Page 1 of Mine Forever
ONE
eden
Ever havea day where the feeling of foreboding is so strong that going back to bed, pulling the covers over your head, and turning onThe Golden Girlsis the only sane option?
Yeah, me too.
Today’s that day.
First, I oversleep, something I never do.
Then, the zipper on my favorite pencil skirt breaks.
Followed by dropping the mascara wand on my white blouse.
Next obstacle—the second elevator in my well-placed apartment building in Lennox Hill is on the fritz, which means it takes me twice as long to get out of the building.
My local barista can’t do me wrong, right?
Wrong.
I pick up my venti vanilla latte with three espresso shots, only to find on the train ride to my small but well-placed office in Midtown Manhattan that it’s a chai tea.
I hate chai tea.
The twitch camped out between my shoulder blades since I woke up doesn’t let up as I walk through the door of my office.
“Eden, Mason Jackstone’s agent’s on the phone.”
Katie, my assistant, pokes her head into my minimally decorated office with a deep frown on her face that makes my stomach turn.
“Thanks.” I plaster a smile on my face to hide the nerves in my voice as I pick up the phone. “Barb, how are you today?”
The sigh from the other end is heavy, and that twitch shifts into full throttle. “Eden, I’m sure you’ve seen the news.”
I roll my shoulders. “Um, no. It’s been a busy morning.”
Another heavy sigh. “Mason had an accident on his motorcycle. He’s going to be in the hospital for at least a week, maybe longer if he needs another surgery. Obviously, he’s unable to speak at the charity ball.”
And there it is.
Fuck my life.
The bad feeling I’d fought all morning has come to fruition.
“Oh my God! Is there anything I can do?”
“I don’t think so. He has a mild concussion and some bad road rash. The biggest thing is his leg and arm. In the long run, he’ll be okay. But it’s going to take some time.” Barb pauses. “I’m so sorry, Eden. I know this is last minute.”
“I’m just glad Mason is okay. Don’t worry about me. I’ll find a replacement.” I inject enthusiasm I don’t feel into the words.
Iamhappy he’s alive—I’m not a monster.
After a few moments, Barb and I say our goodbyes, and I lean back in my gently used office chair, trying not to have a complete meltdown.
Mason Jackstone istheit guy right now in the world of sports. And the trio of New York football players turned real estate billionaires that hired my company, Perfection Planning, to manage their event are all extreme sports junkies.
Mason was the perfect fit for them.
