Page 45 of The Christmas Holiday
I tucked the cushion back onto my lap, leaned over and began to view the photographs.
‘They’re incredible, Hunter. Olivia and Sandeep are going to be so thrilled! As is Jeremy. Between you and me, he’s over the moon to have you working on something for him.’
‘Thanks. I’m happy to be doing it. Jeremy is a good guy. You can’t say that about everyone in his position. Especially in thisbusiness. But I knew his reputation and I liked him when I met him too, so it’s all good.’
Hunter closed the laptop and reached for the drink again. His hand had stilled now and he seemed less tense than he had earlier. I took a sip of my own drink as I decided on something.
‘Hunter? What is it you’re not telling me?’
He let out a sigh. ‘I agreed to come in here on the basis that yousaid you weren’t going to ask again tonight.’
‘I know. I did say that, you’re right. But I’m worried.’
‘Mia. It’s nothing. And it’s certainly nothing that’s going to put your precious big chance at risk, so you can stop worrying.’
I slammed my glass down on the table.
‘That’s what you think I’m worried about? The job?’
‘Isn’t it? You certainly made a big enough song and danceabout me trying to get you bumped off it in the first place.’
‘No, it’s not. And of course I did! You would have done exactly the same thing, and you know it. But they’re two different things. I’m worried about you, not the damn job!’
‘Well, stop.’
‘How can I? Something’s clearly going on with you and I want to help. If I can.’
Hunter was already halfway across the room. ‘Mia.There is nothing going on and, just to remind you, we broke up five years ago this Christmas. Even if there was something, it’s no longer your concern or responsibility, so just let it go, will you?’
‘Just because we broke up doesn’t mean I don’t care about you any more!’
He pulled the door open, not turning. ‘Get some sleep.’
The door clicked closed in the sudden silence, broken onlyoccasionally by the soft hum of the air conditioning. A moment later the door next to mine shut too. I sat heavily on the edge of the bed, wondering if I should have just let it go as he said. My mind projected images of the look in his eyes when the fireworks had started, his strong, solid body rammed up hard against the wall, as though trying to make himself a part of it, the pain and confusionon his face. I knew I couldn’t just let that go. I’d had to at least try to get him to talk to me, to open up about whatever it was that tormented him. But I’d underestimated the gap Hunter now saw between us. In his eyes, because I’d been the one with whom he’d once shared everything, I was now the one with whom he’d share nothing at all.
