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Chapters (36)
  1. Cover
  2. Dedication
  3. 1
  4. 2
  5. 3
  6. 4
  7. 5
  8. 6
  9. 7
  10. 8
  11. 9
  12. 10
  13. 11
  14. 12
  15. 13
  16. 14
  17. 15
  18. 16
  19. 17
  20. 18
  21. 19
  22. 20
  23. 21
  24. 22
  25. 23
  26. 24
  27. 25
  28. 26
  29. 27
  30. 28
  31. 29
  32. 30
  33. 31
  34. Author’s Note
  35. Acknowledgments
  36. About the Author

As soon as I click send, I snag my phone and tap on the box next to Task #1. A big black line appears, crossing it out. I inhale deeply through my nose and a sense of calm slowly spreads over me.

At least my end of this task is done. For now. Graeme better hop to it and get my shit posted though, like, yesterday.

My muscles relax as I nestle into the soft cushions and stretch out my legs. Crossing my feet at the ankles on the coffee table, I read tasks #2 and #3 on my list:

Task #2: Make student loan payment.

I make a retching noise in my throat and my shoulders tense automatically. I need to double-check my savings account and monthly budget before I drop that behemoth. Reluctantly, I reassign this task for tomorrow. I don’t have the emotional energy to deal with it right now.

Task #3: Outline strategic management final paper, due Monday.

That I can do. But just as I’m about to set my laptop aside to grudgingly pull my textbook out of my bag, my in-box dings.

Graeme has replied. Nostrils flaring, I open his email.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Social Media OVERDUE

soon -G

Graeme Crawford-Collins

Social Media Manager

I blink.

Blink again.

Soon? Is that soon like right now soon or next Tuesday soon? I scrunch my hand into a fist on top of Noodles. He purrs louder. This is so… unacceptable. And not just because he left our boss out of the CC. I grind my teeth until my jaw aches.

Graeme Crawford-Collins. Graham Cracker-Collins. I can’t let him blow me off again. I won’t.

Bookings for Pacific cruises from Alaska to Panama have gone up every single quarter since I joined the company—thanks in large part to my tireless efforts—and I will not see my track record ruined because of him. Especially not now, not when there are rumblings that Seaquest Adventures is creating a brand-new director of digital marketing position—one that I would do anything to land.

I’d work overtime. Pursue my master’s in business administration at night. Volunteer for extra projects. Oh wait, I already do all of those things, so that promotion should have my name plastered all over it. But only if I don’t fumble the game-winning pass late in the fourth quarter. I crack my knuckles against my jaw and, with a growl, drain my wine, slam the glass onto the coffee table, and click reply.

Gird your loins, Graeme Crawford-Collins. Because you’re about to get a dose of Henley thunder.

2

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Social Media OVERDUE

Graeme,

“Soon” is a relative term. Please define.

Thanks,

Henley

Zing, take that, Graeme!