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Marlene ambled into my office, nursing her morning coffee. “Linda received a message from Adam early this morning telling her they had to reschedule their flight. Something to do with an unexpected meeting. Personally, I think they’re still recovering from the engagement party.”
My eyelashes fluttered. “The what?”
“It’s all over social media, I don’t know how you missed it.”
Fuck you, online world. “Oh, I’ve been a little busy,” I said, lowering my eyes.
Marlene slipped her cell from her tailored suit pants, pressed the screen and passed it to me.
“Too much coffee or not enough?” she asked, eyeing my shaky hand as I reluctantly reached for her phone.
“Clearly not enough.” I smiled tightly as I gazed down at the photo of Grayson and Melanie holding up their champagne glasses in a toast.
The caption from Harlow Corp. read…
Celebrating with @MelanieWarren and @WGHarlow #surpriseengagementparty
“Wow.” So much for their family dinner.
“I’m amazed they didn’t ask you to photograph it,” Marlene said as I handed back the phone. “This photographer did nothing to capture how they feel for each other.”
“I doubt I could’ve either.” I couldn’t even look at them without wanting to puke.
Marlene frowned. “You really shouldn’t put yourself down, Josie. You have a very unique talent and your work is amazing.”
Her comment took me by surprise, because compliments from Marlene were rare. Perhaps her looming retirement was softening her up.
“You’re right. Thanks, Marlene.”
Her warm smile returned. “I hope I’ve been a good mentor to you over the years.”
“Yes, you definitely have,” I said, thinking back to my first day at Maude. “It’s going to be weird when you’re gone.” Marlene took a chance on me five years ago, and I was determined to never let her regret it.
She took a long sip of her coffee and exhaled. “Well, I hope these two trust fund kids can keep Maude alive. I’d hate to see my company fold after all the hard work we’ve done here.”
My chest tightened, knowing I played a major role in the future of the magazine. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure it doesn’t.”
“You’re a sweetheart,” she said, receding from the room. “I hope they give you a good bonus this year.”
“Thanks, but I’m hoping I won’t need it.”
Adam and Grayson arrived just before home time, wheeling their small suitcases up the hallway. Neither said hello, nor spoke a word to each other before their collective doors slammed closed. Something was stirring.
Moments later, all of our computers chimed.
Linda: Compulsory meeting for all staff in the conference room in 5 minutes.
I closed down my computer and packed my bag, hitching it over my shoulder before making my way up the hall. As I passed Grayson’s door, my tote was yanked sideways into his office.
“What are you doing?” I growled, shrugging him off.
His intense gaze pierced mine. “I need to tell you something.”
“I already know about your little engagement party.”
Grayson’s chest rose and fell, his eyes full of remorse. “No, it’s something else.”
“Then tell me after the meeting,” I said, glancing over my shoulder as my colleagues passed by. “I’m going to be late.”
