The next message was from an industry coordinator I knew by name if not personally.
Hi Ivy, so sorry, but we're going in another direction for Friday's call. Wishing you the best.
A minute later, another.
Need to pause on your submission for now. Complicated situation. Let's reconnect later.
Then another.
No apology this time. Just silence shaped like refusal.
I stared at the screen long enough for my vision to sharpen around the edges.
Complicated situation.
The phrase was bloodless enough to be cowardice in office clothes.
My stomach went cold.
Not because I did not understand what was happening.
Because I did.
Auston had started early.
Not to get me back.
To make sure nowhere else would have me.
My phone vibrated again.
AUSTON
Only one line.
You are making this unneces
