Page 42 of Happily Ever Laughter

“You are important. So everything that makes you even the slightest bit upset is important to me. Please, sweetheart. What is it?”

I hate that she doesn’t feel comfortable enough to tell me. I want her to be able to tell me anything and everything. For us to have that absolute closeness that I know we’re right on the edge of.

“Everyone loved the show,” I say softly, trying to change angles. “I have some great feedback from the clients, and the head of MicroCity TV absolutely adores your style. You must be happy about having everyone love your first public art project?”

“How will they know it’s mine if my name isn’t in the credits?” she snaps, then claps her hand over her mouth as if trying to cram the words back inside.

This time I swear I actually feel the gut punch, and my jaw drops open. “Oh, my God.”

Tanis blinks, her tears releasing as she wipes them away quickly. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Baby, yes it does. It totally does. I’m so sorry.”

I instinctively go to grab her elbow, but she pulls away. “Tanis, please. It was all such a rush. I was so focused on getting our clips perfect that I didn’t send the new info for the credits.”

“Doesn’t matter,” she mutters, turning away from me. “It’s too late now.”

“It’s not too late. I’ll have them update it before the show goes to air next week.”

“I was technically just working for your company anyway,” she says bitterly, holding her chin up as if she’s desperately fighting off tears again. “This is what I get for finally trying to put myself out there.”

“Baby,” I murmur, as she snatches her hand away from me again. “Everyone loved it. The producer, the station director, the comedians – they all know it was you. I’ll send an email to everyone with your contact info, and maybe you can get more gigs–”

“No. Please. Just…drop it. It’s probably not a good idea for us to work together and date anyway.”

“I disagree. I think we’re fabulous together. I know you’re scared, baby–”

“Don’t tell me how I feel,” she snaps. Her eyes grow huge with a gasp of shock. Then she shakes her head. “I have a meeting. Let me get back to my real work. And – maybe don’t contact me for a few days. I need some space to sort things out.”

“Whatever you want, but Tanis–”

“Just leave me alone,” she says sadly, wiping away a tear before turning on her heel and walking at top speed back into the office.

Although I want to start making the damage control phone calls immediately, I wait until I get back into my studio to contact Gretchen. She’s just as mortified as I am that the video and animation credit was missed.

I email the editors, who say there is plenty of time to add it, since the actual file isn’t being shipped until Friday morning.

Once I’ve done absolutely everything I can to fix this colossal mess, I sit back and stare at the laptop in disbelief. I don’t make mistakes like that. I have a checklist and a routine. Always.

Maybe I’d been so electrified by Tanis in my space, the feeling of her so close beside me, that it had thrown off my usual processes.

How many years have I been in this industry without making a major error? I was certainly due for one. Everyone makes them. But why did it have to be with Tanis, of all people?

I didn’t expect her to think I was perfect. But hopefully perfect for her. I’ve never felt this utterly ashamed in my entire life.

After grabbing another coffee, I make an itemized list of the day’s projects, wondering how I’m going to get through everything.

How can I write upbeat “going to commercial” music when it feels like I’ve stabbed myself in the heart, and my girl doesn’t want to speak to me?

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

~ Tanis ~

After an afternoon of trudging through each minute feeling like I was wearing a knapsack full of concrete, Henry’s confused grin almost makes me smile.

“I missed you ladies last night,” he chuckles, then his expression changes when I don’t laugh in return. “Let me guess,” he says softly, “meeting Diana?”

I turn around to see her standing behind me. To my surprise, she grabs me in a hug. “I know the first few weeks are touch and go, and really strange,” she says gently.

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