by Kat T. Masen
Anton Laurent is one of Europe’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. He’s the chairman of Western Europe’s largest media corporation. I’ve read about him, his business model, and the recent success of merging with a well-known production company based in Italy.
“Oh,” I mouth. “I can see your mind ticking already.”
The corners of Lex’s lips fight a smile, his eyebrows slightly raised.
“You know me well,” he admits, a sly grin following. “So, we’ve been in discussion for a while about expanding in Europe. There are several opportunities I’d love Lexed to pursue, but, of course, with Charlotte due in the next few months, I have no choice but to stay close to her.”
“Uh-huh.” I nod, folding my arms beneath my chest as I wait for the giant ball to drop. “I’m waiting for the big surprise.”
“I want you to run this project from the ground up. You’ve done so well with our Manhattan office, managed to keep London running smoothly, and frankly, I don’t trust anyone besides you.”
I pull in a deep breath, listening to him as he continues to talk about his plans to expand and precisely what he needs me to do. A sense of pride engulfs me. Lex wouldn’t ask if he didn’t think I was competent. He’s business-focused, making professional decisions, and never shows favoritism toward me because of our personal ties.
Though slowly, the more he speaks, my concerns grow, and doubt begins to creep in. There’s so much I need to learn, and although I’ve been accredited having completed my Masters in Business, my practical experience falls short. It’s been only four years versus Lex’s massive experience in the field.
“Europe is… wow,” I confess, my voice in disbelief. “I’m honored, but I don’t think I can—”
He raises his hand to stop me talking. “Don’t even finish that sentence. You know you can. If I’ve taught you anything, it should be self-confidence. Don’t plant failure in your mind without even trying.”
“Yes, I understand, but Europe?” I try to gather my thoughts. There are so many questions. Logistics, timing, and the list goes on. “So how? Where?”
“France. Paris, to be exact.” His stare fixates on me, a mixed looked of intimidation and compassion. He knows me well knowing I will doubt myself before even trying. Yet he also knows I perform well under pressure. “You’ll need to be there for at least three years.”
“Three years in Paris?” I question, tilting my head with confusion. “But what about this office?”
“I think George can manage it. He’s proven his worth, and honestly, Kate, you’re ready for that next step.”
“But… Paris,” I repeat, lowering my gaze toward the table. “I’d have to leave everyone behind.”
I think about Charlie, not seeing the girls grow up, and the new baby joining their family. Then there’s Eric. Despite his dramatic ways, his presence balances the corporate chaos in my head. There’s nothing quite like Eric bringing you back down to earth with a conversation revolving around circumcision. The words ‘meat jacket’ will forever be etched in my memory.
And Noah.
It’s silly for me to miss someone who has only been in my life for such a short time. Sure, our friendship has deepened since the fateful incident on the beach. We speak almost every day, and with him, life is bearable. Yet of late, there’s been a shift, and I know it has to do with Morgan. I’m reluctant to probe him, knowing all too well Noah will deny his feelings by trying to stroke his ego and maintain his single-guy persona.
Lex clears his throat, resting his hand on the desk and tapping it with his fingertips.
“Is there someone specific you don’t want to leave behind?” he asks, watching me furtively.
“N-No,” I stumble. “There’s Charlie, for starters, and of course Amelia and Ava. Eric is getting on my nerves, anyway.”
He nods his head. “And Noah?”
“Noah is a friend,” I reiterate. “Wait! Is this you asking or Charlie?”
“I’m not answering that for fear of retribution.” Lex lowers his gaze, unable to hide the smirk on his face. “So, back to Paris. Will you consider my proposal? You’ll be compensated very well and staying in a penthouse apartment owned by Anton’s son.”
At times, I wish money drove me. Lex already pays me an executive salary, and I’ve invested my savings into a small flat in London, which is currently being rented out. Aside from that, I have nice clothes and a few fancy purses. But of late, none of that brings me joy.
“It’s an amazing opportunity,” I tell him.
“But?”
“No buts. Just processing.”
With a crisp nod, Lex understands my needs and ends the conversation of Paris for now.
“So, about my second thing. The Charter Group has a black-tie event tomorrow. It’s not something I had planned to attend, but Winston Charter, chairman of the Charter Group, will be attending.” He shuts down his laptop, distracting me momentarily. “I’ve managed to grab two last-minute tickets hoping you don’t have plans. I’d really like for you to meet him.”
“I’m single, and it’s a Friday night,” I remind him with a small laugh. “What other plans would I have?”
“There’s just one thing…” Lex trails off, looking somewhat uncomfortable. “Before I mention it, I want to clarify that Charlotte insisted I tell you, so you could make an informed decision about attending.”
“What is it?”
“Your so-called friend, Dominic, will be at the event.”
The name has been absent from my mind with work taking priority. But just like a giant wrecking ball, everything attached to it comes crashing back with force. Lex is waiting for me to respond, and not to come across too feminine with a fragile emotional state, I straighten my posture with a poised smile.
“It’ll be fine,” I say with a forced expression. “Let me know where and when.”
Lex gives me all the details, and the second he leaves, I begin to pace the room in a mild panic. First, I have nothing to wear. Specifically, I have nothing worthy of being seen in by a man who destroyed my confidence and left me to hang out to dry.
Second, I’m panicking—unable to breathe, heart racing, sweat-forming type of panic.
Shit.
I grab my cell, scrolling through my contacts to call Noah. Just as I’m about to tap his name, I abruptly stop. Something holds me back. Whenever the topic of Dominic has come up of late, Noah berates me for even contemplating trying to communicate with him. And when it comes to lectures, Noah does not hold back.
This would be the exact same lecture, and so, I decide to call Charlie.
“I was waiting for this call.”
“You could have given me a warning, so I could’ve saved face in front of Lex,” I complain.
“Save face,” she ridicules, followed by a small huff. “Lex doesn’t care. Well, actually, he does care. He wants you to meet Winston. That’s all.”
“I understand that, but—”
“I, on the other hand, think it’s a bad idea.”
“Of course, you do,” I say, panicked by the whole dilemma. “All those years ago, when you ran into Lex at that charity ball, do you think you would’ve gone if you knew he’d be there?”
“No, I wouldn’t have gone knowing that.”
“I’ve heard many things come out of your mouth, missy, but that right there is a crock of shit.”
“Fine,” she shouts over the receiver. “I possibly would’ve still gone, but that’s completely different.”
“Yeah, I’m not engaged or tied down to anyone. What’s to stop me from doing anything?”
“Um, for starters, your pride should care?” Charlie says while I pinch the bridge of the nose to curb the frustration of our conversation. “And your self-respect. The bottom line here is no good will come from you seeing him.”
“I beg to differ,” I blurt out. “I’m a big girl, Charlie. I can handle the heartbreak.”
***
The street is crowded, lined with
limousines and luxury vehicles all vying for a spot in front of the museum where the event is being held. Flashes are going off right, left, and center. The paparazzi are scurrying around like rats up a drainpipe snapping away at those who pose on the red carpet.
As we walk through the large doors, I’m blown away by the sight of it all. The room is enormous. Its size big enough to hold all of the elite in New York City and then some. Each guest is dressed in the black-tie dress code. Exquisite gowns and dashing tuxedos are everywhere I turn.
Thanks to Adriana, she contacted a designer friend of hers who fitted me early this morning. The dress is stunning, a long black gown made of lace with a plunging neckline. My hair has been styled into a tight bun, allowing the gorgeous white gold necklace to be showcased around my neck. It’s been a while since I’ve worn something so extravagant, welcoming the confidence boost I desperately need for tonight.
Deep breaths.
You haven’t seen him yet.
Inside the room, the tall ceilings are covered in rows of draped, sheer-white organza fabric, creating a medieval feel with a modern twist. A large chandelier hangs from the middle, its crystals reflecting the light shimmering on the dance floor. Scattered across the room are artificial trees with the branches draped in fairy lights.
There’s a band wearing black and white tuxedos, perfectly positioned on the stage playing soft swing music, their hums and beats drowning in the noise of the growing crowd.
Lex finds our table, and after admitting to me he dropped a lot of money to secure our tickets, I tilt my head back with a confident pose and greet everyone who Lex introduces me to.
Our table is occupied by only wealthy entrepreneurs and their trophy wives. It reminds me of when Charlie told me that some woman called her that, and, of course, in true Charlie style, she argued the demeaning title and set that woman straight.
Throughout the course of the evening, we only speak business. It takes my mind off the nerves hiding in the shadows. Scanning the room briefly, he’s still nowhere in sight. Perhaps he bailed. Dominic isn’t a social person unless, of course, it involves people fucking in his club.
I control my consumption of wine and champagne so I’m able to converse without sounding like a drunken idiot. And somewhere during a conversation with Winston Charter, Lex mentions Paris.
“Paris?” Winston nods with a warm smile. “To quote Ernest Hemingway, there are only two places in the world where we can live happy… at home or in Paris.”
“I guess I’ll have to see.” I grin, eyeing Lex.
Lex and Winston continue the Paris talk, all of which I’m still processing. But I don’t let either one of them think any different, offering some suggestions on how and where to start, upward trends in the market, and other ideas which come to my mind.
By the end of the conversation, Lex looks pleased with our discussion.
“Is it a yes?” he asks, waiting patiently.
“It’s a… more processing,” I tell him while grabbing champagne from the waiter.
“Well, while you’re processing, I’m going to have a chat with some old business colleagues, then call it a night,” he mentions, keeping his smile fixed. “I have a late video call I must attend.”
“You tell your video companion that I’m just fine, please.”
Lex leans in to kiss me goodbye, thanking me again for coming tonight on such short notice. I know he has an early flight in the morning, never wanting to be too absent from his family.
I decide to use my time wisely, introducing myself to a few CEOs also based here in Manhattan. As the night wears on, my champagne wears off, and home sounds so good.
Ignoring my disappointment at not seeing Dominic, I say goodbye to a few guests I have been chatting with and make my way through the crowded room toward the exit. As I excuse myself, trying my best to be polite, though fucked off people have to be so rude and not listen, I tap on a shoulder with a loud, “Excuse me.”
The man turns around, and just like that, my heart tumbles toward the floor. Unable to beat, unable to feel anything besides numb.
Dominic.
His eyes bore into mine, the same they have always done when we were in each other’s company. Behind that weighted stare, my imagination runs wild. Conjuring up a world where the two of us, alone, succumbed to our desires and let go of our inhibitions. It’s more than a sexual thirst, and more than a physical connection.
I wanted it all.
And the more I stare back into his eyes, the deeper I fall apart.
“I’m s-sorry,” I stutter, shifting my gaze toward my feet. “I was just trying to get through and didn’t realize it was you.”
“How have you been?” he asks, a hidden smirk lingering behind the persistent gaze. “I’m sorry I didn’t respond to your text.”
He is sorry he didn’t respond to my text?
I cross my arms, my beaded clutch nestled beneath my arm securely. With my lips pressed tight, I think of a response that doesn’t relay my anger toward his pathetic excuse. “Look, it is what it is? Besides I—”
A woman dressed in a white strapless gown laces her arm into his. With a gleam in her eyes, she lowers her gaze, tracing my dress from the bottom up until she forces a smile. “Honey, I was looking for you.” She diverts her attention to Dominic. “The Kleinmans would love to talk about our wedding being held at their Hamptons property.”
Wedding.
Did I hear right?
Tilting my head to the side, I purse my lips while narrowing my eyes.
Wedding.
The word repeats in my head until the woman extends her hand. My eyes dart toward her finger where an expensive diamond ring sits.
“I’m Allegra, Dominic’s fiancée,” she introduces with an air of arrogance. “And you are?”
I clear my throat, unable to even think of my name or even a title to claim.
Fiancée.
Wedding.
The words taunt me to no avail.
“Kate,” is all I manage to say.
With her hand still waiting for a friendly shake, I quickly reciprocate before retracting.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she says, flashing her fake smile once again. “Dominic, honey. Please join me as soon as you can.”
She pulls away from him, disappearing in the crowd.
I’m blindsided by my humiliation, bowing my head and unable to look him in the eye, let alone question his ability to lie to me. Everything we did, everything we experienced was just one giant fucked-up lie.
“Kate, please,” he silently begs. “This isn’t what it seems.”
My head snaps to meet his stare. “You’re engaged to be married, is that correct?”
“Yes, but—”
“You’re engaged to be married,” I repeat, raising my voice. “You told me you don’t settle down? You don’t even date. As you can imagine, I’m rather confused.”
“It’s complicated,” he mutters.
“Complicated?” I say, followed by a disturbing laugh. “You know what? It’s fine. I get it. Goodbye, Dominic.”
As I pull away, Dominic latches onto my arm, his commanding touch killing every inch of me still fighting to breathe for air. I begged for things to be different, but nothing can erase the cold, harsh reality of what I am to him.
Absolutely nothing.
“What we had, K-Kate,” he stammers, searching for words. “It scared me.”
Once again, my gaze drifts back to his eyes. Searching for the truth, an impossible mission when lies taint the path in which we walk upon. Inside me, a raging battle to control my angered emotions becomes overbearing.
“If you’re scared, you run and hide. Or in your case, you fuck some stranger in front of a crowd,” I tell him, my words laced with malice. “You don’t, however, commit to someone else for life. And, I’m sorry, when did this even happen?”
“We should talk more,” he suggests with slight desperation in his tone. “But to answer your question, it
happened three weeks ago.”
I shake my head, releasing my arm from his grip.
“It’s all about timing, Dominic.” I take a deep breath, clutching onto any pride I still carry. “You had your chance. And now, you go live your life, and I’ll go live mine. Just like it’s always been between us. Nothing more and nothing less.”
I don’t give him a chance to respond, taking large steps to distance myself from him. This time, I’m rude, pushing people without warning and desperate to escape. Outside, in the cold night’s air, I hail the first cab driving past, hopping in, requesting the driver to haul ass.
It’s only a ten-minute drive home, but ten minutes to a broken heart is almost a lifetime.
Racing past my doorman, Jack, I bow my head, not wanting to welcome his flirtatious banter and head straight for the elevator.
I fumble for keys, unable to open the door. The more I turn them in the keyhole, the more desperate I become for the door to open. When the lock finally turns, I push the door open, then enter, slamming the door quickly behind me.
Leaning against the door, a pain inside my chest restricts my breathing, and with that, my limbs begin to tremble.
I fall to my knees, the same time, a loud sob escapes me. Unable to control the swirl of emotions, my hands rest on the ground for support begging for this to all go away.
“I will never be the man you want me to be,” Dominic admitted with a cold stare. “If I touch you, you’ll get hurt.”
And just like he said, just like he predicted, he hurt me.
In the worse possible way.
NOAH
It has been the day from hell.
The sheer number of idiots wasting my goddamn time make me incredibly short-fused.
I’d barely stopped for anything to eat, nor had my usual caffeine fix. A headache lingers, threatening behind my eyes, making it difficult to concentrate.
Realtors.
Would it be so hard for them to do their fucking job?
I told them my budget and exactly what I was looking for. Not too hard since there are plenty of vacant properties on the market. Yet, their incompetency left me without a place to call home. Five fucking condos I looked at, and all of them utter trash.