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“You’re right. I think about that, too.”
The events of that horrific day are always on my mind.
Jennifer and I were traveling back from a conference when we got caught in a multi-car collision. A truck smashed into us. Our car was shoved off the road and into the sea. I tried everything to get us both out but I couldn’t even save myself. While I drowned, I watched Jennifer die. I woke up in hospital to the cold, cruel truth that she was gone forever.
When I was stuck in the elevator at work my mind went straight back to the fear I felt when I was trapped in the car. I feared for my life the same way, and my panic was so bad I had to be sedated.
“I’m doing my best to get my life back on track,” I say with a weary smile.
“Believe me, I can see that.”
“I need my father to see it, too. It would break my heart if he delayed my inheritance again.”Or if he did something worse.
Right now Dad doesn’t have control over the finances that come from my job and the monthly allowance from my trust fund. If he did there’s no way I would have been able to head off to Vegas, and I’d have no money for myself. I’m aware my father is a very powerful man, so he could get control overeverythingif he wanted to. Then I don’t know what I’d do.
“Is there anything else you can think of to keep things cool?”
“Not officially. Dad hasn’t demanded this yet but I know he wants me to move to New York. He’s been trying all sorts of things to entice me to stay.”
“I suppose that includes working with your mom and me?” she asks tentatively.
“Yes, exactly.”
She blinks innocently and gives me a gentle smile. “Please don’t hate me for saying this, but I can’t deny I’m not secretly happy you’ll be with us.”
“It will be great to work with you, but you do know the job is just a clever ruse to butter me up.”
“At least it’s a writing job.”
“I guess so.”
Dad hired Mom’s PR company to work with his hockey team. As one of Mom’s writers is on maternity leave my parents thought it would be great for me to step in while I’m here.
The job entails doing interviews with the players on the team and writing articles on each of them for Mom’s magazine,The View. It’s likePeoplemagazine, and possibly just as successful but solely dedicated to athletes and those who work in the sports world.
Many would kill for the job but I only accepted the offer because it would give me something to do. I’ll also admit I accepted because this is the first time that my father has acknowledged me as a writer. I wanted to show him how good I am. He was disappointed when I chose to become a journalist. He’d wanted me to go into business like Charlotte.
“Would moving here be such a bad thing? I’m here, and New York is amazing. Plus, you live in this gorgeous home in the Hamptons.” She waves her hands around, motioning to the hotel suite-style room my parents have given me. “Don’t you love this house?”
“I do love it.” My parents’ manor looks like something from one of those TV shows likeDynastyorRevenge, but it’s all part of the enticement package.
“Also,TheChroniclehas a branch here. I’m sure you could transfer if you asked.”
I smile back at her, knowing she means well. “I would love nothing more than to live closer to you but I need my independence from my family and the chance to live the life I want. I have that in L.A.”
She nods her understanding but there’s a spark of disappointment in her eyes.
Zoe is the sister I wish I had. The last few months are the first that we’ve been apart. We went to school and college together and even managed to keep seeing each other nearly every day when we started working.
“I guess I’m just desperate to have you back, but I understand.”
“Thank you. If I can sort things out with my father I can focus on keeping my job.” At least Cole’s article didn’t make me look bad to Harvey—my boss. We spoke this morning and I was able to assure him that I was okay and nothing like what wasdescribed in the article. Still, I know I need to use my time wisely while I’m here to find the fiery journalist in me he once knew.
“I really don’t think you need to worry about work.”
“I do. I’ve had too much time off. There’s only so much allowance they can give me. Harvey values my talent but I know he’s also being lenient because he’s Jennifer’s uncle. He knows what I meant to her.” Thanks to Jennifer I’ve worked with theChronicleevery summer since I was sixteen, interned with them after college, then landed a full-time role as one of the youngest senior journalists in the company.
“Let’s say you’re right. What do you plan to do?”
