Chapter 56

Kasey

It had been a while since Kasey and Nicole had any girl time, and Migos was the perfect place to do it. The best friends had just put in their orders when the waiter returned with their drinks.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever,” Nicole said, before taking a sip of her margarita.

“I know! I’ve had so much going on,” Kasey shook her head, recalling how much her life had changed since she’d last had a relaxing visit with her friend.

Nicole was always the voice of reason Kasey needed in her life. Much more in touch with her emotions, Nicole could help Kasey identify what she was feeling before creating a solution. Often, it seemed that when things were going right, she didn’t need the meetings as much, but that was never a reason not to spend time with her closest friend.

“Thank God that hideous Renee is out of the picture. Have you heard anything new from her?” Nicole asked, taking another sip of her blue drink.

“No, I’m hoping that she’s history. I can only imagine the problems she’s having trying to run a business the size of the Passions house she ended up with while maintaining Rockwell. There’s a reason no one with any sense wants overnight success—you won’t be prepared for it. She must be drowning in costs and overdue deals.”

Kasey had given little thought to Renee, but now that she did, she realized how much trouble her former boss must find herself in. She was never great at managing a business, and now she had too.

“So, how is it working with Jay? Did he give you back your same position or what?” Nicole asked, intrigued. It wasn’t normal for her to be so left out of Kasey’s life, so she knew there had to be something taking up her time, and she hoped it had something to do with the only man who had touched her friend’s heart in years.

“Actually, we’re trying something new,” Kasey began, and Nicole was visibly disappointed.

“Don’t tell me you’re not going to work together,” Nicole said, knowing how Kasey would go to great lengths to avoid something most women dreamed of—falling in love.

“Yes, we’re working together, but I’m not in the same role. I’ve always had this idea for a new type of publishing house, or firm if you will. It’s different than anything else—I want to provide all the services and resources writers need under one roof.”

“What makes it different is that our mission isn’t to sell the most books. Well, that’s not all the way true. We want to sell the most books based on the vision of the artist. You know I’ve always struggled with convincing authors to change their work to appeal to wider audiences, right?” Kasey asked. Nicole nodded, sipping her drink.

“Well, this won’t be about adjusting to sell books, but adjusting your marketing to reach the most people you can with the work you have. It’s all about the art and developing these relationships with writers. There is a false perception that publishing can be a one size fits all type of business, and it can’t. So we’re doing something that creates custom assistance as opposed to the normal partnership.”

Kasey was beaming again. She loved sharing her vision and couldn’t believe it was the first time she’d told Nicole.

“Are you kidding me? And Jay is open to the idea of adding this to Passions Publishing?” Nicole asked in disbelief.

“Open? He’s my biggest advocate. I didn’t even have to sell it to the staff or pitch to the accounting department. He did everything and invested all the money. We already have a new building, I’ve been helping with selecting staff, and even sat in on a design meeting to look at drafts of the logo.” Now that Kasey heard the words, she realized how involved she was in the whole thing, and how surreal it was to see her dream coming to fruition.

Many times before, she would suggest ideas to her bosses, and they would either ignore her altogether, or take the idea and implement it themselves, never including her in the process. Jay had made sure to respect her and her vision, and which was really touching.

“Kasey, this is incredible. It’s a dream come true! He must really believe in you,” Nicole was so excited and thrilled to see her friend so happy.

It had been years since Kasey had a man in her life, and although she was only sharing the professional portion of her life with Jay, she knew Nicole was interested in the possibility that it could be more.

“We’ve been spending a lot of time together, too. You know, out of the office,” she blushed.

“I wanted to ask! That’s great. He sounds like a really great guy, Kase.”

“He is. And you know I’ve kissed my fair share of frogs, but he’s nothing like any of the men from my past.” Kasey gushed on about Jay.

He had given her a new outlook on men in general. Jay Canton had every reason not to be a good guy. He could get any girl in the world, had more money than he knew what to do with, and ran one of the most powerful companies in the state.

Yet, he was genuine, kind, and compassionate. He even ran his business with those principles, which had made Passions the success it was. Now, Kasey would be a part of taking the company to new heights, based on a premise she’d thought up on her own and was getting a chance to implement. It all felt like a dream.

“That’s so amazing, Kasey. I’m really happy for you. Had I known all of this was happening, I would have picked a better place to celebrate!” She was having to yell over the boisterous crowd.

It was Taco Tuesday at Migos, and the college kids were packed wall to wall enjoying the discount beer and cheap dinner. Kasey laughed and the waiter brought out their meals. After taking their empty margarita glasses, he scurried off and the ladies dug into their Mexican food.

“That was delicious, as always,” Kasey sighed, rubbing her belly. She couldn’t manage to finish her fish tacos.

“Always!” Nicole responded, waving her hand in the air to signal the waiter.

“No more,” Kasey warned her.

“Oh, we’re having a shot of tequila to celebrate your success.

Kasey knew it was no use arguing, so she just shook her head as the waiter carried over the tray, placing the two small glasses in the middle of the table.

“It just seems like everything in your life is aligning at the right time, Kasey. And you know timing is everything. You wouldn’t have been able to receive this a year ago,” Nicole picked up where they’d paused their conversation to eat dinner.

“I’d have to agree. I wouldn’t have pitched my idea to Jay even a few months ago. I had to grow to trust him before I could open up about my vision.” Kasey felt a lump of emotion in her throat, and raised her shot glass, hoping to force it down.

“To you!” Nicole yelled, but it was so loud in the restaurant that no one even noticed. They gently touched glasses before drinking the light brown liquid.

Kasey’s eyes were clenched shut as the alcohol traveled through her chest warmly. She never enjoyed hard liquor, but when she did indulge, tequila was her go-to.

“Kasey, I think you’re falling in love,” Nicole said, seemingly out of nowhere.

Kasey laughed while shaking her head, but she couldn’t fix her lips to deny it. Nicole was usually the one who helped her identify her emotions, but she wasn’t ready to name what she felt for Jay just yet. It was too pure, and fragile.

She wanted to revel in it, and enjoy their time together without expectations or assumptions. Jay made her feel special, like a queen. Everything about them was so effortless, and she felt like she could finally be herself around a man.

“Let’s not wait so long for the next girl’s night,” Kasey tried to change the subject.

“That sounds good, because I can’t handle any more surprises,” she joked back.

“What’s been new at the doctor’s office?”

“Did I tell you Malinda got fired?” Nicole’s eyes widened.

For the next twenty minutes, Kasey learned all about the office gossip at Nicole’s job. She laughed and gasped as the story took different turns, but at one point she thought back to what Nicole had said. Everything in her life was coming together at the right time. It was true, and she was grateful.

Life hadn’t been handed to Kasey, but she’d made the best of the hand she was dealt. She seemed to get a wildcard the day she walked into Passions Publishing and met Jay Canton. Now, she was having the time of her life playing to the best of her ability.