AllFreeNovel
Share Us
This is definitely a terrible idea. “What time’s lunch?”
No answer.
I pull the phone away from my ear again to see she’s hung up on me.
“Do you normally visit the authors you work with in person?”
I spin to see Gloria standing in the doorway, every line of her heavily lined face turned down in a frown. How is she back from the dentist already? Was this a trap? I don’t dare ask.
“I do like to have at least one in-person meeting with the authors I work with,” I sort-of lie. Of course, it’s always nice to meet with an author, but these days, we have so many electronic ways to meet face-to-face that it’s rarely cost- or time-efficient to meet in person. “I want to make sure Cynthia understands how I work as an editor, and the first meeting where I’m giving her feedback usually goes better if it’s in person.”
Gloria’s expression doesn’t change as she walks into the office and sets her bag on her desk. “So you’d meet face-to-face with an author who lives on the other side of the country?”
“I met with authors who lived farther away through a video chat service, but I met in person with authors who lived nearby.”
She nods, but somehow it’s sarcastic. “Right. All those authors who live right there in New York City.”
Good thing I was up all night rehearsing this worst-case scenario situation on repeat. There are plenty of authors who live in the city or close to it, but there’s no point continuing to argue. “Fine. You got me. I’ve never edited romance before and Cynthia Bennett has been in this business a couple of decades longer than I have. Meeting with her in person is the best way to be sure she and I are on the same page and get off to a good start.”
“So, it has nothing to do with the fact that your previous employer and just about every major publisher in the country would like to convince Cynthia Bennett to join them?”
Damn, this woman ought to be a private investigator. Under my desk, I rub my sweaty palms on my jeans. I’m so not cut out for espionage. “I’m just trying to do my job well.”
She narrows her eyes and looks me up and down. “I want to like you, Daisy. You’re a wonderful editor and a hard worker, but I don’t trust you. I’ve been suspicious from the moment you showed up here. This place might not have the prestige of a big city publisher, but it’s got three times the heart.” She shakes her head, looking defeated. “I could threaten you or promise to make your life miserable, but I’m just going to ask you. Please. Whatever you’re planning to do, don’t. Just don’t.”
My eyes burn and my chest aches. This is so much worse than her yelling or threatening me. “I’m not trying to hurt or take advantage of anyone.” I’m just trying to get my job back. Is that really so wrong?
She stands there, eyes narrowed, mouth pursed, for several long moments. “It’s not worth it,” she finally says. “I’ve been where you are and I get it. I really do. It can feel amazing toplay with the big fish. I don’t know your whole story, but I know you’re up to something and that something probably has to do with getting back to your big city job. I’m telling you, from experience, selling your soul to get back there isn’t worth it.”
She sits down to her work without another word.
Except she’s still my boss. “The thing is, I’m going to have to hike in to find her house, so I won’t be at work tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to report your schedule to me. As long as the work is getting done, Joy will trust you’re making the best use of your time.”
I start to nod, then stop. “Wait. Really? So if I don’t show up to work for three days without telling anyone, you’d be totally fine with it?”
Gloria sighs and turns to face me. “One benefit of working for a small company is that it’s hard to slack off without someone noticing. If we see you doing your work, we aren’t going to hassle you about having a life.”
“Wow. That’s kind of amazing.”
Gloria nods, but her expression is grim. “I spent too many years chasing a dream, only to get old and realize too late I’d been missing out on the important parts of life the whole time. Don’t make my same mistake.” With those cryptic words hanging in the air, she turns back to her screen. “Now shut up and let me get some work done.”
Chapter Fourteen
Noah
Irun a hand through my overly long hair as I sip my coffee. I should probably get it cut now that the clinic’s open.
Not that there will be anyone to notice. In the two days since we opened, I’ve seen exactly one patient. I’m hoping the grand opening party in a week will bring in more patients, but I’m not holding my breath. My luck is showing no signs of improving.
Not only has dating Daisy not filled my patient rolls, but I’m failing at proving to her she’s the most date-able, lovable woman on earth.
Not that she seems to care about dating or love. She’s been completely consumed with work.
Daisy hurries into the kitchen, her phone in one hand and a full pack on her back. She’s wearing leggings and an over-sized t-shirt like she might be going for a run, except she’s also wearing pristine hiking boots.
“Didn’t I give you those for you birthday three years ago?”
