Chapter 23

Larry found Rebecca on the terrace looking out across the garden an hour later. He put his arm around her. "What are you doing out here?"

"Hiding. I said things I shouldn't have to your father."

"Were they true?"

"Yes, from what you told me."

"Then don't worry about it."

"I do worry about it, though. I said that he wasn't a good father because he didn't fight to keep you," Rebecca said. "He was blaming me for you wanting time off. I know that's true."

Larry turned Rebecca so she was facing him. "I am taking time off because I have realized that there is more important things in life than work. I am getting burnt out. Even before you came into my life, I was getting burnt out. The job wasn't as fun anymore. This project took longer than most because things kept going wrong. It was a mess. That is why I decided to take a break."

"I'm sure if I wouldn't have come along, you would have got right into another project."

"I don't want to be like my father. I want to take time for other things." Larry said then pulled her into his arms. "Don't blame yourself for things that my father says. I love you and that's all that matters."

"I love you, too."

"We should go back to the party."

"I guess we should."

"There's actually someone here I want you to meet," Larry said. "He's the owner of the local paper and actually heard of your work."

Rebecca pulled back, "Really?"

"Yes. We talked briefly before I came to find you." Larry said then pressed a kiss to her lips. He intensified the kiss and held her tight. He pulled back a few moments later.

"What was that for?"

"Because I love you and it looked like you needed a kiss."

"I did, actually."

"Good. Let's go and rejoin the party." Larry said as put his arm out. Rebecca took it and they walked inside. He led her through the crowd and up to a group of men. "Excuse me, Mr. Jackson. I wanted to introduce you to Rebecca Chandler."

"Miss Chandler, I've read your work. You write with such passion."

"Thank you, Mr. Jackson."

"Are you here for long? I would really like to sit down and talk to you about your work."

"I would like that. I am going through some personal issues right now, but I will contact you as soon as they are over with."

"I am looking forward to it."

"So am I," Rebecca said.

Mr. Jackson excused himself and walked away. "That went great," Larry said. "You've got your foot in the door."

"Yes. I know. Let's have another dance," Rebecca said. They went out on the dance floor.

The party started breaking up around 2 AM. Larry and Rebecca said good night to Reginald and the other hosts and waited for their limo. It pulled up and they got in. The limo pulled away.