Page 59 of Sawyer
“What situation?”
“Bob wants to sell off some of his land.The fields closest to Annabelle.He needs legal advice on what to sell and the documentation drawn up.”I go to say something, but he continues.“Peter is looking at expanding his taxi business from one car to two.He needs help with the legal paperwork on hiring staff, as well as the business registration information changes.”
“Need I remind you, I’m a high-profile New York lawyer.I don't need to be looking into land titles and basic business expansion contracts.”I eye the certificates on my walls, the ones I worked my ass off to get me where I am today.
“Yeah, but aren't you sick of it?”
I heave an exasperated sigh.“I grew up in the city, Tanner.I’m not built the same as you.”It’s the truth.I can’t work the land or live in complete isolation.Shit, I still wear a suit every day.I look so out of place, not only in Whispers but with Annabelle.I wonder briefly if I should buy some shirts and jeans, maybe some more boots.I rub my face again, feeling like a moron, continually perplexed by my current situation.
“No truer words have been spoken,” he mumbles, giving me no assurance whatsoever.
“Anyway, just be back by Thursday.We have the Van Cleef team coming.They’re checking out the distillery and Connor is chatting with them about extended distribution.”
I stretch my neck, willing the tightness to dissipate.
“You couldn’t start with that?”I stand, needing to move.The past few weeks, I’ve been quietly working on trying to understand the Grant Holdings business.There’s opportunity there, so if we can keep Van Cleef to domestic partnerships, we can build a global partnership with Grant Holdings.It’s a juggle, as we don’t want to piss anyone off, but legally it’s doable.“Why isn’t that meeting happening here in New York?”
Most of our dealings of this nature happen here, which is why working for Tanner all these years has been fine.My trips to Whispers haven’t needed to be too regular.
“Because Valerie wanted to come to Whispers because she knows how amazing it is, so she and AJ are flying in and staying at Marie’s Place for a few nights for a break after our meeting.Now make sure your ass is here so you’re prepared.It’s a big deal.Lots of dollars on the table.”
I nod, not that he can see me.“I’m always prepared.”
“True, that’s why I hired you.I always said you’re the best, and I mean it.”
“On that note… I need a favor.”
“What do you need?”he asks.
“Your jet,” I tell him.
“You've got your own, why do you need mine?”
“Sutton needs a late-night jet to bring him to Whispers.Things are getting out of hand for him over in LA, so he’s gotta lie low and hide out for a while.They will track his jet and mine.”
“Hmmmm, okay.Victoria has to go over to LA with Griffin and quote a job.Maybe she can take the jet over and they can fly back with Sutton.She’ll take some photos for her socials while she’s there, giving the media no reason to suspect we’re picking up Sutton for you.”Tanner comes up with the plan, obviously thinking as he speaks.
With that, I breathe a little easier.“Sounds perfect.Thank you.See you later in the week.”
“See you then.”
We end the call, and I look at my watch, my headache now coming on stronger.
This is much harder than I originally thought.Each time I’m in the city, the phone calls bring me right back to Whispers.Each time I’m in Whispers, the work calls me right back to the city.But regardless of where I’m located, Annabelle is always on my mind.She’s becoming my North Star, and where she is, is where I want to be.
I rub my eyes for what feels like the hundredth time today.I can’t be in two places at once; it’s already grinding my gears.The talk with Jerry comes back to me.How he gave up his firm in the city for life in Whispers, and I scoff at myself, not believing I’m even entertaining such a thing.
With my cell in my hand, I pull up our text exchange.
Coming back on Thursday.Can I see you when I land?
I shoot the text off before I can think about how desperate I sound, yet smile when I see the bubbles dance immediately.
Thursday night is casserole night.
I miss you.
I miss you too.
