Read Brie Faces her Master's Fears (After Graduation, #4) for Free Online Page B

and got into her car, feeling shell-shocked. He had not rejected the film, but it felt like it—especially knowing that Mary was the key. She rested her head on the steering wheel and closed her eyes. That was not how she’d thought the meeting would go, and now she would have to go back to Sir and tell him her film wasn’t good enough.
    She jumped when someone knocked on her driver-side window. Brie looked up and saw Sir staring down at her. He made the motion for her to unroll the window. “I wanted to be the first to congratulate you.”
    Her bottom lip trembled.
    Sir paused for a second and then smiled. “Let’s go for a walk, babygirl.”
    Brie got out of the car and Sir placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her through the crowds of people hustling down the sidewalk. His touch brought welcome peace to her soul.
    “How did it go?” he asked gently. “I can tell by your body language and silence that you aren’t happy, but I can’t imagine he rejected it.”
    She struggled to talk without her emotions choking her voice. “Mr. Holloway rejected what I have now.”
    “But…”
    “If I can get Mary’s and Lea’s consent to do more personal interviews, along with a host of other things within a month’s time, he’ll accept it. Well…he’ll consider it, at least. But Mary will never agree to it, Sir. It’s done.” She held back a sob and turned away from him.
    Sir directed her to a ledge so that she could sit down. He stood over her, allowing her time to collect herself. “I understand your disappointment, Brie. However, the door has not been closed. He is providing you with an excellent opportunity. It is not over—this is just beginning.”
    Brie looked up at Sir, unable to hide her misery. “The last thing I want is to talk to Mary again, much less ask a favor of her, Sir. To realize my dream I have to face my worst nightmare.”
    “I take it as a good sign. The unresolved issues between you two need to be addressed. It seems the universe agrees and is forcing the issue.”
    “Anything but that…” she whimpered.
    He said quietly, “You are no longer a child.”
    It was humiliating to be put in this position. Mary had wronged her, Mary was the one at fault, but it was Brie who was expected to mend the rift the betrayer had created.
    “Brie, let me give you a piece of advice, one I learned after my father’s death. No matter how it may appear to the casual observer, you cannot know the truth unless you know all sides. I would refrain from making judgments until you speak with Miss Wilson directly.”
    Brie bowed her head. Yes, Sir knows too well the cost of unjust judgments . His words brought clarity in a sea of doubt and frustration. “I’ll speak to her, Sir. But I already know it’s going to end in disaster.”
    Sir chuckled. “I doubt that. I remember seeing the two of you together. There were times of honest camaraderie between you. Don’t be so quick to dismiss that because of one incident you have yet to discuss.”
    “You have more faith in her than I do, Sir.”
    “My faith lies in you, Brie.”
    She stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you, Sir. I needed to hear that.”
    His strong arms embraced her and he lifted her off the ground. “You are meant to accomplish great things. To whom much is given, much is expected.” He kissed her firmly on the lips.
    Brie melted into his kiss, and laid her head against his chest when he set her back down. “As long as I have you, I know I can’t fail.”
    He squeezed her tighter. “I have news of my own, little sub.”
    Brie looked up and smiled. “What is it, Sir?”
    “One of the business contacts I made in Russia has plans for expansion into America. They’ve asked to meet in New York.”
    She was genuinely pleased. “Your dreams of expanding your business are coming true, Sir.”
    “Like you, they are not happening the way I anticipated, and yet a unique opportunity has presented itself.” He