Page 133 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
“It’s stressful leaving. I hate being away, if I’m being honest. But it’s also good for my kids to see that I have a career that I’ve worked hard at, and I just keep my trips short now.” She cut into her steak and popped it in her mouth.
“I like the sound of that.”
Laney and Daisy rejoined the conversation, and we laughed and talked for another hour over dessert and glasses of wine.
We finally said our goodbyes, since we were all exhausted and ready to head up to our rooms. I was grateful that we’d had dinner in the hotel restaurant, because I had to be up early in the morning to get to the airport, as we were headed to Denver tomorrow.
I hugged Ashlan extra tight, and we exchanged numbers and agreed to talk soon. She’d told me all about writing sprints, and I was looking forward to texting once I was home so we could sprint together.
Once Laney and I stepped off the elevator on our floor, she walked beside me.
“So, your numbers are off the charts with this release, Winnie,” she said. “Everyone is thrilled. They want to set up some meet and greets next month, if you’re open to it.”
“That’s amazing,” I said as I processed her words.
“Yes,” she gushed. “This is just incredible. I’m so thrilled for you. So we’ll get you those dates in the next couple days so you can get them on the calendar.”
“Sounds good. I just have to be home for Melody’s birthday. I promised her I’d be there, and we have a big party planned.”
She nodded. “Okay, well, I’ll find out the dates and we can work around it. But I’d plan on being very busy over the next few months. You’re a hot commodity right now.” She winked.
“Thank you,” I said.
“I’m proud of you, Winnie. You’re adjusting to all of this so well.”
Maybe on the outside, but on the inside, I wasn’t.
“Thank you so much. Good night, Laney. I’ll see you bright and early.”
“Yes. We’ll grab a bite at the airport.”
“Sounds good.”
I pushed open my door just as she yelled back: “Sleep well. Love ya.”
For fuck’s sake. She’d tossed it out there pretty casually.
I’d really botched my first “I love you.”
My phone rang as soon as I stepped in the room.
Archer.
I swear the man could read my mind. He always knew when I was struggling.
“Hey,” I said, kicking off my shoes. I walked toward the bathroom and turned on the water to the bathtub. I needed to soak my feet, which were sore from wearing heeled boots all day.
“Hey, beautiful. How did it go today?”
I blew out a breath. “It was incredible. Did you know that Ashlan Thomas knows Beefcake?”
I spent the next few minutes telling him all about the connection, and he listened and laughed. I turned off the tub and slipped into the hot water.
“So she’s related to Gracie Reynolds. I’ve been hearing about this little girl ever since I met Cutler. Hell, even Melody talks about her as if she knows her.”
“Such a small world, right?”
“Yeah, it is.”
