Page 7 of With a Broken Wing
“He totally is.” From the couch cushion next to me, Katie grabbed my arm, the laughter rolling out of her bringing a smile to my face. She was the most genuine person I knew, and I’d always envied the way she could make anyone smile.
“Then no, I’m not still listening.”
“Andy, be reasonable.” My brother crossed his arms and cocked his head. It was his usual power pose, the one he used when he wanted me to agree with him. Most of the time it worked, but after half a bottle of wine, he couldn’t convince me the same way. “You don’t even know the man.”
“Oh Jesus H., Auston. He’s my best friend’s brother-in-law. What could possibly go wrong? I’m going to go make a lot of money and take free flights around the country for a few months. Are you going to water my plants for me or not?”
He looked defeated, but there was a glimmer of pride behind the disappointment in his eyes. He wasn’t used to me telling him no. “Yes, I’m obviously watering your damn plants for you.”
I laughed until my stomach hurt, pausing only to take a gulp of wine and a deep breath before breaking into a fresh fit of giggles. “That’s what I thought.” He scowled at me until I winked and threw the white pillow from the back of the couch at him.
Katie smirked and crossed her legs. “Wow, Auston. Are you this whipped with all women, or just your sister?”
He glared at her, but before he could spit out some clever comment, I stood up. “Don’t you two even start. You are going to have to get along while I’m gone!”
“We won’t have to get along because we won’t see each other if you’re not here to force us into it.” Auston glared over his half-empty glass at Katie on the couch, and she smirked, shrugging.
“He’s right. I’ll miss you, but I’m really looking forward to a whole Auston-free summer!”
I rolled my eyes and swallowed the last gulp of my wine, sitting back and watching my best friend and brother bicker. They were both stubborn, so it wasn’t unusual for them to end up arguing any time we were all together. I’d always been willing to bet they’d become friends at some point, but they’d known each other for years and it had never happened. Jules and Auston got along fine, but something told me he and Katie never would.
The room settled around me, foggy from the wine-driven haze. In a few days, I wouldn’t spend so many drunken days in my apartment. Butterflies fluttered through my stomach. Would I be able to handle working for Demetri Carlisle?
I’d survived worse than that.
I’d never beenone to enjoy flying, no matter how many trips I’d booked. Heights have just never been my favorite, but I could handle them on a plane if I didn’t think about the fact we were 36,000 feet in the air. I was too scared to jump off the highest diving board at the local pool, and it was only fourteen feet above the water.36,000?!
I ate a bag of pretzels and drank a tequila shooter and a can of Sprite. The rest of the time, I read my book. Landing was rough, though, and I don’t think the woman in the seat next to me appreciated it when I gasped and gripped her arm. It wasn’t my fault I was sure we were crashing and dying, and who wants to die alone?
It would all be something I’d get used to very quickly by the sounds of it. Demetri mentioned there would be a lot of travel, so I’d have to learn to enjoy more than just booking it. The crowd gathering as the plane came to a stop, however, would be a different story. It was a far cry to think I’d get used to everyone anxiously pulling their bags from the overhead bins even though the line wasn’t going to move anywhere, and then standing there, awkwardly breathing all over each other until it was their turn to get off the plane.
When it was my turn, I lugged my bag from the bin and made my way off, stepping into the madness of Chicago O’Hare. People shuffled around me, all dancing to the same tune of impatience and grunts. I took a deep breath and walked towards the escalators, dragging my wheeled suitcase behind me. I stopped when a man with a dark suit and a glare met my gaze. He held a sign in front of him.Ms. Johannson.
“Are you here for Andy?”
“Is your last name Johannson?” He cocked his head and raised an eyebrow like I’d asked him a stupid question.
“Y-yes.”
“Then I think you probably answered your own question, hmm? Mr. Carlisle sent me. Let’s go.” Without waiting, he grabbed the bag from my hand and took off towards the door.
Demetri had told me in his text that he’d send a car for me, but for some reason I’d pictured some middle-aged woman driving an Uber. What was this man’s story, and why had Demetri sent him to pick me up? He certainly wasn’t the most enthusiastic welcoming committee.
In front of the airport, the man threw my bag into the trunk of a Mercedes town car before opening the back door for me. I nodded and climbed in, surprised by the chivalry from the man who’d glared at me and judged me moments before.
“Do you need to stop anywhere before I take you to the office?” he asked, climbing into the driver’s seat and closing his door in a swift movement. When I shook my head, he started the car and pulled away from the curb.
I rode in silence, watching as the tall buildings flew by the window. Small beads of sweat formed on the palms of my hands, and I brushed them on the sides of my purple skirt. The fabric was dark enough that I didn’t leave any evidence of my nerves, and I tugged at the mustard yellow top I wore with it. It was my favorite outfit, but I didn’t feel as confident in it today as I normally would. Butterflies stirred in my stomach, and I wished for a second shot of tequila before I had to face my new reality.
Dominic, as he’d said his name was, told me he’d take my things to the hotel I was staying at. Jules said I could stay with her, but I knew she and William would rather not have a long-term houseguest. I don’t know any newlyweds who would, but I also didn’t want to have to listen to them. I was happy for her, but the amount ofin loveshe was could be unsettling.
I took another deep, measured breath and pulled at the bottom of my skirt. The yellow heels I wore clicked along the tiles as I made my way through the front doors. It was a beautiful building towering over the city streets, and the windows sparkled under the sun. As I approached the front desk, I straightened my blouse while my hands shook.
“You must be Andrea?” The woman was chipper with an infectious smile; it was obvious why she was a receptionist. Her blonde hair fell in long curls over her shoulder, and the tight black dress she wore didn’t leave as much to the imagination as you’d expect in an office like this.
“Andy, please.”
“I’m Hannah. Lovely to meet you, sweets. Mr. Carlisle and the team are waiting for you. This way, now.”
