Like I mean nothing to him.
I tell myself this is what I wanted. Space to focus on the job, on impressing Ms. Chen, on winning this account without the distraction of whatever twisted thing exists between him and me.
But the relief I expected never comes. Instead, there's this hollow ache in my chest that grows stronger every day. I catch myself watching him during training sessions, waiting for him to single me out, to challenge me, to pay attention to me at all. Instead, he looks right through me like I'm invisible.
It shouldn't bother me. It does anyway.
"You seem distracted," Brett says, sliding up beside me as we finish setting up camp after another day of trail maintenance. He's been circling like a vulture all week, waiting for me to slip up.
"Just focused," I reply, checking my knots one more time.
"Right." Brett's smirk is particularly annoying today. "Well, focus on this. Ms. Chen wants to have dinner with both of us tonight. She's got some ideas she wants to run by us."
My stomach drops. A dinner meeting means I need to be on my A-game. It also means spending more time with Brett, who's been increasingly smug as the week has progressed. He thinks Jagger's coldness toward me is a sign that I'm losing ground with the client.
Maybe he's right.
"Where?" I ask, already mentally cataloging what I packed that could pass for dinner-appropriate.
"The main lodge. Seven o'clock. Try to look professional." He gives me a once-over that makes my skin crawl. "Though I'm sure whatever you wear will be... adequate."
I want to punch him. Instead, I smile sweetly. "I'll do my best to keep up with your high standards."
He walks away looking pleased with himself, and I resist the urge to throw my water bottle at his head.
By seven o'clock,I've managed to pull together something that doesn't scream "I've been living in the woods for a week." Black slacks, a cream blouse, minimal makeup. Professional but not trying too hard. I walk into the lodge's small dining room feeling reasonably confident.
That confidence evaporates the moment I see who's sitting at the table.
Ms. Chen is there, of course, looking polished in a way that makes me feel underdressed despite my efforts. Brett is already schmoozing, leaning in with that fake-intimate body language he uses when he's trying to close a deal.
And across from them, looking like he'd rather be literally anywhere else, is Jagger.
He's traded his ranger uniform for dark jeans and a button-down shirt that does absolutely nothing to hide the way his shoulders fill out the fabric. His hair is still damp from a shower, and when he looks up at me, I nearly pass out.
"Delaney!" Ms. Chen waves me over with genuine warmth. "Perfect timing. I was just telling Jagger how impressed I've been with both you and Brett this week."
I force a smile and take the empty chair, which, of course, puts me directly across from Jagger. "Thank you. This has been an incredible experience."
"I invited Jagger to join us because I've been thinking about expanding Trailbound's partnership," Ms. Chen continues, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "There's so much potential for actual conservation work, educational programs, direct support for national forests like this one."
Brett jumps in immediately. "That's exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach that sets great brands apart. The marketing opportunities alone are incredible. Cause-related marketing is huge right now. Consumers want to feel like their dollars are making a difference. Very strategic positioning that could really drive sales."
"Marketing opportunities?" Jagger's voice breaks through Brett's spiel. "Is that what you think conservation is about?"
Brett's smile falters slightly. "Well, no, of course not. But from a brand perspective…"
"From a brand perspective, you're looking at ways to exploit environmental concerns to sell more products." Jagger leans back in his chair, arms crossed. "Let me guess, every purchase plants a tree? Buy a jacket, save a forest?"
The temperature in the room drops about ten degrees. Brett's face flushes red as he scrambles for a comeback.
This is my moment. My chance to step up and show what Morrison & Associates can really do.
"Actually, I think there's a much more meaningful approach we could take,” I say.
Everyone turns to look at me. Including Jagger, whose expression shifts from polite disinterest to curiosity.
I pull out my phone and open the notes app where I've been jotting down ideas all week. "National forests and parks are facing a funding crisis. They're operating on a budget that hasn't kept pace with increased visitation or maintenance needs. Meanwhile, outdoor recreation contributes over 887 billion dollars annually to the U.S. economy."