Amcor Estates
Laura
My week was nonstop work in-between random bouts of regret. Everything that could’ve possibly went wrong, did. Mr. Giles was in a foul mood. He had a conference call earlier. I wasn’t in the meeting, but he rejected our improvements to three properties.
I mentioned key points about the landscape. It was okay but dated. We wanted some vibrant flowers and bushes to make the manicured lawns more appealing. I promised to follow up with the onsite managers with an answer and budget if we received approval. So, I was in a meeting and trying my very best not to tell Mr. Giles what I really thought about his strict views. He was already frowning at something another manager said. I secretly hoped his face would stay screwed up to match his sour disposition. I wasn’t the least bit sorry for thinking it. I was feeling bitchy, emotional, and not in the mood to deal with crap.
Mr. Giles cleared his throat. “Miss Reynolds would you like to respond?”
My pen dropped on the legal pad at the mention of my name. I looked up and realized everyone was staring at me. Great. This was all I needed. Hopefully, I looked calmer than I felt. “I apologize. I was reviewing my notes.”
“I asked if there was a budget outline for the updates to the properties. Landscape and common areas only.”
I was shocked by his sudden change of heart but didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, there is, and I think you’ll be pleased with it.” I didn’t break eye contact while giving him an overview of the proposal. It took all of two minutes, but I couldn’t tell if Mr. Giles was impressed or disappointed because his mouth was drawn so tight.
I maintained my relaxed position. “Do you have any concerns? I am more than happy to address them.”
Everyone shifted uncomfortably in their seats. I wasn’t challenging his authority. It was the opposite. I wanted the proposal approved, so the managers can make changes.
There were moments of uncomfortable silence before Mr. Giles let out a defeated sigh. “Very well. Please email the proposal, your estimated budget, and report all the expenses in the normal fashion.”
“I’m sending it all to you now and will follow up as the updates are complete, thank you.” I tapped my phone to send the email to him and sat up straight in my chair.
I didn’t miss the looks of respect my co-workers gave me. I wasn’t afraid to stand behind my decisions or voice my concerns. The meeting went on and I felt much better as the afternoon passed. I reached out to the managers and did a ton of other things before calling it quits at six o’clock. I was on my way out when my phone chimed.
My heart raced. I was hoping it was Rex. It sounded silly, but I wanted him to call so we could talk. I glanced at the screen, and my disappointment was instant. Cameron texted a few times and now he was calling. My anger was surfacing, so I took deep breaths and marched across the parking lot to my car.
I slid behind the wheel and waited for my phone to vibrate. Cameron didn’t leave a voicemail. That was for the best because my mood was awful.
My phone went off again. I adjusted in the seat and tapped the screen. I didn’t bother to say hello. There was no point. “Cameron, why are you calling?”
“I texted you back. I was going to tell you everything.”
“When?” I snapped at him. My attitude was terrible. I toned it down. “Cameron, it’s been a year. Why didn’t you tell me then? Or at least before we hooked up the first time? Why would you keep this from me?”
I fired questions at him until my voice cracked. I ended my tirade because it wouldn’t change things.
Cameron sighed, “I want what’s best for you.”
“That’s a lie and you know it.”
“It’s not. I was concerned. You met Rex and it was like you couldn’t make your own decisions.”
“Did my Dad say that? He had to because I never talked to you about anything involving Rex, not once. You knew we broke up, and I thought you were one of the good guys. I was wrong.”
“Laura please. Don’t hang up. I was wrong. I can admit that, but your father was worried. I didn’t have a choice.”
My head was pounding. I was seconds from losing it.
“He’s my Dad. He’ll be around for the rest of my life. You should’ve been more concerned about us. I thought you cared about me. I wouldn’t do what you did.”
Cameron groaned, “I didn’t see another way. I didn’t hurt you on purpose.”
“I get why you were okay lending an ear when Rex ended things. The truth is out, so you’re off the hook for dinner and whatever else. Take care Cameron.”59Please respect copyright.PENANAfbi9L0WlvT
I ended the call and tossed my phone. My feelings were hurt, but Cameron was a comfort I didn’t need. He was around for his own selfish reasons. It bothered me because he could’ve told the truth at any time and chose not to. I didn’t want to think about it. Rex was on my mind and that upset me too. I took a shaky breath but couldn’t calm down. I didn’t want to get on the road feeling all amped up. I needed to work from home. Mr. Giles wanted changes made to the proposal, but I wasn’t worried since the budget increased.
Savage Paradise came to mind. I still wanted to feature it in our brochure. It could be good for business and great for after-hour events too. I started my car and backed out of the parking space. There’s a saying about not getting what you want and going after something else. I wanted Rex’s signature on an advertising contract.
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