Page 19 of Game Change

“Oh, I hope so. I have to board, but when will I see you?”

I tell her the date, which is ten days away.

“I can’t wait,” she whispers.

Chapter 11

Brynne

“Has that old, decrepit boss made your promotion official yet?” Raven asks. I pull my car into my designated parking spot.

Three more days.

“He’s been out of the office and won’t be back until Friday. I haven’t heard from him.”

There’s a nagging feeling in the back of my mind, but Milton has pretty much given me this job. He assured me he wanted me to take his place in the firm's day-to-day running. The first order of business would mean me taking the lead on a major subdivision in North Carolina. He would still handle a few projects, but I’ll run the firm. He’s not only mentored and trained me, but he’s also become somewhat of a father figure to me. The only one I’ve had since my stepfather passed away six years ago.

“Well, I’m sick of him dragging his feet. You need that big ass raise. Brunch will be on you the minute that direct deposit hits.”

She’s right. I do need it. The job comes with a substantial raise, a sign-on, and a sizable quarterly bonus. I’ve exhausted most of my savings buying and renovating a rental property. Now, I’m paying two mortgages, and the sign-on bonus would give me a cushion.

I end the call with Raven, get in the elevator, and go to my fourth-floor condo. I bought this three years ago after saving money by renting a tiny studio apartment in a less-than-stellar part of town.

Just like the past seven days, there’s a bouquet of a dozen roses waiting for me. This one is light pink. I pick it up and bring it inside. “You can be next to your siblings,” I say to the bouquet. I put it between the white and yellow roses and inhale.

Three more days until I can see him again. It’s been years since I’ve had a relationship, and I wasn’t looking for one, but this one found me.

I take a picture of the flowers and send it to him.

Me: I’m running out of room in my condo.

I see the three dots seconds later.

Colin: Three more bouquets and then I can have you in my arms.

Me: How’s the groom?

Colin: Nervous but excited.

Me: Has he punched Malcolm yet?

Colin: Not yet, but Mal’s family is here so he’s on his best behavior. I’ll text later. The rehearsal dinner is starting.

Me: Send me pictures.

Emboldened, I send him a kiss emoji, and he sends a heart back.

“So, Honeybee, I’m stuck in hell,” he says.

I look out the window and at the gray skies. The flurries have just started, but we’re in for a substantial amount. Colin’s flight has been delayed indefinitely, and instead of being in his arms and his bed tonight, I don’t know when it will happen.

“It’s more like paradise,” I say, trying to mask my disappointment.

“Not with you so far away.”

“What’s your flight info? I want to track it.”

“You can’t, baby. It’s a private plane.”

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