The Publicist's Plight (Book I in The Harrison Inc. Series) | ✓

Chapter Fifty Six: When The Past Catches Up To You

**

As if the tension between Sebastian and I wasn't bad enough, now we have the fact of more people knowing about us kissing to make it worse.

It's currently the next morning. I'm packing my things, as are Lucas, Sarah and Sebastian. We finally leave this afternoon, back to L.A.; back home. I guess I can reflect on what I've learned or what I've accomplished during my stay here, but it would take too long to list. I know now that I do have feelings for Sebastian, and I also know that Garrett has a target set on my head, but he's being really quiet about things, which makes having this said target even worse; I could be shot any moment—metaphorically or literally.

When all of my things are packed in their bags, I sit on the edge of the bed. Somehow, I manage to only think about everything I haven't been able to accomplish: Sebastian still didn't get the closure he needed with his family, Sebastian didn't get the publicity he was meant to get here down in the south, and Sebastian and I are still at odds about our feelings. But when I think back at the lack of accomplishments, it makes me realize that each one is about him; things that he needs to work at mending on his own. I guess the only thing I can do is let it go, because if he's going to have closure with his family and if he's going to make a name for himself, and if he's going to want to confront me about what happened, he'll need to do it on his own.

I've babysat him long enough.

Loretta helps me bring all of my things downstairs, and Peter loads them into the cart outside.

"Well. I guess this is it," Loretta says.

I nod, "It is. Loretta I just...I want to thank you. For just being so amazing. In truth, I felt most comfortable around you during my stay here."

"Thanking me?" she laughs. "I should be thanking you. I know you don't see it, but you've left your mark here."

"It doesn't feel like it. There's a lot I haven't accomplished."

Loretta sees how grim I've suddenly become. She places a hand on my shoulder.

"But look at everything you have accomplished," she tells me.

She's right. If I'll be honest, I have accomplished much. Maybe it's me being too much of a perfectionist to see the silver lining of anything. Especially after these past several days; I still can't bear to show my face to the family after Rachael exposed Sebastian and I yesterday. If I would have just stayed in that damn library, none of that would have happened; Claude could not stop smirking at me before I decided to leave the living room.

"You'll come visit, will you?" asks Loretta.

"Of course, if Fiona will have me."

"I'm sure she will."

Peter comes into the house. "Everything's loaded into the cart, ma'am."

I sigh at Loretta, managing a smile. "Well. I guess this is it. Make sure to update me on how Cecil and Elijah are doing?"

"You know I will."

Loretta and I exchange one last hug before I leave. When I walk out of the guest house, I'm plagued with an intense sadness that I didn't feel to the same degree when I was packing. I'm going to miss Loretta's unrelenting wisdom and acceptance.

**

"I'm so ready to go home!" Sarah groans loudly.

Her and I are walking through the living room to the front door, Peter and another worker carrying some of our things. Sarah's optimism to get back to Los Angeles makes me laugh. I would have the same optimism if my mind didn't stop reminding me of everything I have to deal with back home—cleaning out my office, finding a new firm to work at, and of course, dealing with my friends. But again, I'm excited to finally go home; I guess I'll leave whatever is in store for me to the universe.