Page 1 of Calculated Chaos

Chapter One

HOLLISTER

“Are you seriously staging an intervention right now?”

That’s how the Friday before my birthday began. Me being forced out of my office by Sara, my assistant, my best friend, Axel, there to pick me up, and my living room filled with well-meaning friends and family.

“Intervention is such a harsh word,” my mom says, smiling.

“But an accurate one,” Sara says. “I’ve cleared your calendar through Tuesday morning.”

I cross my arms and huff like a brat while I sit on the couch, cornered by almost everyone who means anything to me.

“And I’ve got the itinerary all planned,” Axel says, winking.

“Oh great. I’ll be in prison or the ER by Tuesday.”

Axel chuckles. “If we do it right, yeah.”

My mom doesn’t even have the decency to look alarmed. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. You need to have some fun, Hollister. We’re worried about you.”

“Definitely worried, kid,” my stepdad, Jameson, says.

I scoff. “Worried? Don’t you guys think you’re being a little overdramatic?”

“No,” they all say at the same time. Even my sweet grams chimes in.

“When I was your age,” she begins, but then screws up her face. “Bad example, but the world is different now. You should be out there dating and having adventures. Not tied to your desk.”

“I have a lot of responsibility. Dad has—”

“Your father is hardly the example you should follow,” my mom says, cutting me off while Grams nods. “He has three failed marriages under his belt, high blood pressure, a borderline drinking problem, and a lot of fractured relationships with family and friends to show for all his hard work. Is that really where you want to be in another twenty years?”

Her words sting, but they’re true. His absence from the room is noticeable. In fact, except for meetings and passing in the hallway, I rarely see the guy. To him, I’m just another employee, despite my efforts to build something with him.

“No,” I answer my mom’s question. “But the audit I’m working on is due in three weeks.”

“And one weekend off isn’t going to affect you,” Axel says. “I heard you’re way ahead of schedule.”

I shoot Sara a look, mouthing “traitor” at her. She smiles sweetly.

“Besides,” Axel says, plopping down beside me. “You only turn forty once. I let you get away with a quiet dinner ten years ago. This year, we’re doing it my way.”

“Your way always leads to chaos.”

Axel smiles, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Good chaos. At least I’m not dragging you to Vegas. Just trust me.”

“Famous last words,” I grumble, but nod, already knowing I’m outnumbered. “Fine. I give in. I’ll spend the weekend not working.”

Axel chuckles. “Oh, you’re doing a lot more than not working. I won’t be sharing details in present company.”

“I appreciate that,” my mom says, standing and laughing. She walks over to me, squeezing my shoulder. “Have some fun, Hollister. Life is long and dull enough as it is. You’re too young to just throw in the towel.”

“Make hay while the sun shines,” Grams says as Jameson helps her up from her chair. “One day you’ll be old and all you’ll have are memories. Remember that every time you turn down free time for the office.”

“Wise words, Grandma Josie,” Axel says, hugging her.

She reaches up to pinch his cheek, and I smile like I do every time I see my tiny, four-foot-ten grandma gushing over my six-foot-two best friend. Axel kisses her forehead and she blushes like a schoolgirl.

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