The Struggles of Growing Up-Completed

Chapter 25

I laid back on the comforter, wishing the heat would just go away.

You know those summers where it gets agonizingly hot and no amount of AC or fans or cool towels can satisfy you? It's just thick heat, suffocating you. I can't breathe–I feel trapped.

It's July Fourth, and although it's supposed to be a fun, casual holiday, I'm not in a celebratory mood.

It's been weeks since the Paris trip and the "Will scandal". The police were able to recover the stolen money, well, most of it, and they've arrested Will. He's currently being detained. I haven't heard from Vanessa, and it's been bothering me.

I haven't really talked to anyone unless I want to/need to. For example, Zach, or the Remlor investors. The media is in a frenzy after the incident and it's just an embarrassment. The company is slowly back to its feet, as the money has been put back in its place, (which was too lucky). I tell myself it could have been worse.

And yet I'm still not in a patriotic mood.

I contemplated just flying out to see my mom and spend some time with her, but I saw her enough when she came to help me through the crisis. I don't want to talk about the company with her anymore, and she can sometimes be overbearing. I'm feeling homesick, but I can't quite put my finger on why, since I am home. Home is Los Angeles. Home is Remlor, right?

It's the middle of the day, and I'm lying on the couch in my office. We're all still shaken by the scare and they act like they don't talk about it—but I'm sure at least half of them gossip about the Rembrandt-Taylor family drama. I hate that. And I'm pretty sure it's those in marketing. Damn them.

Zach is at work, no doubt getting hell from Leslie Sarabi for being a part of the whole Remlor drama. It can't look good for EcoTech, but it's not his fault he's a Taylor. He assures me everything is fine, but I just get so scared.

I miss him too. I literally saw him four hours ago and I miss him already.

Deb comes in and I don't even bother trying to look like I'm doing something. I don't even know why they're here if I gave them today off. It is independence day. Go be independent from the company.

"Yes?" I ask, rubbing my forehead a little.

"I have your messages and HR is wondering if...there's, um, going to be a new CFO." She adds timidly. I sit up a little, frowning. I haven't even thought of that. Some boss I am!

"Um, I'm not sure yet." She nods and turns to walk away but I call her back. I didn't even notice before that she got a haircut. I've been so preoccupied that I haven't been noticing the little things anymore.

"I like your hair." I say. She instantly brightens and smiles.

"Thanks." She walks away and I'm pretty sure she got a skip in her step.

I pull my hair up in a ponytail, and call Zach.

"Hey." He says softly. I let out a breath.

"Are you busy, I don't want to bother you." I say just as soft, and slightly mad at myself for not doing my work. I log onto my computer to at least check my email.

"No, I'm about to take my lunch, want to join me?"

"Yes."

Leevy, the EcoTech receptionist, doesn't glare at me anymore. She almost smirks, or chuckles under her breath. Geez, I don't see guys glaring or smirking at Zach when he's with me.

Zach's assistant is warm and funny though, and he lets me into Zach's office easily. He and Deb are actually the few people I don't mind talking to at this point.