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Ryan grins. “No, but if it’s your idea, they’ll like it. You’ve had quite the effect on the Chaotix boys.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks.
“I don’t know how. I feel like I’m in over my head in your world, and I’m just treading water, trying not to drown.”
His arms envelop me and pull me in. “No one can tell. To everyone else, you seem like a superhero. Full of these incredible ideas and a fresh look at how we do things. Your place here was earned because you know your shit. Imposter syndrome can be a real bitch, trust me. I’ve slayed that beast a time or two.”
It was hard to picture Ryan struggling with his identity. He seems so larger than life and comfortable with his success. Confident.
“Maybe one day I’ll accept the praise and not feel like I somehow stumbled into this opportunity on a fluke.”
He shifts. “It wasn’t a fluke. The stuff you said the night I met you stuck with me. It made me think. I’ve heard hundreds of pitches over the years, and when a gorgeous girl backstage gets my wheels spinning more than others who have been in the business for decades? That says something. I was surprised when I found out that the ink wasn’t even dry on your promotion when you managed to sell us on your agency. That’s impressive, Juliet. Stop overthinking and embrace it.”
I replay his words in my mind as he dresses and heads for the door. Maybe if I hear them enough, I will start to believe them.
Believe that I belong in this world.
Believe that maybe, just maybe, I was made for this.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Ryan
“Tell us where you want us, boss,” I say with a wink.
I can see Juliet’s wheels turning as she maps out the room in her mind.
“Maybe the sofa? Let’s see how it looks with the two of you on the cushions, and maybe someone can sit casually on the arm? Then Ant, you drag that chair over to the left.”
We all fall into motion and do as she says.
She crawls onto the bed and sits up on her knees so that all four of us are visible in the frame.
“Okay, I love it. I guess go for it, and I’ll start filming. I can sort through the footage later and put something together.”
I look over at Gareth. “Swing Days?”
He nods and begins strumming out the melody. Neil joins in, and Ant finds his footing on the box drum.
We fall into step flawlessly, and she hits record.
Baby, I love your crossroads,
do you mind if I steal a rotation?
But I’ve tried maneuvering before,
that’s why we’re stuck at the swing station.
We’re laughing with each other as we sing out the words. Each time I glance at her, she seems thrilled with what is happening in front of her.
Now I can’t find the limbo without you,
and your words cut deeper than a dilemma.
I just wanna be part of your nexus.
Free me from all this temptation,
