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I wasn’t a hero and had plenty of rivals. My past didn’t always deserve praise. While a lot of people found my rise from foster care, to being adopted, to the Forbes 400 list compelling, I knew what kind of price I’d paid to get there. The cost had been high—I’d closed myself off to everyone, preferring to keep things all business.
But in the end, Robert was right. Allowing her to write the profile forAmerican Profilehad been a shrewd, humanizing decision. It was going to help, not hurt.
Plus, I was going to see her the next day.
Lucky me.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
REBECCA
“Iread it, like, fiveminutes ago,” Olivia said when I slipped onto my favorite barstool at her coffee shop. “It was amazing. Ten out of ten would read again.”
“Thanks.” My cheeks warmed at her praise, and I hoped others might receive it just as well.God, I’ve been so nervous about this one. “You deserve all the credit.”
“No, I don’t.” She gave me an incredulous frown.
“I wouldn’t have asked for the interview without you. Might not have even thought about it. So, thank you.”
“Well, you’re welcome. Seriously, you never cease to amaze me with how beautifully you write.” She poured two glasses of red wine for a couple at the other end of the bar, delivered them, and returned to me. “I don’t think you have any idea how talented you are.”
“I honestly have no idea how I’m going to follow it up.” I paused. “Or what I’m going to do next about...” I averted my gaze, thoughts floating around in my head like toys in a swimming pool.How do I say this? Do I tell her? Can I tell anyone?“It’s complicated.”
Her eyes widened. “Is it something big? Something wrong?”
“No, I—” I broke off as my phone buzzed in the pocket of my jean jacket. I raised my index finger. “Hold on.”
I pulled the device out and my heart skipped a beat as I saw a message from Landon’s cell number flash across the locked screen. I met her stare. “Just...”
“What?”
I turned the device in her direction. “It’s about him.”
“Landon?” Her jaw went slack as she read the name on the screen. “Oh my God. Did he read the article?”
“Probably.” I placed the phone face down on the bar. “So...about that.”
