15. Marnie
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Marnie
Game night was more fun than I could’ve imagined.
It was nice to feel like I was part of something again.
My mind flits back to watching Caleb with his friends.
The way he joked and played and laughed with them.
Even the memory of his laughter sets a wave of butterflies loose in my stomach.
Seeing him in that setting made me think of him in a whole new light, and I really like that version of him.
So much so that when he had me pinned against the counter with that magnetized, hungry expression on his face, I wanted him to kiss me.
I almost regret not letting him.
But maybe it’s for the best, because things really need to stay professional between us so I can stay focused on this exhibit. That thought makes me even more nervous to see him at work today.
I swipe the mascara wand over my lashes one last time when my phone vibrates against the bathroom counter. It was so unexpected that I almost poked myself in the eye with the wand.
The familiar name flashes across the screen. I wasn’t expecting her call, but it was not unusual for her to call me up out of the blue sometimes, especially outside of work hours.
“Hi, Irene,” I answer, packing away my makeup.
“Why do you sound so cheery? It’s barely eight in the morning.”
“Oh,” I laugh, “I had a fun weekend. I made some new friends and was out late at their house last night. It was nice.”
“Remember, you’re not there to make friends. You’re there to do a job.”
Her words make me pause, surprise coming over me. I’m shocked that this is where this conversation is going.
“Marnie?”
I hesitate my reply. “No, you’re right. It was just one night out, and I got a good bit of work done this weekend before that. I’m getting ready to head to a meeting this morning with my contractor. Everything is right on schedule.”
“It better be. Don’t forget how much is riding on this exhibit being a success. My recommendation to the board for your promotion, my reputation.”
“You don’t have anything to worry about. I’m going to make you proud.”
“Good. I’m counting on you.”
The line goes dead before I get the chance to tell her anything about the exhibit.
I came up with an idea for an interactive map that I am really excited about to engage the public with the exhibit.
They’ll be able to read about the different filming locations around the island, see what scenes from the movie were filmed in each place, and learn about the significance of why those locations were chosen.
I honestly thought that’s why she was calling. I’m not sure what to make of that conversation. But Irene is right. I’m now only three months away from this exhibit unveiling, and there is still so much to do. I need to stay focused.
I walk to my room and flop onto the bed, already feeling a throbbing in the back of my head. Partly from Irene, partly from now having to figure out what to say to Caleb.
And just like that, in the span of a minute-long phone call, my morning has turned from chipper to sour.