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I hold back a snort.
“Since this might be our only moment of calm before the storm, I wonder if you would mind if Fiona and I worked from Rockville for a few days,” Joe asks.
I look up, surprised. It’s the first I’m hearing of this.
“Rockville? Isn’t that where you are from, Fiona?” Dave asks, sounding as surprised as I am.
“It is. Joe and I both grew up there.”
“And I thought it would be nice for both of us to spend some time with family before this project consumes us. I don’t know about you, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen my folks.” Joe turns to look at me, raising an eyebrow.
“I wouldn’t mind going home for a few days,” I say.
“Then I don’t see a problem with it. Providing you get decent internet and cell phone coverage out there.” Dave looks at me.
“It’s a small tourist town, not a mountain holler. You won’t have any problems reaching us whenever you need to.”
He nods. “When were you thinking of leaving?”
“As soon as we’re done here. Unless you need some time to wrap things up?” Joe looks at me, and I realize he plans for us to drive up to Rockville together.
“There’s nothing I can’t handle remotely.” I make a mental list of what I need to pack for a long weekend.
“Alright then. I guess the two of you better pack. I expect both of you back here, bright and early Monday morning.” Dave opens his laptop and we both rise to leave.
“Fiona, there’s one more thing I wanted to discuss.” Dave looks up when Joe steps out the door ahead of me.
“Of course.” I turn.
“Close the door, if you don’t mind.”
I do as he asks and take a seat when he motions to the chair while I wait for him to finish whatever he’s doing. It doesn’t take long before he shuts his computer.
“If you’d rather I stay in town—”
“Fiona, it’s fine. I don’t mind. In fact, I think it’s high time you took a little time for yourself. Family is important.”
“What’s this about then?” I ask.
Dave laughs. “Relax. You’re not in trouble. When I asked Joe to join us, I didn’t realize the two of you came from the same town. I assume you know each other?” He looks at me carefully.
“We do. We went to school together.”
“And?”
“Our families have been close for generations. It’s a small town.” I shrug.
“There’s more to it than that, isn’t there? I could hear the tension between the two of you crackle the entire time you were sitting here.” His eyes are kind.
I swallow and try to keep all emotion from my face.
“Nevermind. That’s none of my business.” He’s still watching me carefully.
“We dated throughout high school but drifted apart when we went to different schools. The other night at the hotel was the first time I’d seen or spoken to Joe in years.” It’s still hard to believe he’s back in my life.
“That had to be strange. I’m sorry I put you in that position.”
“It’s fine. It was bound to happen sometime, and honestly, this was easier than seeing him at my sister’s wedding or a family reunion.” I smile with more confidence. Working with Joe hasn’t been so bad so far, even if I think he chose the wrong screenplay.
