Chapter 9
9
Greer
It’s been two weeks since Vegas…since I think I fell back in love with Grant Carter. My mind is all over the place and I can’t focus on anything, which is not ideal since we’re about to go into another rally in Seattle. A rally I spearheaded. A rally I no longer want to be at…
Felicity says to everyone in the room, “Okay, people. We go live in an hour. Is everyone ready?”
There are murmurs of agreement, but I find myself shaking my head.
Felicity notices. “Everything okay, Greer?”
I tap my pen against my notebook. I hadn’t planned on doing this today, but it’s like I can’t stop the words from coming out of my mouth. I’m going to blame it on the fact that I haven’t been sleeping well. All because of Grant…
“I’ve been thinking.” My pause is long. “Maybe we should cancel the rally today.”
Felicity’s eyebrows shoot up. “Why? Has something happened?”
All eyes are on me.
God, I should have thought this through. Maybe even prepared a speech. So, I say the first thing that comes to mind.
“No, not really.”
“What are you saying, then?” Felicity asks with a frown.
Her confusion is apparent. Heck, she’s not the only one if the looks I’m getting from the others are any sign.
“I just don’t know how we’re ever going to help anyone when we don’t have a singular issue to work on.” My cheeks are warm as I voice the thought that Grant planted. I continue, “We’re here, trying to save the whales. A few days ago, we were fighting to stop corrupt politicians. Next week we’re trying to save our civil rights.”
Justin says, “That’s because this world is falling apart. There are a lot of things that need to be fixed.”
Felicity adds, “And wasn’t this rally for the whales your idea?”
“It was.” I sigh. “I just think we need to pause after this rally and maybe…regroup.”
There are more murmurs around the room.
The director of HYPE, Cordelia, claps her hands together. “Okay, people. Don’t freak out. We welcome all ideas here, and Greer is right. We can regroup after the rally. For now, let’s go raise some money to help the whales.”
She gives me a pointed look before she leaves the room.
I sigh. That didn’t go as I planned.
Felicity grabs my arm, pulling me aside. “Are you okay?”
“Of course.”
“Are you sure? That was out of character for you.”
I nod, because I know she’s right. Before today, I was always the person who supported fighting all the problems in the world. There was no limit to what we could do. Now, I don’t see it the same way. All I see is where we’re failing, and I don’t like it. Not one bit.
“I know it was,” I finally say. “But that doesn’t mean I was wrong.”
“You’ve been…off, Greer. Not your usual self.”
“I promise I’m fine.”
She waits a beat. “Okay. Just know that I’m here if you need me.”
“I know.” I smile. “Now, let’s go save some whales.”
The rally has a great turn out and we raise double the amount of money than our goal. But the victory doesn’t seem as sweet. Not this time.
And I don’t know why.
Cordelia gets my attention with a nod of her head and says, “Greer. A word?”
I knew this was coming. Hell, if I was in her place, I’d pull me aside, too.
I follow her to the now empty conference room and take a seat across from her.
“Greer, you know I’ve always supported you. Your family name brings a lot of bad press to HYPE, but we’ve always looked past it.”
Her tone immediately rubs me the wrong way. Yes, my last name has brought bad press to HYPE, but it’s also brought in supporters who, like me, want to stick it to my family. She acts like she’s done me a favor, when, in reality, I’ve done her a favor.
But this is a game, and I know I must play nice. For now.
So, I say, “And I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“Yes, well, that doesn’t mean you have a right to take over my meeting and?—”
My phone rings, cutting her off. I glance at the screen before silencing the call.
“So sorry about that. Please continue.”
“As I was saying?—”
My phone rings, and I silence the call. Again.
“Ms. Blanc, maybe you should step outside and take your call. While you’re out there, perhaps you should also think about what you’re doing here at HYPE.”
Before I can reply, my damn phone rings and Cordelia gives me a pointed look. My cheeks are warm as I gather my things and answer the call.
“This is Greer Blanc. How may I help you?”
“Hello, Ms. Blanc. This is Wayne with Dr. Turner’s office. We were calling to see if you ever peeked at your calendar?”
“For what?”
“You missed your appointment with us last month for your wellness exam and birth control injection.”
I groan. “Crap. I forgot all about that. Let me look at my schedule and call you back.”
I end the call before he can reply. Dropping my phone into my bag, I walk toward a table with a coffee station. Caffeine is what I need right now. Caffeine solves everything.
Felicity approaches as I fix my drink.
“What did Cordelia say?”
“Not much. My phone rang three times, and she sent me away. Told me I need to figure out what I’m doing at HYPE.” I take a sip of coffee and turn to my friend. “Maybe she’s right.”
“Greer, what are you saying?”
“I just feel so…lost. I don’t know what makes me happy anymore.” That’s not true. I know what makes me happy…or who. But that’s just a dream. “Maybe I should take some time off. I can’t remember the last time I had a real vacation.”
Felicity is silent for a moment.
“Okay, let’s plan a killer vacation, then.”
“What?”
“I haven’t had a vacation in ages, either. Let’s go together. Talk things out.”
“As wonderful as that sounds, I doubt Cordelia will let both of us off at the same time.”
Her face falls. “You’re probably right.”
I bump my shoulder against hers. “Thanks for being such a great friend, Felicity.”
“Stop. You’re making this feel like goodbye.”
“It’s not a goodbye.”
But I can’t deny that she’s right. This does feel final.
“Guess I should go talk to Cordelia.”
“Want me to come with you?”
I shake my head. “I’ll be fine.”
I hope.
I find Cordelia still seated in the boardroom. Ironically, she’s on her phone. She motions for me to sit. I do and then make sure my phone is on silent as I wait for her. I’m not trying to listen to what she’s saying, but it’s hard not to when she’s right there. I sure as hell don’t expect the words that come out of her mouth.
“Thank you, Senator Ryans. Your donation will go a long way, and I look forward to thanking you in person next week.” There’s a pause. “Yes, I’ll take care of that issue you mentioned.”
She ends the call, setting her phone on the table.
I ask, “What was that?”
“Excuse me?”
I gesture at her phone. “You accepted a donation from Walt Ryans? Cordelia, that man is one of our biggest naysayers!”
“Who just donated two-million dollars to HYPE.” She shakes her head. “We cannot afford to turn down money like that.”
“No, there’s something else going on here.” My eyes widen. “He’s paying you to get rid of me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
But she won’t meet my gaze.
I lean back in my chair, suddenly defeated.
“I thought we were going to change the world,” I finally say.
“We are. You aren’t.” She stands. “Goodbye, Greer.”
“You’re making a mistake, Cordelia.”
“Am I?”
I stand, too.
“Yes, you are. You may be gaining two-million dollars, but you’re also losing an ally. One might even say you’re making an enemy today.”
“Is that a threat?”
I shake my head. “It’s not a threat. It’s a fact.”
I brush past her, not stopping until I’m outside.
No one tries to stop me. Heck, I’m not sure anyone even notices that I’m leaving.
I exhale, looking up at the gray sky. It looks like it’s going to rain. Wonderful weather to get fired in.
There’s an empty bench in front of the building. I make sure it’s dry before taking a seat.
Well, this day hasn’t gone as planned.
The thing is, I’m not surprised Cordelia got rid of me in exchange for money. She’s always made it a point to mention how she was doing me a favor by letting me be there. She sure as heck never gave me credit where credit was due. No, she’d always find a way to praise someone else, and I’d just stand there, smiling, happy to be a part of the team.
My breath catches.
Happy to be a part of the team, even though the team doesn’t care that I’m there. Same with when I was in college and took as many classes as possible, networking my butt off just to be told I was trying too hard. And in high school when I had an art class, even though I hated it. Heck, the only time I’ve ever felt like I truly fit in is when I’m with Isa Moretti and Hannah Henderson. The irony that they’re connected to the Brotherhood isn’t lost on me.
I also feel like I can be myself around Grant. My chest tightens at the thought of him. How can I miss someone this much? It can’t be healthy, right? Like, we hooked up and now he’s all I can think about? Just like the needy girl that I am, I pull out my phone to see if he texted me yet. Since Vegas, we’ve fallen into a routine where we text or talk on the phone throughout the day.
Grant
Missing you and your pretty smile. How’s your day going?
He sent it ten minutes ago, which means he was thinking about me. The stupid smile on my face can’t be wiped as my finger hovers over the text message. Finally, I type out a message.
Meh. I hope yours is going better than mine.
His reply is instant.
It’s better now that I’m talking to you.
Oddly, I feel the same way… The thought makes me pause.
What happened?
I got fired from HYPE.
Because of the whale rally?
You know about the whales?
I know about everything you’re involved in.
The smile on my face is even bigger as I type.
Creeper.
It wasn’t because of the whales. My boss took a donation from Senator Ryans. She wouldn’t outright admit it, but I think he paid her to get rid of me.
I can have my people look into it, if you’d like.
Don’t bother. Maybe my best bet is going somewhere warm and relaxing for a bit.
A nice, sandy beach? Sounds like heaven.
You could come with me…
I want to unsend the message, but three dots have already appeared.
When are you thinking?
Well, soon, since I’m jobless.
I have a fundraiser in Miami next week. Can we go after that?
Are you seriously considering taking a vacation with me?
Yes, unless you don’t want me to come.
No, I want you to come, but aren’t you doing something important… Like campaigning to become the next president?!
I am, but we’ll make it work.
Now, I have to get back to this meeting. My campaign manager is glaring at me through the window.
You left a meeting to chat with me? I’m honored.
I’d jump on a plane if you asked.
Good to know. Better get back to the meeting.
Talk to you later, Little Fae.
A new message pops up, this time it’s from Felicity.
Felicity
OH MY GOD.
Cordelia just told everyone you resigned.
That’s what she’s calling it?
So, she fired you?
Basically.
And she took a donation from Walt Ryans.
WHAT?!
My thoughts exactly.
I don’t like this, Greer.
Me either.
Are you still around? We definitely need drinks.
I’m just outside the building.
I’ll be out in five!
This definitely calls for margaritas.
True to her word, Felicity is outside five minutes later.
She throws her arms around me, hugging me.
“How are you doing?”
I laugh. “Good so far.”
“I can’t believe she took a donation from Walt Ryans.” She makes a face. “He’s the worst.”
“I know. She didn’t say it, but I get the feeling he made the donation with the stipulation that I’m no longer part of HYPE.”
“Why would he do that?”
I bite the inside of my cheek.
Finally, I say, “Because he probably knows I’m seeing Grant Carter.”
“What?” Felicity all but yells.
Several people look our way, making me laugh.
“How long has this been going on? Wait! Were you seeing him during the GOP rally?”
Looping my arm through hers, I say, “We’re going to need those drinks, friend.”
Felicity shakes her head. “This day just gets weirder and weirder.”
I’m smiling as we walk away from the building. It’s strange. I don’t feel an ounce of regret. No, this feels like a new beginning. And who knows? Maybe getting let go by HYPE is going to be a good thing after all.