by Nella Tyler
“Kris, you were amazing. A CEO through and through,” she said.
“Thank you. How are you doing, movie star? I could barely get people to leave – everyone wanted your autograph.”
“Oh, stop it,” Cammie said, but she still looked pleased.
“Do you have a second?” I asked. “Oh, wait I drove you here, of course you do.”
“I am hungry,” she admitted. “Lunch?”
“Let’s order something in my dad’s office,” I murmured into her hair.
Once we got upstairs and had ordered take-out, Cammie perched on the desk and looked at me. “What’s going on? Why do I feel like you’re up to something?”
“Cammie, you see how everyone came together just now? How people were excited to work together and work on something? It hasn’t been like that in a long time. That’s your doing.”
She shook her brown curls. “Kris, you are giving me too much credit. It’s you too.”
“No, Cammie, you have this energy that people respond to. Even Max said so. Usually film shoots are stressful, and at least one person is getting into a shouting match. Trust me, it even happened between my parents.”
“But you can’t say that was me,” she protested. “Maybe it’s just because people are excited to film again or something. Or it could be for you.”
“I can. Because it wasn’t just Max. It was Hans, it was Lucy, it was Frankie… People respond to the energy you give out. Which is to say that Birmingham Realty’s loss is Bold Picture’s gain.”
“What?” Cammie began to shake her head. “Kris, I can’t…”
“You can. Cammie, I’ve already figured it all out. You won’t report to me – you’ll report to Max and Lucy when you need to. You’ll be a partner, not an employee. We’ve been looking for an A&R coordinator. I think that’s you.”
“A&R? Isn’t that a music business thing?” Cammie said.
“Yes, but my dad always had someone in a role like that. Sometimes we put them down as A&R, sometimes executive producer. Technically Max is in that role for this documentary, though. However, he did offer to step down.” I laughed and shook my head. “Don’t worry, he didn’t.”
“What would it entail?” Cammie asked.
“First, I want to make it clear that I won’t be paying you. The board and the company will. So rest assured on that end. I know that could be awkward for a couple. As to what it would entail, at first, running point on this film. Serving as a creative consultant, working with Frankie on marketing and overall just keeping tabs on the team.”
“So like a manager?”
“A creative one, yeah.”
“And how are you not paying me?” she frowned.
“Technically Max is head of his part of the company. So you work for him. And Max is my partner, the COO, so I’m not his boss, not really. I mean, in the food chain I am, I suppose.” I stopped myself and took a breath. “What do you think?”
“I think you are far too sweet,” Cammie said.
“And I think I can’t do this without you. Please?” I gazed at her. “Pretty please?”
“Okay.” Her lips curved up into a smile. “I mean, you do kinda owe me a job.”
Chapter 36
Cammie
The following Saturday, I woke up and tried to remember if I’d slept at my house at all in the past week. Grinning a little when I realized I hadn’t, I rolled over and saw that Kris was still asleep. It was cloudy out, but the attic was still lit with dreamy light, and I sighed as I looked around.
He’d told me about how he’d set up this space as a temporary home for the next year or so, but I didn’t understand why someone would pay painters and a crew to bring a bed up if they didn’t want to live there. But I also knew Kris had a lot of memories weighing down on him in this house.
So no matter what, no matter how much I loved this house, I would support Kris.
“Mm, what are you thinking about? Me, I hope.” Kris said sleepily, throwing an arm across me. He made a face. “Wait, it wasn’t me? I’m hurt.”
“It was you, calm down,” I retorted, and he smirked. “At least until you woke up.”
“What does that mean?”
“Oh, nothing. So, listen, I think I’m going to head out for the day.”
He groaned. “You’re such a tease, Cammie Book. And where do you think you’re going?” Kris sat up. “I’m almost completely awake. I can think of a million good reasons for you to not go anywhere at all.”
“Only a million?” I stuck my tongue out at him, and he laughed. “I need to go talk to Anna. I just realized she has no idea what’s going on.”
“Oh, lord have mercy, not that,” Kris replied ironically, falling back on the pillows. “Anna Dewitt not up on the latest gossip?”
“That is my best friend, you know,” I said.
“I do know. I’m only joking – I like Anna. She had a lot of creative ideas about how to get back at Birmingham Realty and Horace Westfall. The face of an angel, the mind of a con artist.”
I laughed. “Don’t tell her that. She likes to think she’s the blonde Liz Taylor.”
Kris chuckled. “That does not surprise me.”
Slipping out of bed, I smiled at him. “I’ll be back for dinner, okay?”
Sitting up, Kris ran a hand through his messy hair and gave me a crooked smile. “Are you asking me to make you dinner?”
I shrugged as I walked away. “I’m not not asking you.”
A groan followed me. “I remember when you woke up in my arms and said I smelled like a prince. Where have those days gone?”
I stopped and shook my head at him before I went down the stairs. “That was before–”
“How does 7 sound? Good?” Kris asked, looking abashed.
“Perfect.” I tossed my hair and smothered a satisfied grin.
“Okay, for real though, doll, your life has been wild these last few months!” Anna exclaimed as we walked into a store downtown. Summery dresses in every shade of berry and pink were lined in the windows. “And I just want to say one thing.”
“Go ahead,” I said, picking up a hot pink dress in my size. “I deserve it.”
“Oooh, did I tell you Cammie Book. Did I ever! I told you Kris cared about you. And I have to admit, it feels less good to be right than it does to hear about all the romantic stuff he did for you.” She put a hand over her heart. “It’s not fair that he’s that sexy and adorable.”
“I know,” I responded. “And he knows. That’s why it’s so hard to say no to him.”
Anna wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Oh please. Like you want to say no. You’re glowing, girl. Glowing.”
“Maybe a little,” I admitted. “It’s just… I’m so glad you were right.”
“On that note, let’s pick you out something to wear to the release of the documentary next month.” Brown eyes gleaming, Anna gazed around the store. “We’ve gotta find you something smoking hot. Leave Kris a helpless puddle of a man.”
“Yes!” I laughed, and Anna gave me a surprised look.
“Damn, I thought I was going to have to twist your arm.” She shook her head. “I don’t mean that like there was anything wrong with you before or anything like that – but it’s nice to see you so happy. You two are good for each other – really bring out each other’s best. It’s enough to make even me believe in fairy tales and happily ever after and all that jazz.”
“We are a good team and a good time.” I agreed.
The last week had been a happy, productive one. My first day, I’d been set up in an office at Bold Pictures and then spent the rest of it tailing Max around. Then, the following day, I’d spent it working with Frank, and then yesterday, a half day with Lucy.
Each of them seemed intent on helping me grow and prosper, not brokering deals behind my back and bringing me down through scandal.
Plus, the creative energy at Bold was invigorating. And busy. We’d managed to set up a schedule for shooting that would have everything else we needed
to be done by the end of next week. Then there would be three intense weeks of editing and putting it together.
For in just over a month, there would be a private release for the board and other potential investors. That had already been scheduled, and Kris was determined to stick to it even though the documentary was going through this redo.
Finally, no one seemed to begrudge me for getting a job at Bold because Kris was my boyfriend. If anything, they seemed happy for me or indifferent.
I knew from Max that Bold had a healthy habit of engaging in nepotism – they went to friends and family first – but only if they fit the bill.
“Lukas always wanted Bold to be a comfortable, creative place to work. He never wanted it to become corporate or too structured. That’s why people’s roles, except Lucy’s, are pretty fluid. And it works. We attract the top talent,” Max had explained to me. “So don’t think anyone will hold it against you that Kris hired you. We’re all used to things like that.” He winked at me. “Although we’re subtly spreading rumors that I did, not Kris. Just in case anyone did have a bone to pick.”
“Well, I do work for you,” I’d responded with a small grin.
“Kris wasn’t kidding, you do learn fast!” Max had chuckled.
“What are you smiling about?” Anna asked, bringing back to shopping.
“Thinking about Bold Pictures and my job. My boss, Max, he was telling me about the company and its philosophies. It makes me feel less guilty about taking a job there.”
“You shouldn’t feel guilty at all,” she retorted and held up a filmy white top. “Oh, you’re trying this on. It’s gorgeous.”
“Bit see-through, isn’t it?” I asked, and Anna shrugged. “I mean, I know I shouldn’t feel guilty, I think it’s more like I feel guilty for not feeling guiltier? I don’t know.” I tossed a tank top dress over my arm. “But I love it so far. I get to be on my feet, talking to people and learning about this industry I never dreamed I’d end up in. And even if I don’t stay there, this job will look amazing on a resume.”
“I think you’ll end up staying there. Most people don’t rave about work the way you are.” Anna’s arms were full, and she began to make her way to the dressing room. “Come along there.”
“Well, either way, I’m going to try not to worry about it and enjoy myself. Anna Dewitt style,” I said.
Throwing back the curtain for the dressing room, Anna dumped the outfits on the bench inside and grinned at me. “Now we’re talking.”
An hour later, we walked out of the first shop laden down with shopping bags and eager for more. After stowing our first conquest in the trunk, Anna and I set out to buy even more.
By the time we were done, I had several choices for the release party next month, as well as several new outfits for work and play. For the first time ever, too, I had more than Anna, who was far too pleased about that fact.
“I just, I’m so proud,” she gushed as we waited in line at Starbucks for a late-afternoon iced tea pick me up. “I mean, it’s about time you treated yourself like this.”
We spent an hour kicking back at Starbucks and people-watching out the front window. It was good to laugh and talk like this. It was like an enormous weight had been lifted off my shoulders. And for once, my mind wasn’t occupied with finances, worrying about my family or work. It hit me that I was now living, whereas before I’d been surviving.
Walking out of Starbucks, I gave Anna a tight hug through all our bags, and she gave me a bewildered smile. “What was that for?”
“Sticking with me all this time. You’re the best friend a girl could ask for.”
“Don’t I know it,” Anna said, and I stepped back. “I love you, too. Damn, dating Kris has made you extremely mushy. It’s killing me with how adorable it is. I may need mouth to mouth. Call in some hot firefighters for your girl if I go down, will you?”
Laughing, I looped my arm through Anna’s and we set off to burn a deeper hole in our pockets. “Of course,” I said. “Anything for you, doll.”
Letting myself into Kris’s house with the key he’d given me, I slipped in quietly. Classical music was blaring from the kitchen, and I tiptoed in to see him waltzing through it. Smothering a laugh, I watched him for a minute, treasuring this moment and how happy I felt.
As he walked over to check the stove, he called out, “Hate to break it to you, but you’re not as sneaky as you think you are, Cammie.”
“What?” I laughed and walked in. “How did you know I was there?”
He pointed to the window. “Reflection. You creep.”
Wrapping my arms around him, I stood up on my tiptoes and brushed a kiss right above his t-shirt collar on the back of his neck. “I love you, too.” Then I let my head rest against his warm, solid back and held on tightly, closing my eyes. It was an over the moon sensation, being with the man you loved and having dinner cooked for you. “Thank you, Kris.”
“For what?” He laughed.
“Being you,” I murmured. “Being here.”
Chapter 37
Kris
Time seemed to be rushing by faster and faster. I didn’t know whether it was because the premiere was creeping up on us or because I’d never been happier. But we still had a thousand things to do for the documentary’s debut. Right now one of the biggest debates was over the title.
Cammie had been called to soothe many a bruised ego over the course of the week as she ran around Bold Pictures. I’d privately been a little worried about how she would fit in, but after a week and a half of working there, it was like she’d always been there.
My inbox had never been happier.
And, like I said, I’d never been happier.
The Saturday morning following Cammie’s first full week at Bold, I woke up early and snuck quietly out of work to get some work done and let her sleep in.
She’d all but moved into my house with me over the course of the last week. It was another thing that seemed like it always had been and always should be – Cammie living with me. She seemed to brighten my father’s house up, making it feel less like a reminder of the past and more of a promise of the future.
I could tell she loved the house, too. But in true Cammie Book style – not wanting to step on toes – she refrained from saying anything. More than once, though, I saw her studying a room, and I knew she was re-decorating it in her mind’s eye. Yet I found myself reluctant to change things. Or even sell.
There were times, when I was tired and not thinking, and I’d go to call out for my dad or glance over and expect him to be sitting in his favorite chair. For a while, a part of me wanted to hang onto that, keep this house exactly as it was, but another part of me knew that he would want me to move on. But whether that meant redecorate or sell, I didn’t know.
Glancing at the clock in the bottom corner of my laptop, I was jolted to see it was almost noon. Cammie hadn’t come downstairs yet, and I was starting to wonder if she was going to sleep the day away. Setting aside my computer, I darted up the stairs and into the attic.
Dark hair was tossed across the pillows, and Cammie had made a burrito of herself in the middle of the bed. Walking over, I sat down on the end of it and tugged at the blankets. When she didn’t stir, I found her foot and tickled it.
Mumbling something, she kicked at me before curling into a ball and pulling the sheets over her head. I crawled up and bounced next to her. A tired groan came from the ball of blankets.
“C’mon, Cams, you’re gonna sleep the whole day away,” I said.
“Nooo,” she murmured. “So sleepy.”
“It’s past noon,” I said.
Cammie threw the covers back and gave me a hard look. “It is not.” I pulled my phone out from my pocket and held it up to her face. She sat up with a gasp. “Oh no! I was going to get up early and get some work done so I could have the afternoon off. Ugh, there goes the day.”
I shook my head at her as she sighed and flopped against the pillows limply. She was looking a litt
le too wan. “Listen, beautiful, it’s only your first full week of working for me. I can’t have you burning out too quickly – give it a month maybe?” She rolled her eyes. “Hey, I mean it. Ease back. Marathon, not a sprint.” I paused, thinking. “Hm, I think you need a day off.”
“I can’t Kris, I have to check the contracts, call the caterer for the release party–”
“No, Cammie. You need to delegate more. You have Surri and Tim! They want to help you. And I pay them a good amount for interns, in that I actually pay them. On Monday have Surri call the caterer and Tim help you with the contracts. He doesn’t miss a thing and Surri is the best double-checker I know besides you.”
Cammie made a face. “But I feel bad.”
“We talked about this,” I said solemnly. “You’re not allowed to feel bad, and you’re not allowed to work yourself to death. I will report you to Max.”
“Low blow, Boldin.” She squinted at me. “Why are you so insistent I take the day?”
“Oh, yes, I have very questionable motives in my desire to spend time with my girlfriend.” I laughed at her. “Go take a shower, we’re going bowling.”
“Bowling?” Cammie sat forward and gave me an amused look. “Really? Where?”
“Strikerman’s.”
“Where is that?” she asked, frowning. “This better not be a ploy to get me to take a weekend trip somewhere, because it is too late in the day to go anywhere and I do have plans with Anna tomorrow. Lots of Botanical Garden weeding to be done.”
“I swear it is a real place,” I said. “Just trust me and get ready. We’re leaving in an hour.”
“I swear, I’ve never seen this place before,” Cammie whispered as we walked in the front door of Strikerman’s and she glanced behind her. “It’s like it appeared out of nowhere. Did we enter another dimension? How long has it been here?”
“Years. And yes, it often feels that way. You know my buddy Vince from my stories?”
“Of course.” She laughed. “He sounds like a character.”
“He is, and this is his place.”
