It’s been a long month.
Things have been … civil, between Ainsley and me, but that’s as far as it goes. She asked for time and I’m giving it, but damn, it feels like I’ve ruined every potential chance I’ll ever get with her.
She’s been working her ass off and hanging out with Rina, but the only reason I know this is because of my sister. Ainsley doesn’t tell me about her days or what she plans to do on the weekends. Even when I try to make conversation, I get minimal in return.
I know this is my fault, but damnit, I want to find a way to sweep her off her feet and make her see me as something other than her boss who fucked up. Or as the high school guy who had a crush on her, but she didn’t even remember who I was.
Pathetic. So fucking pathetic.
What happened to showing her I’m not the shy kid and that I go after what I want? Instead, I’m cowering in my office, waiting for her to reply to my message about some bullshit trees I ordered.
My phone rings, drawing me out of my Ainsley-induced stupor, and I answer without looking at who it is.
“This is Ledger.”
“Hello, Mr. Hutton. This is Dan from the National Landscaping Association. How are you doing today?”
“Oh, umm, good. Hi,” I stutter out.
“I’m calling to let you know you’ve been chosen to present at our conference this year. We were very impressed with your presentation and would love to have you as one of the main sessions.”
I sit frozen.
I got the presentation.
I got afeaturepresentation.
Because of Ainsley.
My first thought is to hang up immediately and call Ainsley, but Dan’s voice pulls me from my shock and excitement.
“Mr. Hutton?”“Yes, sorry! That sounds wonderful. Thank you so much.”
“Great, we’ll be emailing you all the information about the conference and lodging, so be on the lookout. Until then, if you have questions, this is my direct number so please feel free to call me.”
“Thank you so much. I look forward to seeing you at the conference.” I hang up and stare at my computer.
Holy shit, I did it. Well, Ainsley did it because that presentation was incredible.
This is something I’ve wanted professionally for years but have never been able to crack. I’ve gone to these conferences every single year and dreamed about being a presenter to really bring awareness to eco-friendly and regional-friendly landscaping techniques. It’s not even about the exposure this would bring, although that’s nice as hell, but this makes me feel like I’ve finally made it in my career.
I pick up my phone again, debating on who to tell first. Tossing my phone between my hands, my gut reaction is to tell Ainsley, and that’s more telling than anything. Instead, I open up my family’s group text and share the good news.
Me:
I’m presenting at NLA next month.
Willow:
YES! Holy hell, that’s amazing, big bro! Congrats!
Rina:
It’s about damn time! I’m glad they pulled their heads out of their asses. You’re going to kick ass.
Lennox:
Yay. Congrats.
