Until June

Part Three

Noah POV

~Present ~

My driver turns on Caruthers Street as I turn to look out the window, taking a deep breath in the attempt to calm my nerves; the last 24 hours had been exhausting to say the least. I am tired, jet lagged and wondering if agreeing to take over as chief Editor for my uncles highly successful alternative magazine Trendy Fucx was the right decision.

My Uncle Owen, on my fathers' side, had tried to get me to move home and take over his beloved magazine for the past year. I continually declined his outrageous offers, even in our conversation yesterday I was giving the same line I had always used.

~Yesterday~

"O, it isn't the right time." I breathed into the line.

"Noah, there will never be a right time if you don't live your life for you!" my Uncle was right.

Summer had broken up with me six years ago. Yet, I find myself in the London flat we shared thinking about a beautiful redhead day after day.

"Noah, what if we did a trial of six months? Come to Portland, run the magazine until June. If it is not working by then you can leave." Owen sounded defeated.

Until June? This perked my interest, I could give my Uncle his much-needed break then return to the land of rain.

Why would I finally accept and leave my highly successful photography business in London to come back and work with this Trendy Fucx? Aside from giving my Uncle his needed break, I would come back for one reason, that reason happens to be a redheaded beauty that I still feel familiar pull too.

"Ok, until June." I breathed into the phone. We quickly arranged the details and agreed I would arrive the following day to give my Uncle to leave right away.

~Present ~

As my driver pulls over to let me out I take a deep breath, cannot shake the trepidation I have being back in Portland, I contemplate turning around and going home to London.

Instead, I walk through the large office doors and take the elevator to the fiftieth floor. I walk into a large lobby, it is sleek white walls with award-winning covers decorating hanging behind the huge mahogany reception desk. I am greeted by a twenty-something receptionist who could be a poster child for the magazine. By greeted I really mean, standing in front of an indifferent twenty-something who cannot be bothered to look up from the thrilling game of farmland.

I clear my throat and watch as she remains seated cross-legged at her desk playing on her phone. The receptionist has pink hair, huge thick-framed glasses and a graphic tee that states "nerds do it better". I snicker to myself, affirming my early image of her covering Trendy Fucx.

When she finally takes her eyes off her phone to look up at me with no greeting just an annoyed expression of "yes?". This right here- the disinterested attitude will not work for me. I find myself using my large domineering frame, pointing my thumb at my chest saying "Noah Edwards, Owen Edwards nephew and your new boss".

The young receptionist drops her phone, pulls her crossed legs out and sits up straight, not daring once to look me in the eye.

"I'm sorry Mr. Edwards." embarrassment evident on her young face as she responds. I can't help myself but find the humor in her sudden attitude adjustment.

I glance around the open lobby looking at the empty offices and cubicle. I look down at my watch, it is 3:50 pm, I am slightly early, but where is everyone?

Noticing my confusion the reception leans over the desk pointing down the long hallway stating "the weekly strategy meeting is still happening in the boardroom".