Anything But Mine by Barbara Justice Read Free Book Online Page B

fork. “You’re probably right, it’s better to know one way or the other. I just don’t know if I can take it if he rejects me. I feel like I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster the last few months.”
     
    “Then make it seem really casual, like you have to be out there anyway for some sort of business reason. I heard the Organic Beauty people are looking for a new “face”. Maybe you can have Mike arrange a meeting with them. They’re based in San Francisco, aren’t they?”
     
    Catherine’s suggestion gave Jen a glimmer of hope. “Yes, they are. That’s a good idea, Cath. I’ll talk to Mike about it tomorrow.”

    The following week, Jen stretched her legs as she settled into her first class window seat for her flight to San Francisco, thinking back to when she called Drew to tell him she would be in California on business.
     
    At first, his reaction was frosty, but as they spoke, he seemed to warm to the idea. “I miss you so much, Jen,” he said. “I’m trying to remain strong for my family, but it hasn’t been easy. I just hope that I can spend some time away from the office to show you around the city a little bit, but I can’t make any promises.”
     
    After her flight landed, Jen caught a cab and checked into her hotel. A hotel room will give us some privacy, she thought. I just want some time alone with him, so I can try to convince him to give us a chance.
     
    Later that evening, Jen slipped into a silky caramel- colored wrap dress that showed just a hint of cleavage. As she tied the bow that held her dress in place, her pulse quickened as she remembered the last time she and Drew were together. I hope that Drew is the one who unties this bow tonight, she thought, as she checked herself one more time in the mirror before leaving her room.
     
    Jen’s heart began to race and her stomach did flip flops as she exited the elevator when it reached the hotel lobby, where she found Drew waiting for her. Impulsively, she ran towards him, and he scooped her up into a tight embrace, smoothing her hair and kissing her on top of her head, before tilting her head up and kissing her lightly on the lips.
     
    “I’ve missed you so much,” Drew said. “It’s so hard to believe that it’s been over a month since…” his voice trailed off.
     
    Jen put her fingers over his lips to silence him, and then removed them in order to kiss him again. “Let’s catch up over dinner.”
     
    Once they were seated in the restaurant and had placed their orders, Jen took a long look at Drew. I’ve never seen him with such dark circles under his eyes. He looks so drawn, so tired. “How is your dad doing?”
     
    Drew shook his head, while replying, “His recuperation is taking longer than expected.”
     
    “I’m so sorry to hear that, Drew. Please give him a hug for me.” She paused, before asking, “And how are you doing? I’m worried about you.”
     
    He replied, “I’m exhausted. I’ve been working twelve hour days nearly every day, trying to hold everything together both at my dad’s firm, and at home. This is the first evening I’ve left the office before 8:00. It’s been rough, because I’m trying to develop some new areas of the business that can support both my parents, and me, in the future.
     
    Jen felt her stomach churn and she began unconsciously wringing her hands. “What do you mean?”
     
    “Well, the business has supported my father and my family for many years, but if it is going to support me and pay me a decent salary, I have to find ways to grow it.”
     
    Drew began telling Jen about his podcasts and the radio show he was developing in the hopes of getting an opportunity to work again as a sports reporter, but Jen heard very little of what he had to say once it became clear that Drew was planning for a long- term future in California and not in New York. She snapped back to attention when she heard Drew ask, “so, Jen, what do you think?”
    Jen bided her time while