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“There are plenty of other magazines you can work for.Montrosewas just one of them.”
“Yeah, one of five who turned me down and my most likely prospect.”
“It’s not your most likely prospect.”
“You know what I mean.” A haggard breath leaves my lips. “I thought it was a given that I’d get the job.”
“What aboutPeople Magazine?”
“I don’t know, Madison.”People Magazinewas actually the dream, but, of course, getting a job there is incredibly competitive. I tried to apply for an internship there years before, but I never made it to the interview stage because I didn’t have enough experience. That’s how I ended up interning atMontroseand working with them over consecutive summers.
Last year, I registered for the job notification service atPeople, so I’d know when they were opening positions for staff writers. It was a long shot because such positions seldom, if ever, come up, but with the hold Rachel has on me, I’m not sure there’s any point in hoping I can even get an interview.People Magazineis the crème of the crop, but they’re most likely right in the heart of all the magazines Rachel’s father controls.
“The world is an ocean, Aurora. You mustn’t stop trying.” Madison’s spirited voice pulls me back from my doomed thoughts and anchors me.
I nod, agreeing. “I won’t stop. I’ll try not to stop.”
“Good, because I know your mama would be so upset with me if I didn’t tell you to keep going.”
I smile at that as it lifts my heart. “And I suppose she’d be upset with me if I stopped.”
“She’d be madder than a wet hen that was tossed in a river.”
I burst out laughing, and I can’t believe the sound is coming from me. After this weekend, I was sure I’d never be able to laugh again.
Madison laughs, too. “Knew I could make you laugh.”
“You always find a way.”
“Right, so, here’s what I think you should do: try to focus on one day at a time. At least you can get away from everything when you’re at Sunset Cove, and there’s nothing like decorating and renovating to take your mind off things.”
“Yeah. At least. Assuming Knight stays the hell away. Apart from ownership of the resort, I don’t know anything more.”
The shadow of worry touches her face. “Let’s just hope he wanted the ownership and nothing more. Owning a resort like that in The Hamptons is prestigious by itself.”
It is, but not for a billionaire who went through all sorts of trouble to get it.
I’ll try to find out. I have to. The six months of marriage is a stipulation of the inheritance rules, but that’s just for protection. The pressing matter is Knight owns ninety percent of the place, and when the six months are up, and we go our separate ways, he’ll still own ninety percent.
He could do anything with it.
Madison taps my hand again. “Stop worrying. Just stop and think of today as one day less.”
At least time is moving slowly but surely. “One day less.” But, out of so many more to come.
She nods and straightens. “Now let’s eat the rest of this delicious food and unpack your stuff.”
Today, it’s the simple things, but soon, I’ll be planning a wedding.
Last week, I was in the same boat, but this week, I’ve simply swapped one beast for another.
* * *
Madison stays with me for the rest of the day, and we manage to unpack all my things. By the time we’re finished, the room looks as if I’ve always lived inside it.
The shelves on the wall have my books sitting on them, the wardrobes are filled with my clothes and shoes, my computer is set up on my desk waiting for me to write the next chapter in my book, and the peony-and freesia-scented candle from Jo Malone makes it smell like home.
It’s late by the time Madison leaves. Late enough for me to head to bed, so that’s what I do.
