Page 66 of The Arrogant One
“So, I wanted to call and personally congratulate you, Sadie. Our social media accounts are flooded with comments about you, our readers are desperate for more of your voice, and the executives atSeencouldn’t be happier.”
My boss wasn’t one to give compliments. He told me the things I did wrong, never the things I did right, despite knowing I was a huge asset to the publication.
Therefore, the more he spoke, the more shocking this conversation was.
“You have no idea how thrilled I am to hear that,” I admitted.
“We feel the same, and you’re going to see some of our appreciation in your next paycheck. We’ve given you a raise.”
“I was not expecting that. Thank you.”
“The other reason I’m calling is that we’ve been given some opening dates for new restaurants in the area, and I wanted you to make note of them. One, in particular, we’re really keeping an eye on.”
I grabbed a pen and a green pad of sticky notes—the color that was the closest to me. “And that is?”
“Toro.”
“Oh, yes, I know all about it.” I tapped my pen. “The new concept Walker Weston branded. I believe Denver was his first location, Banff was his second, and now he’s testing the LA market.”
“That’s what I understand too.”
“I’m assuming you want me to go?”
“With the amount of buzz it’s already getting, what I’d like to do is build up the momentum of your review the same way we did with Horned. Tease our audience. Get them salivating. And then hit them with your honest feedback.”
I jotted down a few notes. “Is there a definite date it’s opening? I’ve read mixed things online. Some say construction and permits are holding things up.”
“I received an email from The Weston Group announcing the official date and inviting our team for the soft opening, so I suspect those issues have been worked out. I don’t anticipate you’ll come to the opening—and understandably so—but I wanted to extend the invite.”
“I appreciate that, but I’m going to pass for obvious reasons.” I paused. “Is there anything else you wanted to talk to me about?”
“That sums it up.”
I put my pen down. “Until next time?”
He chuckled. “Until next time.”
I hung up, and as I was placing my phone on the holder, a text came across the screen.
One that made me smile.
Lockhart
I waited as long as I could in hopes that I wouldn’t wake you, but, fuck, I miss you.
Instead of texting back, I decided to do something even better. I hit his name in my Contacts and brought the phone up to my ear.
“You’re giving me your voice,” Lockhart said as he answered.
“I thought that would be more personal than a stream of emojis.” I picked my pen back up and put the non-ink end in my mouth.
“How are you, gorgeous?”
I sighed as I glanced around my office, the neon sticky notes catching my attention, my chest tightening as I realized just how many there were. “I’m currently swallowed in work.”
“It’s been too long since I’ve tasted you.”
I exhaled again, this time deeper. “I hate it. Make it stop.”
