She’d busted her ass for this company. Her accounting degree was only a sliver of the talent she gave to this place. She’d always thought she was valued no matter what corporate hat she wore.
Olivia’s heart sank, her breath caught in her throat. She came to her feet just as Jade came back around the side of the house. Whatever her friend saw in her eyes had Jade coming up the steps and standing right by Olivia.
“May I ask why?”
“I have something else in mind for you, and it’s something I only trust you with.”
A little part of Olivia eased, but how could the largest account just be taken from her like that? Did this mean he thought Steve was better for the job or did Tom believe Olivia was the best and he was giving her an even bigger account? Too many questions and she was in no position to second-guess her boss.
“I’m honored you trust me,” she stated. “Is this a new account or an already established client?”
“I’m going to e-mail you the details shortly,” Tom told her. “I wanted to let you know about the VanKirk Agency first before you followed up with them or had any more contact. I’m putting you on a delicate would-be clientele. We’re hoping to sway them our way and if you can manage that, it will be the biggest project you’ve ever had.”
Olivia rubbed her forehead, a little worried over what was to come, but excited at the prospect of pulling in the largest account they’d ever had. Surely that would ensure her position as COO . . . right? There was no way to know what her boss was thinking, but with the promotion on the line, Olivia would do what was asked of her.
“I look forward to seeing more details,” she told him honestly. “Thank you for trusting me.”
“No thanks necessary,” Tom replied. “On a personal note, how is the packing coming along?”
Olivia had simply told her boss she needed to settle her father’s things and pack up the house before coming back. He’d been amazing by telling her to take her time because he’d lost his grandmother a year ago and had done the same.
“A little slower than expected, but nothing I can’t handle.”
“I never had any doubt,” he stated, a smile to his voice. “Take all the time you need. So long as you’re working, I’m fine with you not being in the office for now.”
She knew he was sincere with that, but at the same time, she wanted to be back. She didn’t know if Steve would try something sneaky with her gone and she didn’t want to give him the opportunity, either.
“I hope to be back within a couple weeks. I’m working on cleaning out the house, and then there are some minor repairs that need to be done before I can list it.”
“Well, like I said, if you need more time, just let me know. I’ll send that e-mail within the hour.”
Olivia disconnected the call and sank back into the chair. Her mind raced in all directions and she couldn’t wait to get that ping from her phone and open the e-mail.
“I can’t decide if you’re panicking or if you’re fine.” Jade sat down on the porch swing on the other side of the chair. “Was that your boss?”
Olivia nodded. “I’m fine, but panicking. He’s pulled me from one account and has something else for me. He claims it’s even bigger than what I was working on. I’m waiting on the details now.”
“Does that mean you’re out of commission until you hear from him?”
Narrowing her eyes, Olivia stared at her dearest yet sometimes sneaky friend. “What did you have in mind?”
“I just figured we could go see Jax.” She offered a megawatt smile. “All three of us.”
Olivia knew precisely what her friend was doing. She was being nosy and planned on pulling Melanie in on everything as a sidekick.
Jade merely raised a brow and crossed her arms. “I can be showered and ready in twenty minutes.”
“Which is another reason I hate you,” Olivia grumbled, reaching over to pull up her e-mails again. “How can you look like you walked off a magazine shoot and take so little time?”
“It’s the Irish genes,” she explained, batting her lashes. “Now, give me just a few minutes. I’ll let Mel know we’re leaving soon.”
As Jade literally raced past Olivia into the house, Olivia couldn’t help but laugh. Whatever it took to keep her friends’ minds off their own issues. If they wanted to join forces with her when she went to talk to Jackson, the more the merrier. Perhaps Jade could convince him to . . .
What? Did Olivia actually want to make this grand change to the airport? Did she want to devote all the time, energy, and funds to not only get the place up and running to a normal standard, but to make it bigger and better than ever?
Olivia stared at her e-mails as the one she’d been waiting for finally appeared in bold letters at the top. As she opened it and began reading, she realized her life may be getting more hectic than ever, but yes, she did want to make this work.
Somehow, someway, she would. Because Olivia had never backed down from a challenge and if this risky renovation was going to bring in more money in the long run, then she’d be a fool to pursue the sale like she’d initially planned.
First, she needed to reply to her boss, and then she needed to round up her girl posse and head to the hangar. She wasn’t sure if Jackson was out flying or if he’d be around, but she’d be ready for him. And if she had those chaperones they’d joked about, he wouldn’t try anything . . . would he?
Chapter Ten
“I need to get to the station.”
Jax glanced up from the invoices and gave his cousin a nod. “Close the door behind you. I don’t have
