Eden
Maybe not, but it’s worth trying. We have an extremely loyal following. I believe we owe them some answers. What side they take is up to them.
Me
I want the press release to go out to our entire email network. Every subscriber. Every channel. I want everyone and their great-aunt to see this.
Eden
You know I’m on it.
My fingers hovered above the screen, my heart fucking pounding. If I asked this question, would that make it feel even more real? Would the answer—if Eden even knew it—make the situation feel more hopeless? I took a deep breath.
Me
Are we going to bounce back from this? Will we be able to recover from a hit this hard?
Eden
We’ve lost about 10% of our reservations nationwide. I anticipate that number to increase over the next week. But like with everything, it’s going to be a hot topic for several days—possibly more. Then the next big story will happen, and that will overshadow us. Some even say, all publicity is good publicity. Is it a good idea to take a pause on the expansion of Horned? Maybe. The ramifications of this could be layered. We won’t know until more time passes.
Me
When the Gordons open Horned 2 or whatever the fuck they’re going to call it, we’ll be in the same situation all over, dragged right through the mud again. Regardless of what we say, the Gordons are going to continuously spin this to look like they’re the victim.
Eden
Of course they will.
But don’t worry, my brain is reeling. I will come up with something to help us—I have some ideas already. Ideas aside from the press release.
Me
Eden, do you need me there? Tell me the truth. I’m on my way to the marina. I can have the driver turn around and take me to the airport. I’ll fly home commercial without even a second thought.
Eden
I don’t need you yet. I’ve got this.
Me
I also know you’re not one to ever ask for help when you do need someone at your side.
Eden
In this case—and only in this case—I promise I will.
I stared at her last message for several more seconds. As I was slipping my phone into my pocket, the SUV stopped in front of Hayden’s office building. I didn’t wait for the driver to get out. I opened my own door and went into the lobby, waving at the receptionist to signal I knew my way to Hayden’s office and didn’t need the escort.
I didn’t know how the hell I was going to relax enough to hear Hayden’s pitch on the two boats we were viewing, to attempt to enjoy the sea trials when my mind was back at home.
The sooner I got this over with, the sooner I could call my family and get an update.
I rounded the corner and saw the door to his office was open, and I took the remaining few steps, walking right in without noticing who was sitting at the desk.
It didn’t even click until I heard, “Colson … hi,” in a voice that wasn’t Hayden’s.
I shook my head, trying to move the thoughts away, and take in what was in front of me.
