AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ugh, this day just keeps getting worse.
"I'm sorry you're displeased," the voice replies, unconcerned. "If you'd like to discuss a new slot with our team to ensure an appearance in the following issue, I'd be more than happy to help. But to be honest, sir, the full-page spread is quite nice. We think it will perform rather well, based on our experience."
"Wonderful," I say, then thank him and hang up.
I still can't believe Harper went behind my back like this. And I don't fully understand why, she was all over the board today. First, she acted completely justified in her actions, then got defensive and angry, and ended on the verge of tears. I am really going to have to learn more about women's emotions with having a daughter because I can't piece together exactly what it all means.
If she's trying to get a rise out of me again, she's succeeding. But why would she do that? We have been working well together, maybe too well with the kiss. Would she actually sabotage the whole situation because of it?
As far as the magazine design, it's too late now to change anything. I suppose I should take a look and see how bad the damage is. I reluctantly click the link in my email that my dad sent and bring the ad up.
A giant photograph of the property opens up before me, with the sun setting behind it. Sunsets in Georgia are incredibly beautiful, full of life, like bursts of colorful fireworks, but this one takes the cake. Shades of pink, violet and yellow paint everything, bringing the heavens down to earth. Wildflowers offer vibrant reds, purples and blues. You can see each blade of lush green grass swaying in the late summer breeze. It captures the sunset perfectly.
Above the picture, the logo of the resort is positioned, and "See What You've Been Missing" is printed in large, stylized type. There's a bit of information about what we offer, but not enough to drown out the beautiful photo. I'm overcome with awe. It's perfect.
She actually took to heart some of the suggestions I made when we were designing the spread. This ad is fantastic. I need to tell her.
I pick up my desk phone and dial Harper's office line. "Hi, Daddy," a familiar voice answers. "Where are you? We've been wondering about you all day."
"Hey, munchkin." I smile to myself, comforted by her playful voice. "I'm almost done here. Is Harper there with you?"
"Yeah," she confirms. "I took a nap in one of the rooms, and after I woke up I got to hang out with Grandma for a while, but I wanted to come back here. Harper is so much fun, Daddy."
"Sounds like you've had a full day. Do you want to go to the park when I'm through here? I can show you where Daddy used to play baseball every weekend. We can get some ice cream."
"Yes, please!" Sasha cheers and I chuckle to myself.
"All right. How about you put Harper on the phone and then head on down to my office? By the time you get here we should be able to leave. Sound good?"
"Yes! I'll go tell her right now!" A rattle shakes in my ear as she sets the phone down, but in a matter of seconds, the line is live again.
"Hello?" Harper's smooth, silky voice filters through the receiver.
"Hi. It's me," I clear my throat. "Look I—"
"I hope you're not about to apologize because this is all my fault," she breaks in.
Good thing I'm sitting down because that sentence would've knocked me off my feet.
"What, no I—"
"Hey, pal, let a girl get it all the way out, ok? I'm eating some serious crow here."
I can't help but laugh, who actually uses that phrase. "Ok, proceed."
Harper continues, "I should never have submitted the designs without you. After our…" She hesitates. I'm guessing it has something to do with Sasha being next to her. "After ourmoment the other night, I wasn't sure working so closely together would be a great idea."
I can't hold back a smile. "Hmm, it's all coming together now. Can't resist me, huh? No need to apologize for that, it's completely understandable."
"Deacon Reynolds!"
"Really, it's fine, you don't have to say another word about it. All is forgiven. Now if you'd like to come give me an apology in person, without using any words, I can't stop you."
Her laughter on the other end of the phone is music to my ears.
"Nope, I think we're good," she responds. I can't deny I'm a little disappointed.
"If you say so. I did want to apologize for my reaction also and tell you I looked at the advertisement. You did outstanding work, Harper. Really. You definitely don't need me anymore, so you'll get your wish. I'll check out accounting," I say with a small laugh.
