***
I was two days into my first official project and it was all I could do to maintain some semblance of focus. There I was, still in my office at 8:00 in the evening, and I had only completed two-thirds of the day's work. I felt as if a truck was speeding through my brain, wrecking everything in its path. To say I was exhausted was an understatement.
Still, I'd signed on with full knowledge that this job would be an incredible challenge and that it would mold me into a true force to be reckoned with in the PR world. That was what I wanted, after all.
At least, that’s what I kept reminding myself.
Life was simpler that way, even if my stress levels were at an all-time high. Work stress and emotional stress were two entirely different beasts, and I felt as if I was far better equipped to deal with the former—especially after Jacob and what I had been through with him.
Jacob. The name still sent ripples down my spine, only not in the delightful, weak-at-the-knees way it once had. Those warm and fuzzy ripples had morphed into chills of dread, of anger, of pain.
I shook the thought of him from my mind. I couldn't allow his memory to snake its way into my world. I had to focus on work. At the rate it was going, it seemed as if I would be there until well after midnight, only to have to start again at 8:00 a.m. the next day. I tried to force my thoughts back to something productive. Just as I was succeeding, however, my phone rang.
I let out an exasperated sigh. “Who the hell is calling me now? How am I going to get all this work done tonight?”
I picked up the phone with the intention of cutting off the call and switching the device off so I wouldn't be bothered again, but then I saw who was calling.
I smiled and answered. “Eddie! How’s my favorite sibling?”
“Great, Peanut, just great. We just laid down an epic track for the new album. I think it could be one of the singles.”
“That's awesome!”
“Yeah, I’m pretty stoked. That’s why I’m calling. I was wondering if you wanted to come out with me and the guys to have a beer or two to celebrate?”
“Aw, Ed, I'd love to, but there's no way I can make it tonight.”
“Why?”
“I'm swamped with work. It's seriously looking like I'm gonna be at the office until well after midnight.”
“Oh, bummer. So that's how it's been your first few days of working for the big shot, huh?”
“Well, yeah, kinda.”
“You regretting that decision?”
I thought about this for a moment before answering.
“Actually, no. I wanted a challenge, and a challenge is exactly what I am getting. It's tough, but I feel like eventually things will start to fall into place and it'll feel more like a breeze than a hurricane.”
“I hope so, sis. I know you’re used to stress and pressure, and that you thrive under them, but like anything in life, too much of 'em will kill ya in the end.”
“I know, I know. But I’ve got this. It’s just a learning curve.”
“I know you do. You always do. All right, well, I won't keep you any longer. Good luck with the rest of the night. We’ll talk soon. Love ya.”
“Love you, too, Eddie.”
I hung up the call and turned the phone off. There was no one else I’d have answered a call from at that time of night, so there was no need to even give anyone the option to distract me.
I glared down at the papers strewn across my desk and drew in a deep breath, then exhaled. I was already feeling like a bit of a zombie, so I decided to go down the hall and make myself a strong cup of coffee in the lounge. I was going to need a good caffeine boost to get myself through the next few hours.
I left my office and headed down the hallway. As I turned the corner at the end, I collided with what felt like a padded wall. I almost lost my balance, but a pair of muscled arms quickly wrapped around me. I immediately looked up and found myself staring into those mesmerizing eyes I’d been trying to forget.
“Asher!” I exclaimed. “You scared the hell out of me!”
He chuckled. “The feeling's mutual! What are you doing here at this hour?”