Page 29 of About Last Night

So much for being strong.

CHAPTER TEN

TONI

I have no idea what Audrey and Willa’s presentation is about. I’m sure it is excellent; the department heads around the table ask questions and everyone seems pleased with the answers. All I can focus on is watching Audrey and thinking I’m the luckiest dirtbag in the world. When she walked out early Saturday morning, I didn’t think I’d ever see her again yet here she is, starting a months-long project at my family’s company, somehow even sexier and more beautiful in buttoned-up business expert mode than she was in sexy scorned lover mode.

I think I’m in love.

Tamp it down, Danzig. Audrey has set professional boundaries, and you are going to respect them. Outwardly. Inwardly, I can pine and long and admit that these are going to be the most excruciating six months, or more, of my life.

Greta says something in her irritated bossy voice, and I tear my gaze away from Audrey. Yep, Greta is staring at me and is not amused. And everyone else is staring at me with expectant expressions. Audrey is looking down at her notes, her cheeks pink. Willa looks like her birthday came early.

“I’m sorry, what?” I say to Greta.

Her narrowed eyes tell me I’m going to hear about this later. “Welcome back,” she says, and I’m not sure if she means from the field or from my daydream.

“Thanks. It’s great to finally be in the office.”

Everyone around the table laughs. My disdain for office work and all business bureaucracy is well known. Audrey purses her lips and looks disapproving.

“Yeah, yeah,” I say, laughing with them. “I mean it. By this time next year, the adventure division will be the fastest growing adventure company in the United States.”

Greta waves her hand at me. “Great. Let’s hear it.”

“Hear what?”

“Your plan.” She crosses her arms. She’s tapping her foot impatiently. I can’t see it, but I can tell.

“Um, well…”

My mind goes completely blank. What are my plans? I have them. I’ve been thinking about them for months. I’ve got dozens of voice memos on my phone with ideas I had while leading tours but not one of them will come to mind. Audrey’s watching me, and when I catch her eye, she smiles and nods in encouragement. Warmth surges through me. At least someone is on my side.

“I have lots of voice notes, I just haven’t put them all together yet. It’s number one on my to-do list for the week. I’ll have it for you next Monday. But don’t expect a PowerPoint presentation like the professionals gave.”

“I’m sure whatever you put together will be wonderful, Goat,” Ned Stevens, our head of manufacturing says.

“Goat?” Willa says. “As in Greatest of All Time?”

“No,” I interject before Ned can say anything. “It’s a childhood nickname that turned into my trail name.”

“She’s always been like a billy goat on the trails,” Ned says. “There was this one time?—”

“No stories, Ned,” I say. “This is where you end the meeting, Greta.”

I can tell she’s thinking about doing some good-natured teasing of her own, and I’m ready for it. I live for sparring with my sister. But Greta’s professionalism wins out, as usual.

“Now, for the most important item on our agenda,” Greta says, “the holiday party!”

All the department heads cheer as the HR director talks about plans for the company party for all employees and family members in three weeks’ time. It’s the highlight of everyone’s year, including mine. Nothing makes me happier than dressing up like Buddy the Elf and helping Ned as Kris Kringle hand out presents to the employees’ kids, and seeing the looks on the employees’ and their partners’ faces when they get to take their pick of the new clothing items for their own holiday present.

Once all the details are discussed, and Audrey and Willa are invited and accept, the meeting is adjourned. Greta pulls Audrey aside and they are immediately in deep conversation.

“Great presentation,” I say to Willa, keeping one eye on Audrey.

Willa scoffs. “You didn’t hear a word we said.”

“That obvious?”

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