August: I saw you walk away today. I get it. You don’t want to talk to me.
Another message comes in.
August: You were electric out there today. You always were. I wish you didn’t hate me so much.
I stare at the messages, my thumb hovering over the screen. I lock the screen and turn the phone face down.
No, August, I’m not replying to you tonight.
Chapter Four
~AUGUST~
It’s game day and yesterday at lunch, I invited my brother Drew to come out to watch the Blaze play. I’ve been to his stadium many times; the Marlins are doing well this season and in playoff contention. I believe the Blaze will make it too, but we haven’t yet and Dad reminded me of that more than once.
“Mr. Cromwell,” my secretary, appears in the doorway.
“Nancy, how many times do I have to say it. Please call me August.”
“Your father would not like that and you know it,” she reminds me for the hundredth time since she’s starting working for the Blaze.
“Well, you work for me now and I’m asking you to call me August, please.” I flash her a smile, the one that usually makes women go weak in the knees.
“Save your charms for someone your own age, August,” she says, chuckling.
“Why? It’s a waste,” I tell her.
“Well, I’ll take your word for it. Your brother has arrived,” she tells me, turning on her heel to leave. “August,” she says, coming farther into the room instead.
“Yes, Nancy,” I say, putting my pen down and giving her my full attention.
“Are you okay? I’m only asking because you seem particularly quiet lately. Very un-August like.” She looks around before adding, “You don’t have to be and do everything that father of your says, August. You’re a good man in your own way and he’ll figure that out one way or another.”
I watch her and a smile breaks out across my face. “Thanks, Nancy, I appreciate it. I’m alright, though.”
“Are you sure?” Her soft blue eyes continue to watch me. She could easily pass for my mother. Nancy has worked for the Cromwell family for so long; she’s probably one of most significant female influences I’ve had in my life. Mom certainly didn’t care enough to stay around long, after she figured out that Dad had more interest in running his empire than keeping his wife happy.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” I close the file I was working on and stand. “Where is Drew?”
She nods and replies, “He’s waiting for you outside your office.”
“Thanks, Nancy,” I say, getting up and heading out to meet Drew.
I hold the door open for Nancy as she passes through it. Her green eyes smile up at me.
“Thank you, August.” She grins at me, the look almost motherly and my chest seizes, thinking about how I’ll never have that with my own. “You enjoy your time with Drew tonight. It’s nice that he’s come to hang out with you.”
“It is, I’m looking forward to it,” I tell her. “What are your plans for tonight?” I ask, smiling warmly at her.
“I’m headed out to the store to grab some items for the weekend. I have big plans with my husband; a nice little getaway.”
“That sounds great, Nancy. I didn’t see that you took any time off, though,” I remark.
She shakes her head. “I didn’t.”
“Duck out at lunchtime on Friday, Nancy. You need to get on the road early in this town.”
“Thank you, August, I appreciate that,” she says as she warmly touches my arm, her kind eyes shining at me.
