feeling.
“I’m sure Sofia will be happy to help,” I say.
“I’m sure she will,” Everett agrees, watching me closely.
“Great, we’ll pack then,” Margot says.
“I’ll send the plane,” Everett tells them.
“You guys, I’m so sorry to dump this in your lap,” I say to Margot and Graham, meaning it. If I had just been able to keep my pants on, we wouldn’t be scrambling to get everyone here in a dramatic attempt to save our biggest investment.
“No worries. You know I love New York,” Margot says.
“And I know you just hadsurgery,” I say.
Everett grimaces. “Are you sure you can do this?” he asks Margot.
“Of course. We’re flying on a private plane. It’s not like you’re asking me to do manual labor. It’s fine. And this is important.”
We all say goodbye for now and disconnect.
Everett follows me when I pace into the bedroom.
“You’re upset.”
I turn to face him and decide to be perfectly honest. “Yes. But not for the reasons that you think.”
“I think it’s because I’m asking Sofia to join us in New York.”
“Well…yes. But it’s because that’s a fantastic solution,” I say, crossing my arms.
He frowns. “I’m confused.”
I sigh. “I know. But the thing is…you’re right. Sofia is a great person to come in and help out. She’ll be able to help save this and…well, you don’t need me.”
He steps forward, grasping my upper arms. “Iloveyou. Of course I need you.”
I shake my head quickly. “I don’t mean like that. I know you do. You don’t need me to convince the Albrights to invest. You don’t need me to…” I sigh. “Do my job.”
He rubs his hands up and down my arms. “Of course we do.”
“No. I did my job yesterday. I don’t have anything to add to what I’ve already said to them. Not about IES, and not about us. They know everything they need to know from me. Now it’s up to Graham, Margot, and Sofia. And I do think they can save this. But…you don’t need me.” I smile up at him, but I know it’s sad. “In fact, I might make it worse.”
He lifts a brow. “And what about me?”
I shrug. “You too, maybe. But you’re the money guy. No one else can do what you do.”
He gives me a strange look, but then says, “The same for you, Ginger. We need you.”
“Sofia can do it, Everett. She knows the business, she’s passionate about it, and she can explain it as well as I do.” I put my hand on his chest. “And…there’s no conflict of interest.”
He covers my hand. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying…” I’m not ready to quit. But I need to think about it. The Albrights might be an anomaly. They might beoverreacting. If Everett and I are together and we’re upfront about it, then this might not be a problem in the future with other clients.
