Page 74 of I Just Want to be Yours

margot

My eyes burninto the paper calendar on my desk in my office. Taking off the sheet for October was bittersweet. Just two weeks ago, I was visiting Jackson. I had been counting down the days, doodling, and writing notes to myself just to get to the day I’d see him. I liked seeing that written excitement as a reminder even after the trip was over.

Now we’re officially in November, and there are no fun plans. No doodles. No notes. Just scheduled work meetings and deadlines penciled in. There won’t be anything Jackson related on my calendar until next month, and it already makes me wish I could skip ahead to the day I can peel off the November sheet.

Then he’ll be home. His tour will have ended, and even though his manager has talked about a headlining tour, there’s nothing officially on the books yet. Maybe he’ll be home for a longer stretch of time than he was in the summer. Maybe they’ll go back into the studio and take their time with it since they have more money to work with.

All things I should ask him, but all things I’m the tiniest bit afraid to know the answer to. There’s a chance he’ll have to goback on the road right away, and I want to hold on to this naïve hope a little while longer.

Derek stops at my door and knocks on the frame. “I’m heading out, but there are a few cookies left in the break room if you want to take them home for your roommates.”

I get to my feet. My workday is done, too. I should probably get home and stop staring at this calendar. “Are you sure?” I ask as I pick up my cardigan from the back of my chair and slip it on.

He pats his stomach. “I certainly don’t need them.”

I laugh. “I’m sure my roommates would love that. Thank you.” I technically only have one roommate, but I think I talk about Matt and Braden enough for Derek to assume they must live with me.

He nods before giving a wave. “See you Monday, kid.”

“Enjoy your weekend!” I call after him as I gather my things.

Leaving my office, I turn to head into the break room, but stop short when I almost run into Karah. “Sorry. Hey,” I say, taking a step back.

“Oh, Margot. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” She smiles, but there’s a chill behind it. “I saw your latest submission, and it needs some work.”

“For the bookstore?”

She nods.

“Derek approved that already.” I falter as I point my thumb over my shoulder like Derek might still be behind me somewhere.

She nods solemnly. “I know. It’s just—well, I don’t think it’s your best work. It just didn’t grab me, and if we’re going to give it as much space as you insist, it needs to be . . . better.”

“Better?”

“I’m afraid so.”

I blink. “Oh. Um, sure. When do you need it by?”

She grimaces, but it doesn’t come across genuine. “Well, it was supposed to be finalized today.”

“It was finalized today.”

She raises an eyebrow.

“Right. I’ll just get it done now. I still have . . .” I check the time on my phone. “Ten minutes left in my shift.”

“Just make sure it gets done.” She beams with a catlike grin. “I’ll lock up behind me since you’ll be here alone, and you just do the same when you leave.”

Ever since I stood up for my story on the bookstore, being around Karah has felt like a double-edged sword. She may have commended me for my actions that night, but ever since, it’s felt like the opposite.

“Okay. Thanks.” I give her the best smile I can muster before stepping around her to go into the break room. I need one of those cookies.

“Oh, and Margot?”

Stopping, I slowly turn on my heels. “Yeah?”

“Don’t bury your voice.” She winks before turning and heading toward the front doors.

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