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I hurry into the walk-in closet, change my clothing, then grab my purse and car keys. Will doesn’t have his meeting with Sumer Tech Industries until 11:00 and I’m excited to surprise him and talk to him about an idea that’s been percolating inside my head.
Last week, I had lunch with Irelynn, and her conversation about the counseling program and the internship she’s doing left me envious. I think it would be fulfilling to counsel children, particularly those who are victims of abuse, but I’ve never been able to stay in college without Ainsley interrupting.
Now she’s out of the picture and I can finally plan my future.
I want to talk to Will about it and get his perspective. He fully supports everything I do, but the excitement and anxiety circulating inside me won’t stop until I share it with him. As much as I want to return to school, I worry about the timing of it. I’m sure he’ll suggest hiring a nanny to help out, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that idea. Mostly because I have no idea what having one entails. Although my mom had money, I never had a nanny.
“Bye, Emma. I’m going to go surprise Will at his office.” I cut through the kitchen, giving her a kiss on her soft, round cheek. Her smile is wide as she grabs me in a hug. “Thanks for the talk this morning. It really helped.”
She pulls back, her eyes sparkling. “Anytime, sweetie. Are you going to talk to Will about going to college?”
After my lunch with Irelynn, Emma could tell I was preoccupied when I returned home. I wistfully told her about the conversation with Irelynn and she deduced I’d like to return to college and continue my education.
Pulling back, I give her a nervous smile. “Yes, I plan to.”
“Don’t be nervous, sweetheart. Will loves you and will do anything possible to support you.”
I let out a puff of air. “I know I’m being silly. I have no idea why I’m nervous. I’m also excited about it.”
“As well you should be.” She watches as I grab a bottle of water from the fridge. “How about I make you some of those brownies you like so much? Then we can celebrate when you return.”
“Emma, it’s like you can read my mind.” Uncapping my water, I take a drink, then give her a huge smile. “I’m going with the bridesmaids to pick out their dresses after seeing Will, and then we are going for lunch. It will be later this afternoon until I’m home.”
She waves a hand dismissively. “That’s fine, my dear. I’ll make the brownies and have them waiting.” She grabs a dish towel and lightly swats my butt with it. “Now go. Once you talk to Will, I know you’ll feel better and wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.” She gives me a wink as I let out a relieved giggle.
“Thanks, Emma. You’re the best. See ya soon.” Turning on my heel, I stride from the room, heading to the garage.
She’s right. Will is nothing but supportive and will do anything to help me reach my goals.
Humming as I reach my car, I open the door and slide behind the steering wheel.
I can’t wait to surprise Will.
As I start the car and back out of the garage, I decide to stop and get coffee and pastries on the way.
Fifteen minutes later, I walk down the hallway toward Will’s office, pastries and coffee in hand. Bryan walks out of his office, his eyebrows raising when he sees me.
“Good morning, Everleigh. Here to see Will?”
“Good morning. Of course. But I have a coffee and a pastry for you as well.”
“You’re the best.” He hurries toward me, grabbing the stuff from my hands. “Will has been cracking the whip all morning and I could use some caffeine and sugary goodness right about now.” He rolls his eyes, making a disgusted face before his expression transforms into an easy grin. “He’ll be much more bearable now that you are here.”
Laughing, I fall in step beside him. “It’s not that bad, is it? Isn’t he just trying to ensure he’s putting the right people in place since Colin what’s-his-name is gone?”
“Colin Fry. And yes. But you know Will. Meticulous as hell.”
“That certainly describes him.” I pat Bryan’s arm. “Thanks for carrying that stuff. I’m happy to return the favor by calming Will for you.”
“Bless you. And you are welcome. It’s no big deal.” He shrugs.
“Your momma raised you right.” I wink at him, taking in his profile. I debate for a few seconds before diving in. “How are things going with Savannah? I haven’t heard the two of you squabbling quite as much.”
Bryan snorts, turning his head toward me, his dark hair gleaming beneath the overhead fluorescent lighting. “We’ve dialed it back so that we aren’t snapping at each other every single second we are around one another.” He shakes his head. “She’s infuriating at times.”
I’m barely able to suppress my grin. “Infuriating, huh?”
He doesn’t notice as he blows out a frustrated breath. “She’s so competitive. Even when I try to dial things back and not antagonize her, she’s still at my throat, trying to prove she’s more efficient and smarter than me.”
