Page 122 of Here & There

Clientzilla’s right, Ihavechanged. Mac’s changed me. Or more like Mac’s helped me find the me that had gotten clouded over. I was always the unserious one, but I grew serious to fulfill my parents’ desires. I did what I thought I had to do. But under the seriousness of Mac, I found my silliness again. I found my ability to not hold back. To run my business with love. To love myself.

To love…

I don’t realize I’ve drifted into thought until Clientzilla stands up.

“Oh,” I say, untwisting my fingers from each other. “I’m sorry?—”

“There’s no need.”

“No, I apologize for not being focused.”

“Ms. Jones. We finished this meeting twenty minutes ago. I’ve just been dithering. But I have all the information I need, and I’m confident the launch event will be a success. Now go deal with whatever the hell is occupying that head of yours.”

To my shock, I feel a pinch at the back of my nose, like I’m going to tear up. But I lift my chin and offer Clientzilla a smile.

“See you soon,” I say.

She waves her hand dismissively, already clopping down the hall in her heels.

The moment she’s gone, Deanie rushes into the boardroom, cringing. “Well? Did I lose us our biggest client?”

“What? No! She loves us.”

Relief rushes over her face. “She loves you, Bryony.”

“She loves you too. She complimented us both. As a team. Sort of.”

Deanie laughs. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.” I say it in Clientzilla’s stern voice. Then we’re both laughing so hard we have to hold our stomachs.

When we finally calm down, I clear my throat and say, “Deanie, speaking of killing it, I’ve been wanting to talk to you.”

Deanie’s smile instantly drops. “Oh no.”

“It’s a good thing,” I assure her.

She frowns. “Is it really? For me too?”

I’m confused. “Yes.”

Deanie smiles hesitantly. “Okay, shoot.”

I smile, excitement bubbling. “I’d like to offer you a promotion.”

Deanie frowns. “To what position?”

“Chief executive officer.”

Her shoulders sink. “No.”

“What?” My excitement vanishes.

“You’re quitting, moving to the seaside to be with your handsome boyfriend. Did he ask you to marry him or something?”

I’m so stunned I can only sputter. “What? No, I’m not quitting.”

“You’re not?” She looks at me skeptically. “Why? You’re crazy about each other.”

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