Page 41 of (Un)Planned

I nodded, trying not to let his words get to me. They were ones I already knew, ones I’d told myself so many times that they were tattooed on my heart. But hearing themfrom someone else? Someone who had been by my side since I started working at Wallace and Associates?

That made them even more real.

I dropped my head into my hands. “I know. Fuck, I know. But I’m falling for her, Jack, and I don’t know how to get us out of this. It’s either we stop seeing each other, or one of us loses our job. And as much as I want her, can I really start all over? I’ve been here for ten years. Tenlongfucking years.” I stood and walked over to my desk. “Forget it. This isn’t your problem. Let me know if you have any more issues with that contract negotiation.”

“Yeah, no,” Jack chuckled. “I’m not leaving you to mess this all up. If you care about this girl, which I know you do, we’re going to figure something out.”

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “I’ve been thinking about it all night. There’s no good solution.”

Jack paused, leaning on the back of an armchair. “What about transferring her to another department?”

“Fuck that.”

“Listen,” Jack held up his hands, “I know you don’t want to hear it, but maybe it’d be better. Then you wouldn’t be her supervisor.”

“Jack, I’m the head of this office. I’m technicallyeveryone’s supervisor.”

He cursed under his breath. “Okay, that's valid. But this might be a good temporary solution. If the partners get wind of what’s happening, at least she’s not working directly under you. It might help soften the blow a little bit.”

His argument made sense, even if it made me a little nauseous. It was selfish of me, but as I looked out at Calla’s empty desk, I hated the idea of anyone else sitting there. We were such a good team, and I knew I’d already gotten luckytwice with assistants. Who the hell knew who’d walk in next?

But that was a small price to pay for some peace of mind, to know that I could hold onto Calla a little longer.

I turned to the window. “Okay, I’ll think about it.”

TWENTY-FOUR

Later that day, all thoughts and worries about Calla and myself were pushed aside, courtesy of all the shit that had landed on my desk. With many television shows on break for the summer, there were always a lot of movements. Still, lately, it felt like every one of my remaining clients was up for a contract renewal, all seeking more money or producer credit, things that the studios were always reluctant to give.

Sending off one last email to the studio, I leaned back in my chair, needing a break to clear my mind. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy my career—for the most part, I did—but I’d be lying if I said that was why I did it. When I first graduated, I took the job in the mailroom to get by, needing something to keep me occupied while I searched for a full-time gig. But watching how the senior agents garnered so much power and respect, not to mention the outrageous paycheck, I was sucked into this world.

And for ten years, I never thought about it.

I stared out toward the rest of the office, and it was another cold reminder of how much of my life I’d wastedtrapped behind this desk, helping my clients achieve their goals while holding none of my own.

The only thing I wanted now was Calla.

The more I thought about Jack’s idea, the more it made sense. Even though it was still technically against the rules, it was a much less flagrant violation. And we’d get to see each other every day, even if it wasn’t like before.

Before I could make up my mind, I had to talk to Calla. The shift would impact her more than me, and I refused to choose on her behalf. I’d tried to bring it up when she arrived this morning, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Every time the thought of her leaving came up, the pressure in my chest increased, and the words refused to leave my mouth.

As my mind wandered, a knock came on my door, pulling me back into the present. Calla smiled at me, her pale pink legal pad clutched in her hands. “Do you have a few minutes to go over some details of the partners’ trip?”

“Of course, come on in.”

She settled into the seat across from me, nervously toying with her pen. I stared back at her, trying to read her mood. She must have noticed, because she gave me a half-hearted smile. “It’s nothing, just ignore me.”

My jaw instantly tightened; I hated that she was trying to hide from me again. A knot formed in my gut. Had Jack already talked to her? I’d kill him if he did. I did not doubt he would try to poach her if she left my desk, but I explicitly told him I needed more time. “What’s going on?”

Calla shook her head. “It’s fine, just some family stuff. You have enough to worry about. I can handle this on my own.”

It was so tempting to pull her into my lap and hold heruntil she felt better. Instead, I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “Talk to me, Calla.”

She inhaled as if trying to keep her emotions at bay. “Devyn called. My mother is coming into town next month for some business dinner with my stepfather. We’re expected to attend.” She rolled her eyes. “The woman hasn’t even bothered to call me since she kicked me out, and now she’s demanding my attendance at some bullshit family dinner?” She shook her head. “Never going to happen.”

I nodded, not wanting to show my annoyance. My hands clenched under my desk. While I’d never understand how she could have treated her daughter so poorly, a selfish part of me was glad for it. Because of her mother’s actions, Calla was here with me now, and I would never make the same mistake. The darkest part of her life had led to the best part of mine, and all I wanted was to return the favor.

She brushed her hair away from her face, shaking her shoulders as if pushing away the negative feelings. “It’s fine, I’m fine. Like I said, it's nothing for you to worry about. We have a visit to get ready for, and that deserves all my attention. I’ve got several reservations lined up–”

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