“Before or after?”
“Both, if you’re willing.”
The line went quiet. Had I crossed a line?
“Well, now, that depends on whether we’re going to dinner when you get back.”
“I’d like that. I should be home sometime tomorrow. The hotel’s only booked for tonight. Can you believe they’re sending a fucking car for me in the morning? Fuck, Harv. What’s going on?” I still couldn’t believe this was happening.
“I think it’s called the big time.”
I snorted. “That might be wishful thinking.”
“Have faith, Killian. Good things come to those who wait, or something like that. My grandma used to say it all the time.”
“And did they?”
“Did what?”
“Did good things come along?”
Again, silence from him.
“No. They didn’t, but maybe this time it’ll be different.”
Chapter 17
Killian
Another night of tossing and turning. I just couldn’t sleep with the thought of the meeting hanging over me.
What if it all went tits up? What if he realised what a fucking mistake he’d made and then asked me to repay my expenses?
What if…
Fuck with the what-ifs. I deserved to be in that meeting. I’d worked hard, mostly when I wasn’t fucking around with drugs, but I deserved this, didn’t I?
Both Harvey and Seth had told me good things were coming, and I’d laughed it off as them being nice. But what if they weren’t? What if this was my time?
I woke early and went down to breakfast. I loaded my plate with eggs, bacon, and toast, but when it came to eating it, I had no appetite. The only thing I could stomach was black coffee, and lots of it. I could hear colours; I’d drunk that much.
I went to the toilet God knows how many times. My stomach was in turmoil, nerves eating at me.
Look, it’s gonna be a yes or a no. Deal with it, ya fucking eejit.
By eight-thirty, I was in the hotel lobby, pacing. I smiled weakly at the receptionist and paced some more. How much longer?
I glanced at the clock again. Eight-fifty. Another ten minutes and I’d discover my fate. Did I have what it took to be a star?
Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait that long. A gentleman in a suit came in holding a sign with my name on it. It was like being at the fucking airport.
“Hey, that’s me.”
“Good to meet you. I’m Max. I work for Mr Jones.” He led me out to a brand new Mercedes and even opened the back door.
This was treatment I wasn’t used to.
“We’re really looking forward to working with you.”