Page 5

They chatter on excitedly, while I try to tune it out. I clear my throat.

“So, um, Lily… how’s kindergarten going?” I ask, attempting to make conversation with my five-year-old niece.

She turns and blinks at me. “I don’t like it.” An awkward pause. “They make us do work. Writing letters and numbers. Boring.”

“Oh, uh, wow. That sounds… fun.” I force a smile.

I’m saved from further small talk when my cell phone rings. I frown at the caller ID—it’s Helen, my boss. This can’t be good.

“Sorry, I have to take this. Work emergency,” I say, relieved at the interruption. “Helen, what’s up?”

“Rachel, I have huge news,” Helen says breathlessly. “Guess who was just on the phone inviting us to pitch?”

“Don’t do this to me. Who?” I knew immediately if Helen was playing coy, it was big news. “Who?!”

“You’ve been trying to poach them for months?”

My pulse quickens. “GreenShoots?”

“Yep. They’re looking to go in a new direction. But here’s the rub—they’ve put the account up for tender. Four agencies, including us.”

A thrill runs through me, followed by steely determination. I’ve worked too hard on landing GreenShoots to lose them now. Nearly eighteen months of subtle but constant engagement, and it’s finally paid off.

“A pitch is fine; I can handle the competition. When do they need the proposal by?”

Helen exhales. “That’s the kicker. They want pitches tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?!” The word explodes out of me, making Richard glance back in concern. I wave him off.

“I know, I know. They’re doing it on purpose, to see how we react to pressure. They want fresh ideas, not a polished dog and pony show,” Helen explains.

My mind races, already envisioning the key messages, tactics, case studies I’ll need to wow them, jetlag be damned. I’m their woman and they need to know it.

“Okay, I’ll make it work,” I say firmly. “Text me all the pitch details, I’ll start strategizing. Tell GreenShoots they’ll have the most persuasive damn proposal they’ve ever seen, even on short notice.”

“That’s my star closer,” Helen says proudly. “I knew I could count on you.”

I hang up, adrenaline surging through my veins. This pitch could make my career. I have to win it. I have to get to Portland, fast.

But as I look up, I suddenly remember where I am—wedged in my brother-in-law’s SUV, zooming farther away from the airport with each passing mile. My stomach sinks.

What the hell am I going to do now?

I steel myself for the conversation I’m about to have. “Richard, I need you to turn the car around. I have to get to the airport.”

“What?” Claire twists around in her seat to face me, her eyebrows knitted together. “You can’t be serious! We’re literally going on vacation.”

“I know, I know.” I hold up my hands placatingly. “But this is a huge opportunity. I’ve been trying to land a huge client for over a year, and the pitch is tomorrow. I have to be there.”

“Unbelievable.” Claire shakes her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. “You’re really choosing work over family? Again?”

I wince at the accusation, but I don’t back down. “If I win this client, I’m a shoo-in for partner. It’s everything I’ve beenworking towards. I promise, once I close this deal, we can take a proper vacation, my treat.”

Claire scoffs and turns away, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The girls have gone silent in the back, their earlier excitement fizzled out. They have no idea what we’re talking about, but they can sense it’s not good.

“Richard, please.” I lean forward, my voice urgent. “I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”

Richard meets my gaze in the rearview mirror, his expression conflicted. After a long moment, he sighs. “Alright, Rach.”