Page 69 of Falling Again
“I have a feeling you’ll hate it, but here we are.” Trudy stretched out her arms and shrugged. “And let the record show, I hated having this conversation with your father too.”
“Oh, Jesus,” Anthony groaned.
Trudy smacked his hand. “And don’t bring the good Lord into this. It’s not his fault that Snyder men are clueless about their wives.”
Now Anthony thought his head might explode. “Trudy, I love you. But if you’re about to give me marriage advice, I might jump from this window.” He gestured over his shoulder.
Trudy smirked. “Your father said something similar. And I reminded him we’re only on the second floor. All you’ll get is a broken leg and bruised ego.”
“Then I guess I have no choice.” Anthony leaned back in his seat, resigned to his fate.
“This is a tough job, no one is denying that,” Trudy started, her tone lighter than normal, but her features stern. “The trouble with being in charge of the town is that everyone wants a piece of you. I’m guessing you’re like your father and ran for office to help people; to leave your mark.” Trudy paused for a moment to make sure Anthony was listening. He offered her a solemn nod before she continued. “But here’s the thing with being everything to everyone––it’s impossible. There will always be someone you missed, or something overlooked. It’s not great, but that’s life.” She winked at him and continued, “It’s also why you hire me as your assistant.”
“You run this town, and everyone knows it,” Anthony said, not a hint of malice or sarcasm in his voice.
“Tell me something I don’t know, kid.” She huffed out a laugh. “But the most important thing to remember is that your family is the priority. I’m not talking any of this new-age work-life balance nonsense. I’m talking about life. It’s not easy, but it is possible to have a fulfilling career and a happy home life. It just takes effort and time.”
While he couldn’t argue with any of Trudy’s points, Anthony needed to defend himself, if only a little. “You don’t think that’s what I’m trying to do?”
Trudy nodded. “I can tell you’re working your ass off.”
“Thank you.”
“But that doesn’t mean you take a break. I don’t know what the fight was about.” Grimacing she added, “For all of the gossips in this town, they rarely get all of the details.”
“It’s the anniversary party,” Anthony blurted out. “Max and I are trying to get it all together for next weekend, but Natalie keeps showing up when we’re mid-discussion. Now she thinks I’m hiding things from her—which I know I am in this case—and I don’t know what to do.”
Trudy smiled, her shoulders drooping with relief. “Okay. This is making sense now.”
“So what do I do?” Anthony was tired of asking that question today, but he needed to get answers. Clearly relying only on himself wasn’t working. What was the point of having people in his life to help if he didn’t let them?
Trudy scratched her chin for a moment. “Kid, I’ve put out bigger fires than this.” She leaned over his desk and snatched a notepad and pen. “Here’s what we’re going to do.”
CHAPTER 20
By the time Nataliegot back to the office, she could hardly see straight. Not only was she starving—and absolutely gutted to leave such a delicious sandwich behind—but she was hurt, embarrassed, and angry. As soon as she reached the privacy of her office, she tossed her purse on the desk and huddled on her chair.
