45. Chapter 45
Chapter 45
Brynn
A s soon as we get back to the office, we start calling current clients. Gwen and I tackle the phone calls together. Our script consists of letting the clients know due to unforeseen circumstances, we are closing our office, and I will be relocating to my hometown.
Most people are understanding, although some have had some not-so-kind words to say to me. I listened to a man in his fifties berate me for not being able to fulfill the job I was hired to do. We hadn't even signed a contract yet. We were only in the beginning stages, and he was on the schedule for two months from now.
"Geez. That one sounds like it is a blessing you won't be working with him," Gwen says as she takes a sip of water.
"Yes, I don't think he and I would work very well together," I say as I lean back in my chair.
We have now been at this for hours, but the clients have all been informed of our closure. There are two clients that we are still working with remotely. Gwen will be local, so there is not a reason to not continue the contract. Everyone else's contract was finished or had not been processed yet.
My cell phone rings, Whitney's name scrolling across the screen. "Hey lady. How are you?"
"What the fuck is going on?" Her voice rings clear as she scowls at me on facetime.
"What do you mean?" I ask as I look at Gwen, she just shrugs.
"I mean, I haven't heard from you since you got back to NYC. I am already having Brynn withdrawal. And if the ranch hands' gossip is correct, I am not the only one."
"What do you mean, gossip?" I ask, raising my eyebrow and propping my phone up on my pencil holder.
"I'm talking about Colt. According to the ranch hands, he has been a complete and total asshole since you have been gone. He is even more moody and grumpy than he was before you came back to Cedar Creek."
My eyes go wide, and my mouth opens at that information. I look at Gwen, and she is motioning me to let Whit know about my plans. "Well, why do you think that is?"
"According to Callie, it is because he is reverting back to his youth when everyone was leaving him. He sulked and put his head down and worked constantly. His work ethic is unmatched, and he wants everyone to live up to his expectations."
"Oh. Well, what do you want me to do about it? "
"Come the fuck home, Brynn."
"Okay," I say as I let a smile take over my face.
Gwen is grinning and Whitney is currently screaming at the top of her lungs. "HOLY SHIT!"
Gwen and I start laughing. "I have a couple of more things to handle here today, and then I will be on my way to Cedar Creek. I am coming home ."
Tears are now flowing down Whitney's cheeks. "I can't believe it. You are coming home to stay?"
"Yes. But I haven't told anyone yet. I have to sign the paperwork from my insurance claim this afternoon and get settled up with the property management company. It may be a few more days, but I will be there."
"Oh my fucking god. I am so excited!" Whitney continues to squeal as I laugh at her enthusiasm. "Wait," she stops moving and squealing. "Does this mean I have to keep this a secret?"
"Yes," I say as I give her my best serious expression. "I don't want anyone to know, I will be there soon. I just don't have an exact date. Just give me a few days."
"Okay, okay. I can avoid Brooks for a couple of days. I am trying to work a lot more this week, anyway. Let me know when you have a date. I can come pick you up from the airport if you need me to."
"Thanks Whit, I'll talk to you later. I have a lot of work to get finished here." We say our goodbyes and hang up .
"So, Brooks will know by tomorrow?" Gwen asks as she laughs.
"Yup. I better move quick. Literally."
Getting back to business, Gwen looks over her list. "Next up, call the management company."
I pick up my phone and let the management company know I am taking the payout from my insurance policy and will be taking the deal to sell them my condo. He tells me to come by right away and sign the papers and he will have a check waiting for me.
"That was quicker than I thought. Honestly, I might be able to leave tomorrow."
"I will check for a flight. One-way ticket to Cedar Creek, coming right up!" Gwen says enthusiastically, but I can see the sadness too.
"Thanks for always being so awesome. You will never know how much I appreciate all you do for me," I say with a tear forming.
"No crying. I refuse. When is the lease up for this office?" Gwen stares at her laptop, still searching for flights.
"You'll never believe this, but at the end of this month. I received the notice in my email last week." I quickly pull up the email and respond that I will not be continuing with the lease .
"Okay, there is one flight tomorrow, it arrives at ten o'clock at night. Do you want me to get you a hotel room for the night? Then you can have someone pick you up the next morning?"
"Book the flight, the hotel room for the night, and a rental car. I want to surprise everyone," I say with a smile. "I can't wait."
We finish up at the office, Gwen forwards me all the information for my flight and reservations. We decide to go grab some lunch at our favorite pizza place when my phone rings.
"Miss Rutherford, I have all the necessary paperwork ready for you to come sign. I was even able to get a cashier's check for you today," Mr. Jackson from the insurance company says.
"Thank you so much! I will be there soon to sign. I am so glad we were able to get everything sorted today."
"Of course. See you soon."
We make a detour to the insurance agency so I can sign the paperwork and get my payout. I am so nervous walking around with the check, so we decide to go back to the hotel and order pizza in.
"Thanks again for all your help today, Gwen. My business truly could not run without you." I take a huge bite of the best pepperoni pizza there is.
"You're welcome. Thank you for taking a chance on me."
We continue eating our pizza and then Gwen leaves when I head to my old condo to meet with the property manager.