Dana comes to stand beside me, leaning against the table so her back is to the doorway where the others have congregated. “Are you okay?” she whispers.
“I’m okay, but if you’re free tonight, come over to Allie’s place for a girls’ night, and I’ll fill you in on the latest.” I keep my voice low, hoping no one will notice the conspiratorial way we’re acting.
“Deal. Is seven okay?” she asks, pushing back up to standing.
I agree and pick up my bag. We walk out together, chatting about the weather, of all things. This morning, I woke to a light dusting of snow. It wasn’t enough to cover the sidewalks, but the crisp, cold air added to the festive atmosphere in the city.
“I hope the snow means a white Christmas; I love …” My voice falters when I catch sight of Hunter.
Unfortunately, when he left the room, he didn’t get as far as his office. Hunter is now standing a little along the corridor, talking to Logan. When I draw level, he says, “Katie, do you have a minute?” I try to gauge from his tone if he’s asking as CEO of Carlson Publishing or as my big brother.
“Sure. See you later, Dana.” Dana waves her hand, and then she and Logan walk toward the offices at the far end of the corridor. I turn and follow Hunter into his corner office.
A privilege that comes with the weight of responsibility of the CEO role is the biggest, most elaborate office. He’s redecorated. When my dad inhabited the space, it had dark-blue walls and a large, rich mahogany desk and bookcase dominating the room. Very traditional. Now it’s barely recognizable as the same space with a light woodgrain accent wall and desk mixed with white and charcoal-gray soft furnishings. Several pieces of original abstract artwork cover the walls that aren’t floor-to-ceiling glass. Together, it all creates a modern, inviting feel.
I wander over to the windows, remembering the times as kids when Logan and I would come in to visit Dad at the office. We would pretend we were executives. I guess our roles in the company were inevitable, and now we get to live our dreams.
I turn to face Hunter. “I like the new office. It’s very different from what Dad had. It suits you.”
“Thanks. Dad’s desk and bookcase have been moved to his home office.” He smiles at me, then sits in the large leather chair behind the imposing desk and gestures for me to take one of the visitor’s chairs. This looks like it’s going to be a business discussion.
We only saw each other briefly when I first arrived this morning because he was running late for a meeting. Normally, I love catching up with Hunter, but not today. He seems unhappy about something, and I wonder if there is any way he could have discovered my connection to Drew.
As is Hunter’s style, he doesn’t waste any time getting to the point. “Is there something I need to know about A.V. Campbell?” Damn him and his perception.
“No, because it’s nothing I can’t handle,” I answer quickly, trying to keep my emotions out of my voice.
It’s a few minutes before he speaks again. “I guess that’s all I need to know, then.” I expect my brush-off has not convinced him, but this time, he’s not questioning my ability to handle it.
“Thanks for trusting me. Hey, are you okay? You look exhausted.” He looks like he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I don’t remember ever seeing him this down before.
He sighs loudly. “It’s been a tough few weeks.”
“Tough as in work or something else?”Or someone, I think but don’t say. I remember him mentioning that he was seeing Trudy, the accountant at Blake’s company. It seemed to be getting serious.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” he replies with a faint smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. Parroting my words back to me tells me all I need to know. His problem is woman related, and he knows there’s something going on between Drew and me.
I stand up. “If you want to talk, you know where I am.”
When we were kids, Hunter was always the big brother I ran to in tears when I was scared of monsters under my bed. He would stomp into my room and shout loudly to tell them to clear off. Then he would let me sleep in the spare bed in his room, reading me one of my princess stories until I fell back to sleep. He has always been our protector, and I’d like to be able to help him for once.
I’ll speak to Blake to see if he knows what’s up. He and Hunter are very close, being only two years apart in age. Also, Blake’s new girlfriend, Bec, is best friends with Trudy. They’re bound to know why Hunter seems so down.
Chapter sixteen
Katie
Itstartedsnowinglightlyagain on the walk back to my apartment. Well, it was my apartment up until I moved to London. Now it’s where Allie is living, across the hall from Logan. It’s not a long walk but far enough for the cold air to seep into my lungs and permeate my bones. By the time I reach my building, I’m shivering.
Taking my old key out of my bag, I slip it in the lock. Out of habit, I throw my keys onto the hall table beside Allie’s set. Good, she’s home already, so we can order food right away. I’m starving.
Walking into the living area, I hear Allie in the kitchen and turn to find her standing next to Logan. They're both staring at me, mouths open, arms hung loosely at their sides. What the hell did I just interrupt? They couldn’t look guiltier if they tried.
“Logan, I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.” I can’t hide my smirk.
He shuffles his feet back and forth, just like he used to do as a kid when Dad caught us sneaking Twinkies from the cupboard before dinner. What have I missed between Logan and Allie while I’ve been caught up in my own Drew drama? Damn, first Hunter, and now Logan. I’m so out of the family loop.
“Just leaving, Katie,” he says, quickly disappearing in the direction of the door before I have a chance to ask one of the many questions springing to mind. Huh, Logan may have escaped my questioning, but Allie is still here, and I turn toward her with my arms folded.
