Page 71 of A Country Kind Of Love
She stands up and swipes at her cheeks. “You’re right.”
“I know.”
“Who knew you could give solid advice?”
“Technically, I still had to refer to your mom for help.” He smiles softly.
“You didgood, Dad.”
The noise from the lounge increases in volume. It’s time to enjoy her surprise birthday party, but she knows what she hasto do next.
If she has any chance of getting Cleo back, she needs to speakwith Shonda.
?
After adjusting to her hangover on Saturday morning Peyton spent the rest of the weekend showing her dad what Nashville has to offer, but the whole time her mind was elsewhere. One phone call to the label on Saturday morning was all it took for Shonda to set up an appointment for Monday afternoon.
Peyton fidgets.
The chairs might as well be covered in plastic; they’re that uncomfortable. Mandy barely looks her way. Maybe she’s less hostile once people sign to the label. After an excruciating thirty-minute wait, Peyton is escorted in the elevator and up to the third floor once again. The last time she took a ride in the elevator it was a little different, more heated, less awkward. Shonda’s assistant stands beside her rigid and expressionless.
Peyton pulls at the collar of her knitted jumper.Is it hot in here?She pictures Cleo. The smirk on her face is etched on her brain forever. The hairs on Peyton’s body stand on end as she remembers the way Cleo’s skin felt on hers.
Jesus, I can’t breathe.
The elevator opens before her throat closes in on her. The thought of bumping into Cleo has occurred to her at least a thousand times on her way over. She feels her heart drop in her chest every time someone with short brown hair passes by. Peyton’s head ison a swivel.
Please don’t be here.
It’s a coward’s move to hope that Cleo wouldn’t be there, but it’s not the right environment for a second domestic. Peyton was still embarrassed by their argument the last time. She needs Shonda to think they’re capable of working together for her planto pay off.
The conference room that was unoccupied last time is now in use. The glass doors are open; there are papers scattered across the table in an organised fashion. Shonda stands as Peyton approaches. She wears a grey striped power suit with a pair of designer trainers.
“Nice to see you again, Peyton.” She extends her hand. The ring on her index finger probably costs more than Peyton’s parents’ house. The diamond is so bright she can’t look atit directly.
“Thank you so much.” She nods towards the intrusive diamond. “Your ring isbeautiful.”
“Family heirloom,”Shonda says.
You must have a rich family, Peyton thinks.
“Please, take a seat.”
“I just want to say I am so sorry about how things went the last timeI was here.”
“There is nothing wrong with a little drama. I can sell drama.” Shonda pours a glass of water. “Water? Or I can get you something a little stronger if you’d prefer?”
“No, water is great,thank you.”
Shonda sits back. Her assistant hovers in the corner waiting for instruction. The aura Shonda exudes demands attention. Peyton feels intimidated; she can’t imagine Shonda not getting what she wants.
“So... what do you want, Peyton?”
“Sorry?” She shifts nervouslyin her seat.
“You came here for a reason. You must have an end goal. When you walk out of here today what do you want to have achieved?”
Does she ask everyone this question?
