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"I apologize, Deacon asked me to look after Sasha while he... Well, actually, that's why I'm here. Do you have a minute?"
"Of course, come in. Please, have a seat. Oh, I did hear my granddaughter wasn't feeling well this morning. How is she? Feeling better?"
"Much. I just took her for lunch and put her down in one of the rooms to nap. I'll go back and check on her in a bit."
"That sounds like a good plan. Thank you for looking after her. I know that's not exactly in your job description. How can I help you? You seem like you have a weight on your shoulders."
I sit up a little straighter and try to begin, but can't find the words.
"Darling," she says, "Are you still upset we didn't let you know Deacon was coming? I know you must feel like you've been overlooked. Please understand, Mr. Reynolds and I love you dearly, and we appreciate everything you've done."
“When we asked Deacon to come and take over the resort, we made it clear that you would come with it. Your job will never be in jeopardy, no matter how much Deacon wants to throw his weight around. He’s so used to having complete control in his job in the city and relying on no one, your independence is driving him insane. But you have more patience than most people."
"Thank you, but that's not it, actually." I take some time to figure out what to say next.
"Plus, I don't think that's true. It's the other way around. He's had more patience with me most times. I let my emotions get the best of me around him, and today I went too far." I rub my hands together.
"I went behind his back with our project. I just wanted to show him I knew what I was doing so he'd move on to a new department." I look at the floor for a moment, embarrassed by my behavior.
She leans on her desk, listening intently. "I wanted to come apologize to you first because you asked me to work with him and show him the ropes but I turned it into a competition like always. I think I really messed things up with him."
She laughs. “You two have always seemed to have a ‘thing’ between you.”
I feel my cheeks warm. I’m not sure exactly what she means, but I’m hoping she’s referring to our rivalry.
"Has working with him been that difficult?" she asks with genuine concern.
"No." I am definitely not telling her the real reason I did what I did, that I find Deacon so hard to resist I need him out of my personal space. "It hasn't been that bad. Guess I just got a bit territorial. I'll fix this. I'm sorry."
“I'll admit, I've never seen anyone affect Deacon like you do. This whole thing with the both of you has really been a power struggle since high school. The competition never ends." She leans back and smiles.
"It's been entertaining all these years. Mr. Reynolds and I have always said you two have enough sparks to start a wildfire."
Oh no, she's not talking about just our rivalry. This is so awkward.
"I think Deacon has had some personal growth over the last few years. That little girl has him wrapped around her finger and turned him into a softy, which is a good thing. Plus, I think he's felt guilty being away while you were here helping out his family, so that's why he may get defensive at times."
She nods her head like she's certain of what she's saying. "But you two could be a powerful force if you can find a way to work it out. Don't give up on it, or him."
What is she saying exactly?
I don't get to find out. Mrs. Reynold comes around the desk and hugs me, and I feel my entire body relax. I don't know what I would do without her.
I grab her hands and look into her eyes. "Thank you. I will make you proud."
"You already do. I will go check on Sasha. Now get back out there."
Chapter fourteen
DEACON
"What do you mean it's too late?" I ask.
The advertising director for the magazine remains calm on the other end of the line. "Well, like I said, the issue has already gone to print. We can't throw away half a batch to correct a mistake made by one of your employees, sir."
"A mistake?" My breathing grows heavier. "Your company accepted the mockup without my approval. If there was a mistake made-"
"We received approval from Mr. Reynolds, sir.”
