Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
“What’s wrong?” I questioned.
“Nothing’s wrong.”
“Your face is flush. Are you sure you are okay?” I ask.
“Yes, Mr. Payne. I’m perfectly well. I just rushed down here to meet with you and nearly forgot my bag, so I had to return to my desk.” That’s a very reasonable explanation, but I can’t shake that she’s got something else on her mind, and maybe it has to do with my driver.
“Oh.” She receives a text on her phone, and I wonder what it’s about. If it’s for me, she’ll tell me, so I don’t have to ask, which has worked great for my insane jealous streak, or so I believe. There’s no telling how many messages or calls she receives after hours.
“We shouldn’t be there too long. I want to ensure that sandbags are properly placed to do their job and minimize the flooding if possible.” She nods, making notes on her tablet, giving me zero eye contact again while always staying professional.
I focus on the road and not on my delicious assistant. The weather shift is visible, reminding me that I need to get my sister to act as well. She can be stubborn as a mule and so damn independent that she doesn’t need my advice, even when it’s helpful.
When I call her number, it rings a few times before she answers. “Honey, please tell me you’ve left town already or are almost leaving.”
“I am. Please stop worrying about me and just do your job. Be safe as well. I don’t want to lose you too.”
“As soon as everything is secure, I will take shelter.”
“Good. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Tell Taylor I love her too,” she adds in her sing-song voice.
“I will.” She ends the call.
“We’re here,” Taylor says.
“My sister says hello.” She nods, making a note on her tablet.
I leave out the ‘I love you’ because it’s too personal for me. For the past couple of years, I’ve kept her at a distance for a reason. If I let her in, I’ll lose control and take her as my own. She wouldn’t stand a chance with the obsession I have for her.
Taylor's entire expression brightened up and gave me that spirited look I remember when we first met. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Honey. I hope she’s getting somewhere safe.”
“She said she’s leaving now.”
“That’s good news and one less thing for you to be stressed about.” She knows me well enough to understand that Honey is special to me, and I always worry about her well-being, even when it doesn’t seem like I do.
“You’re correct about that.” The driver opens the door, standing aside for me to step out first. I hold out my hand for Taylor to exit, but she doesn’t take it. I forgot that she’s not wearing a dress, so it’s easy for her to get out on the sandy beach.
We’re quickly met with a burly man in full gear and a thick beard. “Mayor Payne, we were told you’d be coming down to inspect the area,” the lead foreman said. “I’m Roger Smith, the foreman on the project today.” He’s looking around us as if expecting someone or something else. My instincts are on alert.
“Yes, I want to be assured that we’re good. Is there something?” I question when I don’t have his full attention.
“I expected a camera crew behind you,” he remarks.
“This isn’t some photo opportunity for me,” I say, trying to rein in my temper at his blatant disrespect. “There’s nothing special to gain by trying to survive a hurricane, Mr. Smith. Now show me the work being done so I can see if it’s been done correctly.”
A dozen men are working around the pallets of sandbags preparing the area, and I immediately recognize one man. “Gentleman, the mayor would like to inspect your work to see if you’re doing it correctly,” the foreman says with a little too much disdain. I get it. He believes I’m some average bureaucrat with no business judging men who work with their hands.
“Whoa, Admiral Payne, it must be nice to trade in your basics for civilian clothes and let us handle the dirty work,” I smirked and shook my head at my former subordinate and once-good friend. I haven’t been in contact with many men since I left. It’s been a rough and busy road since then.
“I could still out-press you, Petty Officer Fields.” We shook hands, and then I pulled him in for a hug.
“It’s good to see you again,” he says. “I’m sorry that we have to be in your neck of the woods. Well, not completely sorry.” He leans a bit and steals a glance at my assistant, who is listening to our conversation while waiting for directions.
“Eyes up, boy.” His mouth makes an “O,” and I shake my head, denying what I know is true. She belongs to me.