Page 105 of Just Act Natural

It sounds like Dad’s shuffling papers. Does he already have a contract written up? A five-year plan for the business? A five-year plan forme?

“You can focus solely on the company’s future rather than worry about the day-to-day tasks in the flagship store.”

Interacting with coworkers, helping customers—almost everything I told Lila I enjoy about my job involves the day-to-day tasks in the flagship store. As much as I want the CEO position, I never thought about giving up my current job to get it.

“You’ve wanted this for years.”

I can’t tell if Mom is congratulating me or reminding me.

I finally find my words. “Yeah. I have. Thank you. I’m just…surprised.”

“Go out and celebrate.” Even this feels like a command from Dad. “Then, when you come back Sunday, we’ll talk about moving you up to the executive suite.”

Mom laughs. “He already has an office.”

“Now he’ll actually use it. Maybe a new desk is in order?”

The line goes silent, and I realize he’s actually asking. “I’ll think about it.”

“Enjoy the rest of your vacation,” Mom says. “You’ve earned it.”

We hang up, and I slump against the chair back. I thought my emotions were a mess before, but my parents just set off a grenade inside me. Everything’s raw and exposed.

I shouldn’t be this stunned. The promotion was always somewhere on the horizon. I would take up my mantle and become the new head of Irwin Outdoors. Everyone knew it, nobody doubted it. I’ve expected it and even looked forward to it.

So why does the news I finally have it make me want to bolt?

THIRTY-TWO

LILA

I am a grown woman.A few days ago, I put on an incredible Fourth Fest—so I’ve heard. Today, I’m at a pristine lake with stunning mountain views, surrounded by my closest friends. Tomorrow, I’ll give my presentation to hopefully secure an important job promotion in my hometown. I havea lotgoing on.

Yet, all I can think about is the fact that Grant’s walking around without a shirt on. The shoulders on this man should have their own fan clubs. He’s a raging distraction and completely oblivious to it.

Well, okay. From Wren’s many unhelpful compliments, he can’t be totally oblivious. Still.

I can be strong. I’ll just have to look at him exactly never.

“This is gorgeous,” Grant says.

I make the mistake of facing him. He gestures at the water and the three mountains that loom in the distance. Caldera Lake is so clear, it’s practically a mirror reflecting the scene down to the last rock and tree.

I lean closer to him. “No leeches, right?”

He leans even closer. “Every lake has leeches.”

My whole body shivers as if they’re already on me. “Why is the wilderness like this?”

We set up Tess’s sunshade and lay out our gear—beach blankets, a cooler full of drinks and snacks, at least a dozen bottles of sunscreen, and an assortment of inflatable loungers to float around on. August’s hopping on one foot while Tess slathers any skin not covered by his swim shorts and long-sleeve rash guard.

“But why couldn’t Ian come?” he asks, squinting as she rubs lotion on his face. “You said it’s a friends day. He’s our friend too.”

“I know, buddy.” Tess tries for a smile. “Maybe another time.”

She doesn’t sound very hopeful.

“Look what Griffin got ready for you!” Hope pops around the corner of the shelter with a purple hippo float that’s even taller than she is.

---