Page 20 of All the Promises We Break

I see the Monday morning specials with my father as well as the Friday debriefings. I see the interview with Dylan. I see the conversation I had with Anna that took me to the Hamptons, bringing me to that first dance with Viper. However, things are different too, very different.

I set my bag down in the chair across from my desk. My hand rests on the corner as I look at the large leather office chair tucked right where I left it. There’s a vase of white roses on the credenza with several welcome back cards propped up on either side.

Rounding the desk, I pull out my chair and take a seat. My laptop is ready and waiting. After wiggling my mouse, my calendar pops up. Anna at nine fifteen. My father at ten. The board meeting at ten thirty. Lunch at noon with marketing, then I’m booked out from one on.

My new friend, anxiety, begins to creep in. A wave of self-doubt rushes over me as my desk phone rings. I slide my handthrough my hair, as if that has some effect to take it all away, before I answer the phone. “Elijah Sawyer”

“Morning, Mother Goose. How does it feel to be back among the living?”

My brain still processes a fraction slower than I’d like but I’d know this voice anywhere. “Ice? Jesus Christ, Sam, since when do you get up early like ever?”

“Hey, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t? Besides, not only did Lucy have me set an extra alarm, we also have hot yoga in about thirty minutes. It’s our new thing.”

“I hear your voice and know it’s you but sometimes the things you say make me question everything. Say hi to her for me.”

“I will when she gets out of the shower. You know, morning cardio.” He chuckles. “How is it I had to hear from Wes that you’re getting married? I’d be pissed if I wasn’t so stoked for you.”

“Should I ask you when you’re going to do the same thing? Seriously though, thank you. We’re in the process of sorting things out still. Schedules. Jobs. All the things. Hey, if today doesn’t go how I want to, I might need to use your obvious charm and networking skills on the West Coast. I may be job hunting.”

“You’ll have whatever you need in a heartbeat but have a feeling you won’t need it. That’s another reason why I’m calling. I talked to Wes late last night who connected me with your dad and grandpa. With the visibility of our Foundation joining up with AnSa and all the support we seem to have coming out of the woodwork, your board would be royally stupid to balk at your wedding plans and risk losing you and Dylan. I’m telling you it won’t happen.”

“I appreciate all the support you give us, but I don’t want them talked or bullied into something just because of the money and the people behind that money. That will only build resentment,and I can’t manage this project or AnSa effectively like that. I hope you understand.”

“Integrity. That’s always been your best quality. I won’t encourage anything you don’t agree with. Just know you have more support than you realize. High powered support. That’s all I’ll tell you.”

“Thanks, Ice. Will you and Lucy be able to come for the wedding? We don’t have a date set yet, but I don’t plan on waiting too long and I wouldn’t want to step on any plans you might have.”

“We’ll be there. Count on it, no matter what.”

“What would a wedding reception be without you taking over the mic for karaoke time?” I laugh.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Hang in there today, Eli. If anyone has the magic, it’s you. Remember, fear is the enemy.”

“I know. I will, and thanks.”

“Anytime.”

“Wait? You never explained about hot yoga?”

All I hear is his laughter as he hangs up the phone. It’s only then I notice Anna in the doorway. She’s clutching a stack of files and a cup of what I hope and pray is coffee with a hint of cream and crapton of sugar. “Hi, Anna. You can come in. You look great.”

“Hi. Is everything okay? Do you need anything?”

“Yes, everything’s fine. Just weird, you know? I’m trying to remember how to do all this. Not that I forgot. It’s just no longer routine.”

“I should have visited more. I should have come to help you prepare for today.”

“What? No.” I rise from behind my desk, taking the files from her hands and setting them next to my bag. “You held everythingtogether here. You were right where you were supposed to be. Is that coffee for me?”

“Yes. I’m cutting back.”

“The caffeine queen is cutting back? Are you telling me I’m going to have to drink alone?” My normally always happy assistant bursts into tears. “Hey. I know my joke sucked, but what's this all about? If I wasn’t okay, I wouldn’t be here.”

“It’s not that. I mean it is, but it isn’t.”

“Come sit down and tell me about it.” I take Anna gently by the elbow, guiding her to the other chair across from my desk. “Take a deep breath. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“I didn’t want to hit you with this on your first day back.”

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