other, but I have to concentrate on driving to the motel first. Rolling down my window, I let the afternoon breeze calm and distract me from the man behind me.
A minute passes before I hear my cell phone beep, alerting me to a missed email. Every time my phone makes a sound, I’m reminded that Graham still hasn’t called.
Wherever he is and whatever he’s doing, I hope he’s having fun. As pissed as I am that he left in the first place, I hope it’s worth it to him. If anything, I guess I’m hopeful he comes back feeling rejuvenated and more human than he was when he left.
As I pull into my parking spot at the motel, my phone rings. Accepting the call, I nestle it between my ear and my shoulder so I’m able to grab my things and lock up while answering.
“Hey, Piper!”
“Dani! How’s Louisiana treating you? Is the assignment going well?”
Piper Grey isn’t one to beat around the bush.
“Well, that depends. Are you asking as my friend or my boss?”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean? Spill it, Sheridan.”
I get inside my room, place my things down on the small table, and plop myself on the bed, trying to decide which way to answer. Ultimately, I can’t lie to Piper, so I tell her everything.
“Answering as an employee, things are wonderful. The plantation is gorgeous, the town is quaint and adorable, and the Landrys are the epitome of southern hospitality.”
“That’s great. Now, tell me the rest.”
I let out a deep, exhausted breath. “I don’t know. I guess I feel like I’m struggling to stay professional,” I hedge, letting the last part linger like a question.
Piper laughs lightly into the phone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I growl, feeling frustrated with myself and for Micah for being so damn attractive, but I don’t want to say any of what I’m feeling out loud. I shouldn’t have even brought it up.
“Sheridan Reed, are you fooling around with one or more of the Landrys?” I can’t tell whether Piper is excited or just shocked at the idea of me being so promiscuous.
“Of course not! It’s just that the entire family is so nice and welcoming . . . showing me around, feeding me, taking me to church—I’m having a hard time saying no to them. They hardly know me, yet they treat me like . . . like I’m family or something.”
“Do you think they might be trying to bribe you so you’ll write a flattering article?” It’s a legitimate question, but it still makes me bristle.
“No. Definitely not. I’m pretty sure they’re like this with everyone.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“The problem is I find myself forgetting I’m supposed to be working instead of filling up on delicious food and belly-busting laughter,” I pause, thinking I sound ridiculous, but needing to get this off my chest. She sent me here for a job, not a vacation. “I think I’m having too much fun.”
I fully expect Piper to make fun of me with that last statement, so I’m surprised when her tone turns more sympathetic than anything.
“Dani, there’s nothing wrong with having fun on an assignment, as long as you can remain impartial with your work. It’s no wonder you’re so drawn to them. It sounds like they’re a wonderful family . . . something you’ve been missing out on for a long time.” Although her tone is gentle, Piper’s words feel like a punch in the gut. I know she doesn’t mean to hurt me, but the truth in her words causes my eyes to fill with tears.
“Yeah, that makes perfect sense, Pipe. Thanks.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I wipe away the few tears trickling down my cheeks and swallow the lump in my throat. “I think I’m just tired. Thanks for the chat, Piper. I’ll email you what I have after I go through the pictures I’ve taken so far.”
“Okay, but you’d better call or text me if it gets too overwhelming for you. And I’m speaking as your best friend who just happens to be your boss right now, got
A minute passes before I hear my cell phone beep, alerting me to a missed email. Every time my phone makes a sound, I’m reminded that Graham still hasn’t called.
Wherever he is and whatever he’s doing, I hope he’s having fun. As pissed as I am that he left in the first place, I hope it’s worth it to him. If anything, I guess I’m hopeful he comes back feeling rejuvenated and more human than he was when he left.
As I pull into my parking spot at the motel, my phone rings. Accepting the call, I nestle it between my ear and my shoulder so I’m able to grab my things and lock up while answering.
“Hey, Piper!”
“Dani! How’s Louisiana treating you? Is the assignment going well?”
Piper Grey isn’t one to beat around the bush.
“Well, that depends. Are you asking as my friend or my boss?”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean? Spill it, Sheridan.”
I get inside my room, place my things down on the small table, and plop myself on the bed, trying to decide which way to answer. Ultimately, I can’t lie to Piper, so I tell her everything.
“Answering as an employee, things are wonderful. The plantation is gorgeous, the town is quaint and adorable, and the Landrys are the epitome of southern hospitality.”
“That’s great. Now, tell me the rest.”
I let out a deep, exhausted breath. “I don’t know. I guess I feel like I’m struggling to stay professional,” I hedge, letting the last part linger like a question.
Piper laughs lightly into the phone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I growl, feeling frustrated with myself and for Micah for being so damn attractive, but I don’t want to say any of what I’m feeling out loud. I shouldn’t have even brought it up.
“Sheridan Reed, are you fooling around with one or more of the Landrys?” I can’t tell whether Piper is excited or just shocked at the idea of me being so promiscuous.
“Of course not! It’s just that the entire family is so nice and welcoming . . . showing me around, feeding me, taking me to church—I’m having a hard time saying no to them. They hardly know me, yet they treat me like . . . like I’m family or something.”
“Do you think they might be trying to bribe you so you’ll write a flattering article?” It’s a legitimate question, but it still makes me bristle.
“No. Definitely not. I’m pretty sure they’re like this with everyone.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“The problem is I find myself forgetting I’m supposed to be working instead of filling up on delicious food and belly-busting laughter,” I pause, thinking I sound ridiculous, but needing to get this off my chest. She sent me here for a job, not a vacation. “I think I’m having too much fun.”
I fully expect Piper to make fun of me with that last statement, so I’m surprised when her tone turns more sympathetic than anything.
“Dani, there’s nothing wrong with having fun on an assignment, as long as you can remain impartial with your work. It’s no wonder you’re so drawn to them. It sounds like they’re a wonderful family . . . something you’ve been missing out on for a long time.” Although her tone is gentle, Piper’s words feel like a punch in the gut. I know she doesn’t mean to hurt me, but the truth in her words causes my eyes to fill with tears.
“Yeah, that makes perfect sense, Pipe. Thanks.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I wipe away the few tears trickling down my cheeks and swallow the lump in my throat. “I think I’m just tired. Thanks for the chat, Piper. I’ll email you what I have after I go through the pictures I’ve taken so far.”
“Okay, but you’d better call or text me if it gets too overwhelming for you. And I’m speaking as your best friend who just happens to be your boss right now, got
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