“Why? That’s what it is, right?” She flashed me a devious grin.
A woman like Alyssa had no problems attracting the notice of a sexy soldier or any man. She was gorgeous, and she had the kind of confidence people took notice of. She was the type of person you couldn’t forget.
While I…I was the type of girl you could easily ignore. Well, if you could overlook the fact that I towered over most women. Given that I was five foot ten, my height was the one thing that made me stand out. And not in a good way.
I shook my head, knowing she was teasing me. “That’s not the point of the program.”
“It’s not? I mean, it’s geared toward current and former military personnel, right? And most of them are—” She fanned herself. “Oh my.”
“Have you forgotten about all the women who serve?”
Women like my friend Chloe, who had struggled to reacclimate to civilian life after returning from Afghanistan. Or men like my grandfather, who had served in the air force only to return a different person. It didn’t matter where or when or even how long you served, the effect was profound and impacted families, communities. I wanted to help with that. I wanted to help these brave men and women overcome the horrors of war. I wanted to remind them about love and the beauty of the human spirit.
“And I’m sure they’re lovely,” she said, interrupting my thoughts. “But I’m in it for the hot guys.”
“And I’m in it to help these menandwomen who sacrifice so much for our country.”
“I’d certainly sacrifice myself—”
Someone cleared their throat, and I glanced to the opening where our boss, Seth, was currently standing. He had a look of disapproval—nay, a scowl—on his face. But that was nothing new. In the two years I’d been with Igloo, I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen him so much as grin.
“Ladies.” Seth gave us a pointed look. “Olivia, a word.”
“Yes. Of course.” Alyssa stood and slipped out. “While you’re here, Olivia has an idea she wants to pitch.”
While Seth’s back was to me, I glared at her and mouthed, “Traitor.”
He took a seat in the chair Alyssa had just vacated. “I stopped by to discuss a special project I need your help with.”
“Great.” I perked up, excited by the prospect. I loved my job, and I couldn’t wait to tell Alyssa she was wrong—Seth had noticed me and my ideas. “What is it?”
“Well, we’re looking to expand our biography offerings, trying to capture a new market.”
“Okay,” I said, not entirely sure what this had to do with me. Marketing was my domain, but I focused on fiction.
“I wondered if you’d, uh—” He tugged at his collar, his eyes darting around my cubicle. “Speak to your father to see if he’d be interested in writing a memoir.”
My father?
Of course.
I tried not to let my disappointment show. I should’ve expected this. In all honesty, I was surprised I’d made it this far into my career without being tapped for a favor.
My dad had played for the Hollywood Heatwaves for nearly ten years, leading the football team to championship victory six times. He was lauded as one of the greatest players of all time. When people discovered that my father was Harrison Hayes, they usually forgot everything else. It was as if I ceased to exist as an individual and they saw me only for what I could do for them.
I didn’t realize Seth was still talking until he asked, “So, what do you think?”
I nodded, selecting my words carefully. I didn’t want to piss off my boss, but there was no way I was asking my dad. I refused to use his celebrity status—or my mother’s—to get ahead.
So, I resorted to my standard response in such cases, though I was a bit more generous. “I’m sure he’d be happy to consider it. Though, his agent, Talia Winters, usually handles these types of requests. I can get you her contact information.”
Seth leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I know, but we, um, we thought the idea might be better received if it came from you.”
I tilted my head back, wondering if my refusal would cost me my job. I didn’t want to outright lie, but I had no intention of asking my dad to write a memoir.
“I’ll see what I can do.” It was vague enough to give him hope but not overly enthusiastic so as to lead him on.
“Great.” He clapped his hands together. “Thank you, Olivia. Oh—” He paused, removing his phone from his pocket and glancing at the screen. “Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?”
