Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 94279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 377(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 377(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“Take more time, if you need it. Tell Camille I need you here to work on something. You need to get your head screwed on straight before you get on a plane.”
“She won’t believe me. She’ll know something is off.”
Two years ago, I’d plucked Andrew from the blue-chip law firm he’d worked at for ninety hours a week since graduating law school. I’d promised him a better salary and half the hours, though lately he’d been putting in a lot of time because of the expansion team. Camille wouldn’t think twice if he said something came up. And my levelheaded best friend knew that. He was just having a meltdown.
Andrew rubbed his temples. “I majorly fucked up. I don’t know what to do. I wish I could turn back time.”
“Well, I think the first thing you should do is get some freaking sleep. You can’t think straight when you’re exhausted. Did you sleep at all last night?”
He shook his head. “How could I?”
“That’s what I thought. So first things first, go home and sleep. Everything will feel a little clearer once you’re not so wired. If you do decide to tell her, this is a conversation you two should have in person, not over the phone or on a Zoom. I’m flying to New York tomorrow morning. If you want, join me. We’ll sit together after you’ve had a decent night of rest and talk it out. Then you’ll go see Camille in person.”
Andrew blew out a deep breath. “Okay.”
I lifted my chin, gesturing to my office door. “Now, go home. Knock back two fingers of that shitty-tasting scotch you drink and pass out. If you decide to fly back with me, tell Margot to change your flight arrangements. I’d say I would stay to be here for you, but I have meetings in New York I can’t miss and then another wedding. But I’m only a phone call away twenty-four/seven if you decide to stay in London for a few more days and want to talk.”
Andrew nodded and stood. “Thanks, man.”
* * *
A few hours later, my admin came in with her notepad. “Andrew is all set. I told him to meet you at the British Airways lounge in the morning. It shouldn’t be too far from your gate.”
“He called already?”
“About a half hour ago.”
So much for getting some sleep before making a decision … “Okay, great. Thanks.”
“Also, Arnot Goncalo will meet you at the game on Thursday during halftime. I told him he was welcome to watch from the box, but he said he likes to watch his son play from the stands, since it’s closest to the field.”
“Great. Thanks.”
Margot checked something off her notepad and kept going. “Your tux has been cleaned for the wedding. I had the St. Regis concierge team pick it up, so they’ll deliver it to your room once you check in. There’s an email in your inbox that has all of your meeting times and the telephone number for the car service that will be picking you up. Dinner reservations are all made. I wasn’t sure if Andrew was going to be joining you at any of the meetings now that he’s going to New York as well, so just let me know if you need the number of people adjusted for anything.”
I shook my head. “I should be good. Andrew has other stuff to deal with while he’s there.”
Margot nodded. “I think that’s it then. Good luck. We’ll all have our fingers crossed, waiting to hear about the vote.”
“Thanks, Margot. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you keeping my ass organized this last year.”
She smiled. “I am pretty fabulous.”
“You are. So take your family out to a nice dinner this weekend and put the bill through as an expense.”
“Your version of nice or my version of nice?”
“Whichever is more expensive. Now go home.”
“Do you want me to print out your calendar?”
“I’ll do it. It’s probably the one thing I’m capable of doing without you.”
She laughed. “Safe flight, boss.”
A few minutes later, I faced the credenza, packing up for the day, when there was a soft knock at the door. I spoke without turning, assuming it was Margot. “You didn’t even believe I was capable of doing one thing, did you?”
“Oh, I know you’re capable of doing lots of things…”
I turned to find Anna Destin standing in my doorway. She flashed her signature man-eater smile, and I couldn’t help but notice the clingy dress she had on. I diverted my eyes back to my leather bag and cleared my throat. “Hey, Anna. How are you?”
“I’m well.” She took a few steps into my office. “Long time, no see. I left you a message earlier today, but didn’t hear back. Thought I’d take a chance and see if you were in before I left.”