Page 29 of Joy to Noel
It was a ton of fun.
It was also gratifying to watch her confidence slowly grow with each task we accomplished and strategy we outlined. Then again, that could have been the lateness of the hour contributing to her loosened-up mindset.
Now, I need to center my thoughts on pet food production. And suspicious former plant managers.
I style my hair and pair a pale pink button-up shirt with black pants, dressing as quickly as possible. After I tie my dress shoes, I bend down to one knee to give Hamlet some attention. He allows me to run my hand down his back and scratch his chest. “I promise I’ll be home tonight, okay?” I say.
Meow.
He blinks slowly at me before jumping onto my shoulders.
I guess I’m forgiven.
Giving him a quick scratch under the chin, I pull him off and nuzzle his face before setting him down on the floor. After lint-rolling my shirt, I slip my arms into the sleeves of my blazer and head out the door.
I’m thankful that Madison isn’t sitting in the Adirondack chair this morning because I don’t think I’d have the willpower to leave straightaway. And I need to leave—both this morning and, eventually, forever.
CAL
Where’s my update?
I stare at the text as I set my bag down in my office. I’ve been inside the building for less than sixty seconds and already have an impatient message from Cal.
Scrubbing a hand across my jaw, I pause to think before responding.
I’ve screwed up.
Normal Liam would have spent three hours at home last night poring over the reports I printed off. Combing through the information I’ve compiled to find the through lines that explain everything.
Normal Liam would have had answers for Cal this morning.
Instead, Madison has a website, and I have nothing.
Taking a deep breath, I dial Cal.
“I expect something good, Liam,” Cal says without preamble.
I clear my throat, then wish I could retract the sound. It’s nothing but a stall tactic.
“I’m afraid I don’t have an update yet, Cal. I wasn’t able to review the information from yesterday to draw any conclusions yet, but I should have something for you by end of day,” I state.
I’m met with silence. It makes my blood itch.
“See that you do,” Cal finally says before ending the call.
I close the door to my office and lightly pound my head against it.
What are you doing, Liam? Why are you letting yourself get distracted by a woman you’re never going to see again when this job is done? This job needs to be your focus. Not Madison’s business. Not her piercing eyes, or her shiny hair, or her sharp wit.
“Do your job, Liam,” I say aloud.
And I do.
By the time Beau pokes his head into my office to say he’s leaving for the day, I’m shaking my head at my laptop in utter dismay.
“Everything okay, Mr. Park?” Beau asks.
I bark a laugh. “Uh, no, everything is not okay.”
