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"Yes, as editor, we wanted your input. It's something we're very passionate about for the new year," Rachael explains.
Robyn looks slightly concerned. "Are you unhappy with our current work?"
"No, dear, not at all. We're just looking for a new direction," Rachael reassures her.
I glance between them, wondering how this new project will unfold and how it will affect my role at Forrester. As the anticipation of seeing Reece again looms over me, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about what lies ahead and what added stress this new project might add to the mix.
ChapterTwo
Reece
Stepping out of Dad's study and walking toward the dining room, the aroma of Thanksgiving Eve dinner hits me like a warm wave, but it does little to ease the sense of impending doom. I feel like a man marching to the guillotine, bracing myself for whatever harebrained scheme Mom and Dad have cooked up as a side dish for the new year. Knowing them, it's bound to be a doozy.
I can't help but notice Talon practically bouncing alongside Dad, his enthusiasm reminding me of a puppy dog in heat. It takes every ounce of restraint not to trip him as he skips along. Beside me, Knox is clearly tense; his usual stoic demeanor cracked just a bit.
"Hey, what's got you all wound up? You good?" I murmur to him.
He grumbles something about another 'cheery day in the Forrester neighborhood,' and I choke back a laugh. Dad turns and glares at us both as we enter the dining room.
"Settle down, you two. Act your age, not your shoe size," he scolds. It's not the first time we've heard that, and it definitely won't be the last.
As I bite back a witty retort, we step into the dining room, and I'm momentarily taken aback. Mom isn't the only one waiting for us. There's Robyn, who's been away on assignment for a year. I can tell Knox wasn't expecting to see her either. Their long-term, tumultuous relationship is like a ticking bomb, ready to explode at any given moment.
But what really throws me off balance is Genesis standing next to Robyn. She's changed in the decade since I last saw her, more mature, more beautiful. Memories of that night ten years ago—her lips against mine, her body trembling under my touch—flood back. What could have been had Talon not barged in?
Talon, true to form, practically bum rushes Genesis, lifting her off her feet in a wild, square dance-like Dosi-Doe move. She squeals, and the sound brings back memories of that night. Our eyes lock over Talon's shoulder, and for a moment, the world seems to pause. She blinks, suddenly conscious of the eyes on them.
Playfully swatting at Talon, she demands to be let down, sliding down his body into a hug. A pang of jealousy hits me as I watch them, too close for my liking.
I glance at Robyn and Knox, their awkward exchange is not lost on me. Everything in me wants Knox to just go for it, tell Mom and Dad where to stick their opinions and chase after the woman he obviously cares for.
Closing the distance between me and Robyn, I hug her—professional, but friendly. "Glad to see you back in town, Robyn," I say. We've always been close despite the three-year age gap and the fact that I'm her boss. I know she and Knox have something, and I've always tried to be the mediator, though they're both stubborn as hell.
"It's good to be back. I'm glad to wrap up the assignment before the holidays. I'll be here for Christmas,hopefully," she says, glancing nervously at Mom over my shoulder.
"Why wouldn't you be?" I ask, puzzled.
She lowers her voice. "Your mom and dad have something to discuss with us over dinner. I'm just hoping it's not another out-of-country assignment."
I look at my parents, wondering what this is all about. "I'll try my hardest to make sure you're not sent abroad anymore, Robyn," I promise, though I'm not sure I can keep that promise, depending on this mysterious project for Forrester Media.
Knox passes by us. "Hello, Robyn. Good to see you," he says gruffly.
"Jesus, Knox, just give the girl a hug," Talon teases, and Robyn visibly flinches, Knox growls at our annoying brother in response.
"Dad," Knox mutters, his voice laced with irritation, "can we just eat?"
"Enough," Dad chastises, and we all fall in line like the little toy soldiers we were raised to be.
"Now, now, none of that during the holidays," Mom chimes in cheerfully. "Everyone, take a seat. Knox, sit here by me. Robyn, Reece, you two on this side, and Talon, Genesis, over here."
We do as we're told, the atmosphere thick with tension. We're adults, late twenties to damn near forty, but we still jump when our parents say 'jump.' At this point, 'How high?' may be the next ridiculous question.
I take my seat, glancing across the table at Genesis. She's wearing a festive outfit, modest but alluring, perfect for the holiday—a deep green velvet dress that complements her complexion, with a hint of gold accentuating her features. Our eyes meet, and I can't look away. It's as if the rest of the room fades away.
Mom's voice cuts through my thoughts as the servers bring in the first course—a creamy butternut squash soup, the perfect start to a fall dinner party. Talon's enthusiasm for the food is almost comical, and Genesis teases him, "Some things never change."
Talon winks at her. "You know me."
