We leave the meeting, and while Aarabelle is running around, getting her client folders in order so that I can help her manage while she’s out of the office. I also help get travel arrangements set for her. Lodging in that town is a bit of a risk since there are literally no hotels within forty miles, but I do my best with a short-term rental I found online.
“Thank-you, Tessa. You have no idea how much this helps,” Aara says as I give her a folder with all the travel details she’ll need.
“Of course.”
“Walk with me? I need to get home to pack since it’s ten-hour drive.”
I smile and fall in line with her. As we head down to the lobby, she sighs. “I tried to get permission to take you, but with Brynlee out, we really need you here.”
“Oh, no, I didn’t think,” I say quickly, shaking my head, but I stop when she places a hand on my arm.
“I remember being a junior publicist and it sucks. Especially because you’ve already shown how great you’ll be. Which is why, while I’m gone, I really need your help as I’m really deep in one project and according to Brynlee, helping her client is my sole responsibility.”
“Whatever you need.”
“I’m in the middle of two company launch proposals. One is a relaunch of a clothing line that flopped before and no matterwhat anyone says, the owners are absolutely sure it will take off. Can you maybe take a look at it and give me some notes?”
I nod. “Not a problem.”
“Thank-you. I’ve tried, but I’m telling you, this is going to be a dud and I can’t do a damn thing to save it. The other is the museum we just signed—they’re having a big gala in about a week. All the plans are laid out, but I need you to get all dressed up and attend. It’s black tie, and fancy. I assured my client I would be there, arranging the press and making sure we get them the attention they deserve. I think you’ll really do well.”
“I can do that,” I assure her.
We exit the lobby, standing on the busy New York City sidewalk as people shove and move around each other, heading to wherever they’re going.
“Oh, I know you can, and so do Thea and Brynlee. When I said I needed to offload these, they were absolutely on board with them going to you,” she says with a warm smile. “You’re a natural at this, you know that, right?”
I don’t, but I appreciate her telling me that and mentally add it to my list of affirmations.
“Thank-you,” I say instead of my natural instinct to deflect any kind of praise. Lord knows I didn’t grow up hearing any of it.
“All right, I’ll see you in a week or two,” Aarabelle says.
She turns and right as she does, I swear, her life flashes before my eyes. Her heel gets stuck in a crack and a bicyclist is coming right at her.
“Aarabelle!” I scream.
Her eyes widen a heartbeat before she lets out a loud noise, but it does nothing to stop what comes next.
The cyclist turns his wheel to the left, but she goes that way as well, causing him to slam right into her.
Aarabelle goes down, slamming her head on the pavement—hard.
“Oh my god!” I scream and drop, trying to help her.
Her hand goes to her head and she moans.
“Aara?”
“My head,” she croaks.
She tries to move, but then lets out a scream so loud I feel it in my bones.
“Don’t move!” I say quickly.
Aarabelle grabs at her leg and…well…that is definitely not the way it should look.
I immediately call 911, and the ambulance arrives quickly. Aarabelle is howling in pain through the entire ride.
