Page 83 of The History in Us

Katie

My legs wobbled as I hustled off the dance floor, heading directly for the main door. I would explain things later to Sidonia. Standing by the coat check, I noticed her father speaking on the phone. I received my coat and slipped it on as I headed for the elevators. My toe tapped. I wasn’t making my exit fast enough. For the first time ever, I didn’t want Levi to chase me. I wanted to be alone.

“Leaving so soon,” Mr. Thomas addressed me, and I turned to face the imposing man.

“I have homework,” I weakly offered. “Final exams next week.” He nodded, pouting his lower lip in understanding.

“Sidonia tells me you’re a great writer. She read the piece you entered in the contest.”

I took a deep breath and let my shoulders fall. I couldn’t take any more disappointment in regards to my writing.

“I can’t say I’m familiar with it, but why don’t you give me your elevator pitch.”

I stared at him and looked at the elevator.

“In thirty seconds or less, tell me what your story is about.”

“Mr. Thomas, with all due respect, I don’t think it’s something that would interest you.” His business attire and disappointment in his daughter’s business hinted that he was a powerful man who wouldn’t have time for the silly fantasies of a dreamer like me. His eyes narrowed at me and he tilted his head like he’d done earlier to his daughter.

“Humor me,” he said, his voice slightly gruffer.

“It’s titled Silent Warrior, and it’s about a girl who doesn’t speak. She learns things, like a spy, the quiet observer in the room. She’s discredited by her silence as being dumb, but she’s smart. She uses what she sees to be a vigilante of sorts, protecting the weak and supporting the strong. There’s a romantic element, but the story is hers. She’s the hero.”

My heart raced as I recalled my tale in less than five sentences when the story was almost one hundred thousand words.

“Very interesting,” Mr. Thomas said, crossing his arms over his chest. “And this is the story Sidonia read?”

“Yes, sir.” The elevator dinged, and I realized the timing marked the end of my pitch. The practice was good for me, but the moment disheartened me further. I couldn’t take any more disappointment.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Thomas. I hold your daughter in my highest respect. She’s a good friend.” With that I stepped into the elevator and let the closing doors silence my world.

* * *

Penelope and I stared at the television. The brilliant light illuminating the living room as we shared a late-night bowl of popcorn.

“It’s been a long time,” Penelope said and I knew what she meant. I’d spent so much time with Levi and AJ, I missed my best friend. I chomped on another kernel as I muttered my agreement at her statement. My mind still raced with the evening’s events. Levi’s confession that I was the one haunted me. Had I made a mistake? Did I walk away too easily? Taking a deep breath, I fought the urge to call him. Then I remembered something.

“Don’t you work for a company named Mullens Manufacturing?”

Penelope’s head hit the back of our couch. “Don’t ruin a perfectly good evening by mentioning my day job?”

I twisted to look at her. She turned her face toward the ceiling and closed her eyes.

“Why?”

“Grant Mullens is the man I temp for. He’s such an ass. Pretty to look at, but a total ass.”

Grant Mullens?The name rang a bell. Levi mentioned him, but they couldn’t be the same person.

“Huh, Levi mentioned a Grant Mullens tonight. Said he helped him after we first came home from Thanksgiving.”

Penelope snorted. “Doubtful we are talking about the same Grant Mullens then. He doesn’t care about anyone but himself. He’s a total player.”