Page 72 of See You at the Sunset

“I’ve got nothing more to say to you at all, Eddie boy,” Henry said, patting him on the arm. “And be careful how you address me here in the workplace. Don’t want me filing my own case against you. They start asking me questions, I may have to share how you’ve been padding expense reports and holding your assistants accountable when they’ve questioned you about it.”

Wainwright’s eyes widened, and his face turned beet red.“You...” Henry was surprised steam didn’t come out of his ears as pent-up as he looked.

Henry scooted past him and down the hallway to the elevators. He had no time for this man, or for this job, for that matter.

He had a plane to catch and family waiting for him to come home.

Henry had thrown a bunch of clothes haphazardly into his carry-on, trying not to think about how he’d regret the wrinkles later, and got a cab to the airport. He guessed JFK. He recalled Jia mentioning she’d flown direct from JFK to Palm Springs.

Jia. Did she know about Dennis’s accident? Surely Mimi had called to tell her? Or one of the other residents? Should Henry?

He grabbed his phone to message her just in case.

Henry looked down at the text notifications waiting for him and couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Elliot:Yo. The old goat called us so we’re heading out his way. It’ll be good to see you kid.

Katie:Fuck yeah! The 4 of us together again just like old times. Shit, how long’s it been?

Elliot:Send cash to pay us back for the plane tickets, would ya?

Henry ignored them and swiped out to get to his Contacts list. He dialed the number of the company travel agency. “Hello? I need the quickest way from New York to Palm Springs leaving immediately.” He covered the mouthpiece andleaned toward the driver. “Can you get me to JFK as fast as possible?”

“Sure thing.”

The car jerked and picked up speed.

Henry closed his eyes and took a couple deep breaths. The last thing he needed was to have a panic episode and not be able to get on a plane. There was no room for any delays.

He hadn’t seen his parents in years. Hadn’t heard from them in months. And hadn’t counted on them his entire life.

When Dennis mentioned they might be coming, Henry had thought he’d have time to prepare. But seeing their texts saying they were on their way caused Henry’s anxiety to rise. He had to get there first.

Dennis didn’t deserve this.

And Henry wasn’t sure he himself would be able to survive it.

29

“We’re so proud of you, Jia. You did a really scary thing today and stood up for yourself. You’re amazing. This is my best friend, everyone. She’s incredible and strong and smart and—” Lizzy stood up and lifted her glass to continue her toast.

Her boyfriend Darcy gently pulled at her arm to return her to her seat. “We’re all thirsty, honey. I think everyone gets the idea. Jia, to you.” He lifted his glass, and Jia brought hers to Lizzy’s and then Darcy’s.

“Thanks, you guys. Ten out of ten would not recommend. But I’m glad I did it. And I’m glad it’s over.”

“Let’s be real, Wainwright should be fired. Bakerson should be fired. Shin should be fired.” Lizzy clearly had opinions on the matter.

“I think Bakerson owns the company, my love,” Darcy said.

“And we don’t hate Henry,” Jia said.

“Oh yes, I forgot. We looooove Henry,” Lizzy singsonged.

“Okay, dear, I think it’s time we switch to water for a bit.”Darcy took Lizzy’s drink out of her hand and kissed her on the cheek.

“That was my first drink! If anything, I’m drunk on Jia’s good vibes!”

Jia warmed at the sight of the two of them. She loved their relationship and admittedly felt a tiny bit jealous of it. Jia couldn’t have feelings for just any guy, an easy guy, a regular guy with a regular job to be in a regular romance with. Nope.