Sierra

I couldn’t believe what was happening in my life. Cameron left me, I was pregnant, and Delia had cancer. I climbed into the car and James glanced back at me.

“How did it go?” he asked.

“Delia has breast cancer.”

“Oh wow. Sierra, I’m sorry.”

“Thanks. She’ll be fine. She’s Delia.” I gave a small smile.

“That’s right. She’s a fighter and before you know it, her cancer will be a distant memory. Do you still want to go to the office?” he asked.

“Yeah. I need to keep busy.”

I passed Sasha’s desk and she followed behind me into my office.

“Everything is all set for the party. Like, totally taken care of. You don’t have to worry about a thing. So no stress. It’s not good for…well, you know.” She smiled.

“Thanks, Sasha. I appreciate it and you’ll be getting a bonus in your next check.”

“Sierra!” Kirsty came bolting into my office. “Thank god you’re back. Roger Whitfield just called and threatened to pull his account.”

“Why?” I rolled my eyes.

“Because he said he’s called you twice to discuss pricing and you never called him back. He’s been in touch with Alexander over at Grimes & Dunn. Apparently, they’re offering some great deal to switch over to them.”

“That’s because Grimes & Dunn is on the verge of bankruptcy. That son of a bitch.” I sighed as I sat in my chair.

I picked up the phone and dialed Roger.

“It’s about time, Sierra,” he answered.

“I’m sorry, Roger, but I’ve had a lot going on. Now how may I help you?”

“I’m thinking about pulling my account with Adams Advertising.”

“Why?” I calmly asked.

“I think you’re too overpriced.”

“Then if you can find another agency that’s cheaper, I suggest you switch. But I can guarantee you that you will not get the same results.”

“I won’t lie, Sierra. I’ve been in touch with Grimes & Dunn.”

“So I’ve heard. Nothing is sacred in the advertising world. If you want to go with a company that is on the verge of bankruptcy, be my guest.”

“You’re just going to let a five-million-dollar account walk away?” he asked.

“Yes, Roger, I am. We’ve bent over backwards for you, and if that isn’t enough, then adios, amigo. Go deal with Grimes & Dunn. I don’t really care.”

“Wow, Sierra. Okay then. Consider my account dissolved,” he spoke.

“Very well, Roger. It was nice doing business with you.”

I ended the call and looked at Kirsty and Sasha, who were standing there with their mouths hanging open.

“Sierra. What is going on?” Kirsty asked.

“Nothing. I’m not going to force people to stay if they don’t want to. If he feels he can get better treatment, quality ads, and lower pricing somewhere else, who am I to stop him?”

“But—”

“No buts. Aren’t we supposed to be in auditions or something?” I asked as I looked at my watch.

****

Cameron

It had been hell. Total hell. I was still so angry with her for what she’d done, yet I missed her. Of course I missed her and I was stupid to think I wouldn’t. Even though I was working fourteen-hour days, I couldn’t sleep at night. The things Delia said really got me thinking. Sierra had her own way of communicating. A way I didn’t approve of. That was something we needed to talk about. Maybe I was letting my pride get in the way of everything. She hadn’t tried to contact me at all, which had me a little worried. Tonight, at the party, we’d talk.

As I was getting ready to leave, Louis Sweetberry called.

“Louis, what’s up?” I asked.

“Cameron, you need to come here ASAP. There was fire in the bar.”

“What?!”

“Just get here as quickly as possible,” he spoke.

I grabbed my keys, climbed into my truck, and headed to Orange County. When I arrived at the bar, Louis was outside talking with one of the firefighters.

“What happened?” I asked.

“They think it was an electrical fire that started in the kitchen,” Louis spoke.

Half the building was gone and the bar would need to be rebuilt from scratch. All the work we’d already put into it was non-existent and it made my stomach sick. After talking with Louis for a while, I checked my watch. It was getting late. By the time I got back to L.A., the party would be over. Shit. I told Sierra I’d be there and I was so wrapped up with the bar that I didn’t even text her to let her know I wouldn’t be able to make it. Pulling out my phone, I sent her a text message.

“Something came up and I couldn’t make it. I’m sorry.”

As I was driving back, I waited for her response. Just as I suspected, one never came. I needed to see her, to talk to her, but it was too late. I’d call her tomorrow, but I was positive she wouldn’t answer.

****

Sierra

The engagement party was beyond fabulous. Kirsty and James were surprised and everything was perfect, except Cameron couldn’t bother to show up. I saw his text message as the guests were beginning to leave. Sitting on the edge of the pool, I put my feet in the water.

“Thank you again for this amazing party.” Kirsty smiled as she hooked her arm around me.

“You’re welcome. Anything for you and James.”

“James said Cameron was supposed to be here.”

“Yeah. He said something came up and he was sorry.” I laid my head on her shoulder.

“I know Cameron and he wouldn’t have missed this unless it was something important,” she spoke.

“Whatever. I was going to tell him tonight about the baby. Now I don’t know when I’ll tell him. He clearly has no interest in me anymore.”

“That’s not true, Sierra. He loves you. He just needs time.”

“He acts like I murdered his dog or something. It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m over it and him.”

“You are not.” She kissed my head.

The next morning, as I was trying to drink my coffee without vomiting, I received a call from Delia.

“Hi, Mom,” I answered.

“Hello, Sierra. I need you to come for dinner tonight at seven o’clock.”

“Okay. Is there any special occasion I don’t know about?”

“No.” Her voice became high-pitched.

I knew that tone. It was the tone of Delia having something up her sleeve.

“I’ll be there.”

“Thank you, darling. See you tonight.”