𝑺 𝑬 𝑹 𝑬 𝑵 𝑰 𝑻 𝒀 (18+)

Twenty-eight

Serenity is almost at 10k which is insane, thank u <3

                            S E R E N I T Y

                                          ♥

I made some progress. Two pages, seven paragraphs, 3,424 words. I wasn't sure how I managed to ramble on for two pages but I did it, and it felt good to get the words that have been swirling around in my head out. It was just a short story, (if you could even call it that) but it was mine. I'd probably hate it in a few days, hell, maybe in a few hours but for right now? I was going to celebrate this accomplishment. I pulled out my phone and scrolled until I found Jane Huston's contact—

'Two pages going on ???' She responded quickly, sending a laughing emoji and a LOL before encouraging me to keep writing until the well ran dry. Work, unfortunately, was the only thing stopping me from getting that done.

"Serenity are you even listening? I need you in this meeting with the board today it's important." Noah knocked on my desk impatiently. He was never fond of the board's visit's but today he seemed too agitated.

"Yes, I know. Why don't you yell at Andrew, he's the one who needs a lecture." Confused, Drew turned to face Noah and me, a hand on his bandaged wound. "Sure, attack the injured guy."

"Oh, please, the doctor said you should be moving and stretching now. I'm sure the stitches have already started to heal." He patted his abdomen a little too hard and winced, "Rin. I love you, but I had a knife plunged into my stomach. I decide when I want to feel better."

He was going to milk this thing for as long as he could. "Both of you just focus. They'll be here in less than ten minutes. Address me correctly, don't speak unless asked a question and please—"

"Don't be late," Andrew and I mocked. Noah rolled his eyes and adjusted his tie, "thank you."

The three other members on the board were Patricia Hall, Tom Duhamel, and Jennifer Simmons. They were less intense than their counterpart Nigel Summers, but they were just as attentive. No stone was left unturned when it came to those four, it was almost as if they wanted Noah to mess up. They'd also been visiting more frequently since the spiff with Bullion weeks ago, which made me wonder...

I beat Noah to the boardroom, wanting to greet all four members of the esteemed board when they arrived. Andrew strolled in shortly after I did, a serious Noah trailing behind him. He offered me a side glance and hurried into the room.

The first member to arrive was, of course, Nigel Summers. He gave me a less than enthusiastic handshake and took a seat at the head of the table. Patricia Hall was next. Her smile was warm and her hands were soft. She complimented my perfume and asked for the name before she took her seat next to Summers. Then came Jennifer Simmons, she was on a call, too distracted to greet me. She waved her hand and pushed past me, clumsily putting her belongings on the table. Last but certainly not least was Tom Duhamel, the friendliest member of the board. He was a friend of Noah's and often gave him a heads up when they were dropping by. Today was no exception.

"Ms. Taylor, it's nice to see you again." He shook my hand and smiled, "you too, Young."

"It's a pleasure to see you again Mr. Duhamel," Andrew gushed. I swore he had a bit of a crush on the man. Tom nodded and took his seat next to Jennifer.

"Kiss ass," I whispered. Andrew laughed and nodded to our chairs, "let's get this over with."

The majority of the meeting was talking numbers and investments. Ivy's worth had increased by 3.4 million dollars over the last quarter and the board was more than impressed. Noah assured them that the numbers would continue to improve once he signed off a deal with two well-known figures in the Seattle area.