Page 8 of Austen, Edited

Chapter 5

“Abby, come in for a minute.” Meg’s voice floated through the open door as Abby made her way out of the workroom.

Leaning against the doorframe, Abby directed her attention to her boss. Her mind buzzed, trying to sort through the tangle of feelings after so long with Greyson next to her. She could still smell the woodsy scent of his cologne.

“Who was that?” Meg gave her a knowing look, and Abby mentally replayed what she could remember from when her boss had walked into the room. Abby hadn’t even been touching Greyson, so she hadn’t acted like the sap she was.

“Greyson Campbell.”

Raising an eyebrow, the corner of Meg’s lips rose in a wry smile. “I gathered that much. Do you two know each other, I mean, longer than just this meeting?”

“He’sthe guy,” Tiffany said, popping her head over Abby’s shoulder.

Abby turned, waving her hand in the air to swat her away. Tiffany was the only human on the planet who knew everything about Abby’s feelings for Greyson, and Abby didn’t want the world hearing about it.

“Yes, he’s a guy. We grew up next door to each other, and we were really good friends until a year and a half ago.”

Abby could hear Tiffany trying to hold her breath since she was still standing so close.

“When he decided to date a brat and leave for grad school with her,” Tiffany finally exploded.

This time, Abby turned enough to look into her eyes. “Really? I told you that in confidence.”

Tiffany’s expression sobered. “I know, Abby, but if there’s anyone to talk to about matters of the heart, it’s Meg. And she already picked up on the vibe between the two of you anyway.”

“Best friend next-door neighbor. It’s like the beginning of a great love story.” Meg’s voice rose at the end, her smile growing wider. She leaned forward, her fingers intertwined.

Abby closed her eyes, wishing this wasn’t happening at all. “It’s not the beginning; it’s the end. He chose her and left.” She pressed her lips together, trying to keep the tears from escaping. It had been so easy to tell herself she was over Greyson after all the months of no contact, but after seeing him again, she knew that any wound she’d been able to close up had now been ripped wide open.

“Is he still dating this br—woman?” Meg asked. As she moved her hands, the large diamond on her left hand caught the light, making Abby blink several times.

“He didn’t say he wasn’t, but I didn’t really ask. Let’s be honest, you two. As much as I’ve dreamed of a romantic future with Greyson, it’s not going to happen. I’m the daughter of deadbeat parents, and he’s the son of a billionaire. His mother might possibly die of embarrassment if we ever officially dated.”

Meg gave her an easy smile. “That’s what we do here, Abby. We make those kinds of dreams come true.”

Taking a step back, Abby waved her pointer finger in front of her. “No, thank you. I’m just here to do a good job so I can get my own place after graduation. There is no room for romance in my schedule.”

“Well, when you’re ready, Tiff and I will be here.” Meg stood and walked around her desk. She wrapped an arm around Abby’s shoulders and another around Tiffany’s, pulling them in. “I’m not from high social standing either, but we love who we love. We’re a family here, and I hope you both feel that most of all.”

Abby’s breath caught, a mound forming in her throat. “Thank you,” she said, her voice husky. Wiping at her eyes, she gently broke away from Meg’s hold and walked to her own office. With the door closed, she sank down with her back against it, silent tears streaming down her face.

She wasn’t quite sure what was making her cry, whether it was seeing Greyson again or Meg’s words about being part of a family. Maybe it was a combination of the two. Greyson had been family, always the one listening to her and encouraging her in the things she wanted to pursue. But he’d changed once Hannah came into the picture, and that comfortable feeling of home disappeared, making her feel like a stranger in her uncle’s home. She and her uncle had always been cordial and he was paying her college tuition, but affection and money didn’t often provide the same sentiment.

Wiping her tears away, she sat at her desk. It was time to dig into the box of notes again. The more she could get her mind off her feelings, the better.

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