Page 92 of Full Send

His words make my heart sink. Do I still want him? Does he still want me? He didn’t come to say goodbye. And can we still make this work? He still lives here in Wyoming and I’m going back to Ohio, to the real world. I feel myself starting to frown as my head sags.

“V. Stop it. Everything’s going to be fine,” Collin says, pulling me into a comforting bear hug. “I love you, sis. Have a good flight.”

I feel Lizzy join in the hug. As I walk into the airport, I realize I don’t know where I’d be without these two. But still, I find myself peering over my shoulder, looking back forhim. It’s been hours now and I still haven’t heard from him.

???

My mind is consumed with going back over every detail of the presentation. I’m hellbent on killing it, my own personal fuck you to Jeff. By the time Wednesday morning comes around, I feel like my pre-vacation self.

I stayed up all night in my hotel room, reviewing each slide, time after time, prepping for this afternoon’s presentation. Right on schedule, I arrive at the office by 11:30 AM, just enough time to grab lunch and run to the bathroom and check my hair. I’d love to do more than just check it, but I realized last night, at the hotel, that Lizzy forgot most of my toiletries when she washelping me pack. As soon as I realized, I placed an order for some backup items, already scheduled for delivery to my house.

Oh well.

I finish checking my makeup before heading to the conference room. Ok. Back on track, Veronica. You’ve got this.

Being back in the office feels surreal, like a cruel joke. Only twenty-four hours ago I was enjoying every minute in Wyoming, with Tanner, being outside, with friends, relaxed and having fun. Now I’m back in this old dated office building in suburban Ohio and it just feels foreign.

To his credit, Jeff had arranged for the Earth SnaX team to spend the morning with our R&D team, followed by lunch with our sales team, leaving marketing for last. But even with the time to prep last night and today, I’m still an anxious bundle of nerves. Before I head into the conference room, I stop to fill my water bottle to try and take care of my dry mouth. That’s when I feel my phone buzz.

Jeff knows it’s only ten minutes until we’re scheduled to start. He should also know I can’t change anything in the presentation at this point. When I look at my phone though, my heart sinks down to my stomach and immediately bounces back into my throat.

Tanner: Hey Ronni. I’d say good luck in the presentation today, but you don’t need it. You’ll kick ass. I know it. We’ll talk soon. Love you.

I touch the screen as if running my fingers over his words will bring me closer to him. My heart slowly works its way back into its normal home in my chest as I hear his words, in his voice, in the back of my mind. Even over a thousand miles away, he can make me relax and feel confident in my own skin like no one elsecan. The thought of talking to him soon is enough to help me push through with the rest of the day, this presentation.

As I finally go into the conference room, I’m surrounded by familiar faces from Fischer. One face catches me by surprise though, Cindy. Shit, I totally forgot she wanted to talk when I was back from vacation. I wonder if she realizes I’m back early.

Alright. It’s go time. Let’s send it.

???

Two hours laters and I’m spent. Emotionally, mentally, physically. The presentation and pitch are done. It went amazing, at least I think so. I went through the material without even having to look back at the screen, knowing my transitions, talking points, everything by heart. Earth SnaX had some good questions, but I had better answers. I just wish Jeff would have been here to appreciate it. You’re welcome, dude. Not only did I save your ass, again, but I blew it out of the water.

After the presentation, I head towards the water fountain to refill my water bottle when Cindy leaves the conference room and finds me.

“Hey, Veronica, that was great,” she says. “We’re really excited about the new packaging line.”

“Thanks, Cindy,” I say, feeling a small sense of vindication for all of my work. I’m relieved that Jeff couldn’t take credit for my hard work and effort to make this entire presentation even happen.

“How was vacation? I’m sorry they called you to come back early. I know that must have been hard,” she says, a bit of remorse in her voice. It’s oddly heartwarming to hear that from someone in her position. I can’t think of the last time Jeff was this nice or considerate.

“It was good. I wish I was still there though,” I say, trying my best to not look like the last twenty-four hours have been a disaster.

“Well, I’m sure you’re exhausted,” she says, checking her watch. “But hey, when you’re rested, give me a call. I had a project I was thinking you’d be able to help with and after that presentation, I’m positive you’re just the person for it.”

I’m still curious what this project is and why Jeff hasn’t mentioned it, but she’s right. I’m exhausted and just want to crawl into bed and get some sleep.

“Sounds good. Thanks for thinking of me, Cindy. Looking forward to hearing all about it. I know you are flying back tonight, so let’s chat Monday.” I shake her hand and say goodbye to some of the other Earth SnaX team before heading home.

When I finally get to my house, it feels just as surreal as the office. I drop my checked bag and carry on bag on the coffee table. Even just walking through my house, I feel out of place. I’ve lived here since moving out of my last apartment years ago, but there just aren’t any real memories here. I’ve never even brought home a date. It just doesn’t feel likehome, like something is missing, like I don’t belong here.

I’m drained, emotionally and physically a wreck. I head to the bedroom to pass out. I just need to sleep, get my head straight, and get back on with my life.

Chapter 46

Tanner

Another Night with Me

---