My Secret From Vermont Ch. 03

The next day was Tuesday, and back to the grind. Whereas the day before had seemed to go by alarmingly fast, absorbed as I was in my own private worries, today seemed to move at a sluggish pace. I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair as I looked in dismay at the inbox full of e-mails that still needed to be answered. All for Austin, who delegated them to us because she didn't have time. Sometimes being a junior editor really sucked. But it was what paid the bills. It was only temporary, I reassured myself. One day I'd finally get the promotion to senior editor and I'd have my own private office. Maybe then I'd finally be able to work more on publishing my own work. After all, I'd gotten into publishing because this was where the magic happened.

I took my glasses off and massaged the bridge of my nose before subjecting myself to writing another response to another hopeful query e-mail, kindly reminding them yet again that no, there was still no more to be reported on the status of their manuscript, when I heard a faint knock on the wall of my cubicle.

I put my glasses back on and turned around quickly. Though I recognized my office neighbor and had bumped into him more than once by the water fountain, I didn't really know him from Adam and I was ashamed to say I couldn't remember his name either. Was it Sam, Scott? I filtered all the possibilities through my mind hurriedly. I'd hoped he'd tell me and spare me the awkwardness.

"Heya, Sadie, sorry to interrupt." He said. "I just wanted to ask you what we're going to be doing for the May reception party?"

I blinked stupidly. Reception party? Why didn't I remember anything about a reception party?

Seeing my confusion, he clarified. "The reception party that Austin wanted to hold in honor of the release of Nina King's new book She Walks the Walk? You and I and some of the other junior staff members are on the planning committee? Remember?"

A moment of panic surged through me as realization dawned. I had been so embroiled in my own shit that I had completely forgotten that I was expected to help with that.

"Oh crap, I'm so sorry." I said. "The reception party, of course. What do we need to do?"

"Well for starters, we need an idea for a theme. Austin wanted us to start pitching ideas."

I froze. Creativity was usually my strong suit, but when it came to parties, social engagements, I was at a loss.

Seeing my nervous expression, he took pity on me. His face softened. "Well, think about it a bit. Shoot me an e-mail if you come up with something. We really need to prioritize getting a venue though. Things tend to book up quickly this time of year." He handed her a piece of paper. "Here's my e-mail. I put Sharon's on there too."

I sighed with relief when I saw he'd put his name beside his address: Sean.

"Of course!" I said. "Here, take mine too." I scribbled it on a post it and handed it to him.

He smiled as I handed it to him and I detected what I thought was a flicker of nervousness when his hand brushed against mine.

"Thanks for this, we should be in good shape if we can at least scope out a locale by Friday."

"Of course, no problem. I'll be sure to give this my priority," I said, more confidently than I felt.

"Thanks, Sadie, you're the best," he said grinning. He waved once and then returned to his desk.

I buried my face in my hands. What had I gotten myself into?

***

Later that night, while I was online scoping out locations for the party, I heard my phone buzz. Putting down the bowl of ice cream I was balancing on my knee on the table, I picked it up and flicked it open. It was a message from Cara! I was glad I had already put the bowl down because if I hadn't I would have probably dropped it in surprise.

Hey Sadie! Sorry to bother you, just wanted to check in and see if we were still on for Saturday? No pressure or anything. -Cara

I stared at the scream and the blinking cursor. I hadn't expected her to text first, I hadn't expected her to text at all. What should I say?

I hesitated. And then typed a response.

Hi Cara! Thanks for reaching out. I'm sorry I haven't I've been really busy lately. I'd love to come. I'll be there. What time? -Sadie

I hit send before I could overthink it.

It wasn't more than five seconds before I saw the familiar three grey dots to show Cara was already writing a response.

Hey Sadie, that sounds awesome. Would around eleven work for you? Do you want me to pick you up or meet you there? -Cara

She was offering to pick me up! She hadn't mentioned anything about that during our first meeting. Should I let her? After all, I barely knew her, was it really a good idea to be getting in the car of a woman I'd met only once? And yet, Cara seemed anything but dangerous. And the idea of having some extra alone time with her was a temptation I didn't think I could resist.

Recklessly I texted back,

Sure.

Great sounds good to me! I'll swing by your place at around ten thirty? What's your address? -Cara