Catching Red Eyes

The rest of the week was spent in a dizzy haze of copy editing press releases, helping Marc and George with interviewing, and updating spreadsheets for tax documents. I hardly was able to keep up with normal adult responsibilities like showering and eating, let alone Harry.
We talked and texted when we could but it never felt enough. It felt odd not being able to physically touch the person I wanted to spend my life with.

It was finally Friday and I couldn’t be happier. I planned on taking the train to Red Bank to spend the weekend with my parents. I was actually excited to not have to worry about press releases and celebrities for a whole 48 some hours. I was pulled from my work when Maddy phoned and told me Marc needed to see me. It was almost five and I prayed he didn’t need me to do anything else today.

I saved what I was working on and headed to Marc’s office. It was a beautiful office with cream walls and turquoise accents. Marc sat behind his cherry wood desk with his Mac computer big and bright. George was seated in one of the chairs across Marc. The walls were lined with photos of him and George smiling with various celebrities. I was always in awe whenever I was in here. It was the life and office I wanted for myself one day.

“Sit, sit.”

This was different. Marc or George usually told me to do something and I scurried off to do the task. I did as I was told and sat down next to George. George turned to face me and spoke first.

“So, Rowan, you have been with us for a while now and have shown wonderful progress since you started. We are both impressed with your dedication. On behalf of M&G Productions, we would like to offer you a position on our editorial staff. If you take the job, you will attend daily meetings with us and the rest of the staff, write for the blogs, and once we feel you are ready, you will be out on the field on your own. It’ll be long nights, and long flights with shitty hours, but it’ll also be the best experience of your life. Do you wish to accept this offer?”

I couldn’t contain my excitement as a smile broke across my face. This was actually happening right now. I spent most of high school and all of college dreaming and working towards this moment and it was finally here.

“Yes, yes. I accept. 100%. Thank you so much.”

“Great. Also, you’ll be coming to Ireland with us next month. Figured it would be nice for you to see your boy toy and we’ve got the rest of the staff on other projects during that time,” added Marc.

I nodded enthusiastically and shook both my bosses’ hands. I wanted to call everyone I knew to tell the news but Harry was the first person I called. I wasn’t sure were or what he was doing but I needed him to know first. The line rang with no answer. I knew he would call when he could. I quickly packed up my things and headed towards the front to tell Maddy.

“I got it!”

“Yes! I told you they would! Congrats girl!” Maddy said, pulling me into a tight hug. “Wanna go out and celebrate??”

“Can’t. I am going to my parents, remember? How about when I get back?”

“It’s on. Yes.”

I waved goodbye to Maddy and pushed back the doors to my now official job. I was greeted by Marsh taking my bags and opening the back door. I was also greeted by my usual single rose and brought it up to my nose. It smelled different today for some reason. I got a weird, sinking feeling in my stomach as the car pulled away from the curb but I pushed it back remembering what had just happened.

“Change of plans, Ms. Emerson. I will be taking you right to Red Bank. Boss’s orders.”

I met his eyes in the rearview mirror and nodded. I was actually relieved because the train would be hot this time of year and I preferred the quiet, air conditioned SUV. After a quick stop at home for my things, we were off. I was nervously checking my phone for a sign that Harry was calling or texting but didn’t get anything. I called Charlie and Laurie and told them the good news. They were both incredibly supportive and happy for me. I decided to wait to tell my parents until I saw them in person.

The trip was quick and painless and I felt at ease when I saw my parents’ home come into view. I never got tired of coming back here. The SUV stopped in front of my home and Marsh got out, grabbed my things and my door as usual. I heard the front door swing open and my mom and the dogs come rushing out.

“There she is!”

I waved to her as Marsh and I walked up to her. My mom looked Marsh up and down and then back at the SUV.

“Mom, this is Marsh. He is my…driver slash bodyguard thingy.”

“Mrs. Emerson. Pleasure to meet you,” said Marsh as he shook my mother’s hand. “Ms. Emerson, please keep me updated on your time of departure on Sunday. I will be staying close. Please call if you need anything.”

I nodded and smiled. I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to get used to this. I looked back at my mother and her jaw was on the ground as we watched the black SUV drive away.

“All Harry’s doing. Not mine,” I said to her as we walked inside. It smelled like garlic and homemade bread. My mouth was instantly watering.

“Well, I have to say, you are one lucky girl. Never having to worry about public transportation again. Are you hungry? I love your outfit too. Those rompers are so chic.”

“Starving actually and thanks. Harry actually got it for me, well his stylists did,” I said as I looked down at my one piece outfit.

“Harry is quite the gift giver, isn’t he? Speaking of gifts, let me see this ring everyone is losing their mind over,” she said, reaching for my left hand and examining the ring. “It is gorgeous. Wow. Can’t wait to see the actual engagement ring one day.” She let go of my hand and hugged me. “We really are truly happy for you, sweetie.”

“Thank you, mom. Me too.” I felt that weird, uneasy tug in my stomach again but figured it was because I hadn’t eaten much today.

I watched as my mom finished up dinner and we talked about her book club and how the rest of the family was doing. I was bursting with excitement to tell her about M&G but I waited for my dad. Finally, after what felt like ages, I heard the garage door open. I raced to meet my dad in the garage and was nearly plowed over by his black BMW.

“Woah there sweetie!”

I ran to his door and anxiously waited for him to get out. I threw my arms around him and grabbed his bag. We walked inside as I was bursting at the seams to tell them the news. I ushered them both to sit at the kitchen table.

“Ok. Mom. Dad. I have wonderful news.”

They both looked at each other and then looked me up and down.

“I’m not pregnant.”

They each let out a sigh of relief and I wanted to laugh. I shook my head and opened my mouth.

“Marc and George offered me a full time paid job on the editorial staff today!”

“Oh, that is so wonderful, honey!” “We are so proud of you!”

They each jumped up and pulled me into a huge hug. I felt like I was talking a mile a minute as I filled them in on all the details of the job. We then ate dinner together while I caught them up on my whirlwind of the past months with Harry leaving out the intimate details.

“So, this ring? It’s a promise to get engaged and married one day?” my dad asked over his plate of lasagna.

“Pretty much, yes. My career is my number one priority and Harry understands that. I also know his career is his number one priority too. But we both know we are each other’s future and I think we’ve known that since this whole thing started. I know it’s fast to make these kind of commitments but I guess when you know…you know.”

“Look, sweetie. You don’t need to convince us of your decisions. We like Harry and we think you two are good for each other. We just wanted to make sure you weren’t loosing focus of your career but we know that you aren’t now, especially with the offer today. So, when can we see our future son-in-law again?” My mom asked, while my dad nodded along with her.

“It’ll be a bit still. He is over in Europe for the next couple months for tour and he is visiting with his family. I actually get to go to Ireland next month with Marc for an interview with Harry, so I will get to see him then.”

“Ireland? That is great!” My dad added.

I nodded as I put a forkful of lasagna in my mouth. After dinner, I helped with the dishes and went up to my bedroom to unpack the few things I brought. My room welcomed me back and I was instantly drawn to my bed. I didn’t realize how tired I was with all the adrenaline from the day finally wearing off. I turned when I heard a knock.

“Hey, mom.”

“Hey, sweetie. It’s so nice when you’re home. Need anything?”

“Sleep. This week was so exhausting.”

“Ok. Get some sleep, we will do brunch tomorrow so you can sleep in a little. Night. Love you, honey.”

“Love you. I’m glad to be home too. Tell dad good night for me, please.”

She nodded and closed the door behind her. I quickly changed, switched off my light and was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Notes