Return to Gray Harbor by J.J. Bryant Page B

pondered it, it did seem that way. But the money didn’t matter so much; he liked being right about the numbers and the “more right” he was, the bigger payoff. She was right, he hadn’t checked the markets or seriously tried to reach the office.
    Before he had time to think about it, the words came out of his mouth. “I want to quit my job, Annie. I want to quit my job and come back here. Maybe I’ll help at the market, maybe I’ll open up a small shop of my own. I’m just not happy in New York anymore.”
    Wow, he had said it. He really said it, and he had meant it.
    Annie almost dropped her glass of wine. “Wait, wait. You want to quit your job and come back here? Here to the place you ran away from?” She was now smirking sarcastically.
    Michael sighed. ”Point taken.”
    Annie suddenly got serious, “I would love that, Michael. I think we all would.” She put her hand over his. “Even Dad.”
    Michael didn’t know about that; he didn’t even know why he had said what he did.
    “So, have you quit yet? Is that why you could be here for so long?”
    Michael took another sip of his wine, actually a gulp, and then began his story. He had not talked to anyone about this and it felt good. He explained what was going on with the partners of the fund and that they were trying to push him out by pinning some bad trades on him. He had made enough money to get out, he just didn’t know if he should quit with his pride intact, or wait for the huge payoff.
    Annie finished off the last of her wine and said, “Okay, the next drink is on me, Mikey, and it’s gonna be a strong one. This sounds like a terrible situation.” She flagged Bob down and asked him for a glass of water for herself and a scotch for Michael.
    “If it were me, I’d go out in a blaze of glory and march my ass over there and tell them to go take their money and stuff it, you know where. I mean, it’s not exactly like you’re broke, right?”
    “No, not at all. I mean, I could just sell my place in the city and easily get a little house here and start my own thing and still manage to help out the market and be all right.”
    “Well, then …” She paused as Bob brought over their drinks. She handed Michael his and clinked their glasses. “Cheers to you then, little bro. Tell those jerks to go you-know-where!”
    Annie looked down at her watch as Michael was downing his drink.
    “Mikey, it’s already eleven thirty. Tom isn’t gonna like this, are you still on to babysit tomorrow? Could you do it till late night?”
    “Yeah, of course. Speaking of late night, is there a cab I could get from here?”
    Annie suddenly had a devilish look in her eye. “Sure, I’ll make sure you have a ride. I’ll be right back.” And with that, Annie had walked away.
    Michael turned to see where she was going and then he saw that she had walked right up to Beth and pointed in his direction. Michael tried to make out what they were saying but his lip-reading skills were seriously lacking. He looked at Beth; she looked amazing. She had changed her clothes since earlier that day and was now wearing skinny jeans, strappy sandals, and a light blue fitted oxford shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Her hair was down and if he wasn’t mistaken, her eyes sparkled with some mischievousness, as she looked his way. He smiled and nodded in her direction.
    Annie led Beth over to where Michael was standing.
    “Hey, Mikey, good news. I asked Beth about getting you a cab and she offered to make sure you got home all right.”
    Beth smiled at him.
    “I’ll get the check, Michael,” Annie said, and she leaned over and whispered, “Just tell me where to pick you up in the morning.” She winked at him and waved Bob over.
    “Don’t worry about it, I got it, Annie. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
    Bob walked over as Annie was heading out. “Hey, sis! How am I doing tonight? Look at all these happy customers!”
    Beth smiled at her little brother.
    “Looking good,