Page 14 of Fear of Love
“It’s not a partnership, Larry. They want to come in and take over. The magazine helps small businesses and events get recognized. Wehelppeople, and this company will come in and destroy that.”
“Lydia.”His tone begged me to reconsider.
While it pained me to turn down the money, I wasn’t going to do it. We were doing fine on our own. We were growing and gaining new readers with every issue.
“Sorry, but tell them no.” My answer was final. There was no point in talking about this more when I already had my mind made up.
“Okay, I’ll let them know.” Larry sighed but conceded. He knew me long enough that I didn’t bow to others, especially not when it came to my business. This was my company, and it would stay that way.
“Thank you, Larry. Talk to you soon.” I ended the call, leaving my phone on my desk as I heaved out a sigh. Seven o’clock flashed back at me on the screen, showing that I had yet again worked well past the end of the day. The office was quiet since everyone went home well over two hours ago.
Rolling my neck, I let out a small groan, stiff from sitting in this chair for hours. My eyes were buggy from staring at my computer screen and answering email after email. The only plus was that I sent everything to the printers for next week’s issue and got started on next month’s as well.
With the promise of wine waiting for me at home, I finally shut off my computer. I was in need of a huge glass of red to help drown out the fact I turned down a four-million-dollar deal. While I was confident in my decision, it was still a hard one tostomach. Hopefully, I didn’t just shoot myself in the foot by not taking it. Then again, I was certain that in a year’s timeFusion Weeklywould be worth more than that.
Locking up the office, I headed for my car, wasting no time in starting it and pulling out to head home. At least at this time of night there wasn’t much traffic. It helped that I only lived five minutes away.
Three years ago, when the magazine started to take off, I was finally able to leave my shitty studio apartment and get into a newly built complex.
I was still surprised I was able to snag one at the time I did considering the building was perfectly situated near downtown and almost all the apartments had views of the city. Definitely a step up from what I had before.
The beeping of my car locking echoed through the packed parking lot as I headed through the double doors leading inside, the cold air seeping through my coat. My heels clicked on the floor with each step toward the elevators.
I barely stepped inside when my phone buzzed. Fumbling with my purse and keys, I pulled it out and answered without looking at the screen.
“Hello?”
“Hey.”Josie’s voice greeted me.“I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“You’re good. I’m just getting home.” I held my phone against my ear as I leaned back against the railing.
Josie’s inner mom voice came out.“Lyd, it’s after seven.”
“Had a few things to fix before I could send this month’s copy to the printers, then Larry called.” Josie already knew about the other magazine wanting to partner up.
When I was first approached about the deal a few months ago, Josie was the only one I told. I needed someone to be mysounding board, and Josie was great at being neutral when it came to decisions. Plus, she was my closest friend.
Over the last few months, we spent countless hours going over the pros and cons if I took the deal. What it would mean for me as well as Josie and my staff. Josie was one of the first people I ever hired, so I valued her opinion the most.
“I take it he wasn't happy with you saying no?”Josie asked.
“Nope. Larry thinks I’m an idiot for not taking it.” I shook my head even if she couldn’t see me.
“It’s your company, Lydia. You can do whatever you think is best. I’m proud of you for sticking with your gut.”
My chest tightened at her words. I didn’t have family I could talk to or tell me that they were proud of me.
“Thanks.” My voice came out soft. The elevator dinged as the doors opened to my floor. I kept my phone to my ear as I walked down the hallway until I got to my apartment. “Hopefully I don’t regret it.”
“You won’t. You’ve worked your ass off to get here, and the magazine shows that,”Josie continued, each word making the back of my eyes burn.
Unlocking my apartment, I slid through the door, shutting and locking it behind me. Feeling uncomfortable with all the praise, I quickly changed the subject.
“Did you need anything?” I asked, averting the conversation back to Josie.
“I did, actually. So…”I didn’t have to see Josie to know she was biting her lip as she worked up the courage to say whatever it was she needed to get out.“I was supposed to meet up with Landon tomorrow to talk about that kid’s event he’s doing, but Wyatt and I accidentally scheduled our meeting with the flower shop at the same time. Is there any way you can go to the rink and talk to Landon for me?”Josie quickly rattled off, barelystopping to take a breath, like she was afraid I’d interrupt her or something.
I paused in the doorway leading to my bedroom. I would rather do anything else than see Landon anytime soon.
