by C. J. Thomas
“God, I’m starved,” I said, watching my burrito get assembled.
The cheese melted over the chicken, causing my stomach to rumble. And when the man behind the counter plopped the salsa and guacamole on top, I damn near fell over. My blood sugar was low, having not eaten since taking an early lunch, and my hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
“When was the last time Sienna slept at your place?”
I took a moment to think about it, unable to take my eyes off of my food. I couldn’t wait to eat, my fingers tapping on the counter. “I don’t know; it’s been a while.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
I glanced at Monica and wondered if she knew more about what was going on with Sienna than I knew myself. Because she’d never been a fan of Gary, never supported Sienna, even after agreeing to be a bridesmaid in their wedding.
“You see,” she arched a brow and nodded her head, “that’s what I’m talking about.”
She was still dressed in her business attire—blazer and slacks—standing on pumps with her long red hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. She looked incredible and I wondered how so many attractive people in this city could be single. It didn’t make sense. My thoughts went to Nolan.
“This close to her wedding—” Monica turned her hazelnut eyes back to her own burrito, “—something is definitely going on.”
Following my burrito down the line, I watched it get wrapped up, and when I reached the register I dove my hand into my purse to pull out my credit card.
“Don’t worry about it.” Monica stepped up from behind. “This one’s on me.”
Refusing to budge, I laid my shoulder into hers and said, “I have money.”
She pinched her lips and gave me a hard look. “That may be, but I’m the one with the job.”
I glanced at her under my brow as she pushed me out of the way with her hips. Shoving her credit card into the cashier’s face, she demanded that he take hers instead of mine. Then she turned her back to me and asked, “So, what are you going to do now that you don’t have a job?”
“I don’t know.” I sighed. “Sleep in. Stay up late.” I grabbed the burrito bag from the counter as she closed out the sale.
The cashier handed back her card and she tucked it into her clutch. “How long are you going to give yourself?”
With loose shoulders, I realized I didn’t ever want to go back. “I don’t know, I kind of like this self-imposed sabbatical.”
“Yeah, but you can’t live off of your savings forever, can you?”
“If only.” I smiled. “Sienna helped me with my résumé, but I’m thinking I might just try going out on my own.”
“Oh right,” Monica remembered. “You had the idea about building that app, right?”
I nodded. “And I still might pursue it, but now I’m thinking about maybe freelancing to get myself by in the meantime.”
Monica held the door open. “Sounds a hell of a lot better than slaving for the man.”
“And a hell of a lot more stressful, too.” I glanced back at her. When I turned around, I came face-to-face with my old colleague, Courtney.
Monica lowered her brow, reading our expressions and realizing that we knew each other. I could see on her face that Courtney didn’t know what to say. And who could blame her? I’d left without saying goodbye. Just quit. Packed my bags and left. Never to return.
“Hey,” she said.
“Look,” I lifted my hand, still at a loss for words, “I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye the other day.”
Her eyes crinkled with sympathy. “Don’t worry about it.” She shook her head. “I would’ve done the same thing if I were you.”
I wasn’t even angry anymore, wasn’t bitter about the situation or how it all went down. They’d made the decision, and hopefully the company was better off for it. But I was sad with the way I was treated—like someone to be pushed around.
“And, besides,” Courtney glanced at Monica, “I’m not sure that any of us will have a job there come next month.”
My brows pinched as my mind raced. “What are you talking about?”
Courtney’s eyes got big as she pressed her elbows into her sides. Closing the gap between us, she stepped forward and dropped her voice to a whisper. “Oh my God, you haven’t heard, have you?”
My heartbeat thrashed between my ears as my eyes darted across her face. I found myself shaking my head, not having a clue what she was talking about. “I guess not.”
Folding her arms beneath her breasts, she cocked out a hip. “Rick and Shawn brought two potential buyers through yesterday.”
I gasped and was at a loss for words.
“It’s not official yet—purely speculation—but it was very clear that they’re tossing around the idea of selling the company.”
I blinked, lost inside my head. I couldn’t come to terms with this news. I wasn’t sure if I considered myself lucky or wished I would have waited to at least see what the new management would do to change company culture.
Monica glanced at me. “Looks like you got out just in time.”
Courtney asked what I was planning to do, and when I told her about working on my résumé she joked about seeing me at the interviews that were sure to come under new management. Then we said our goodbyes, leaving me still in shock.
Making our way down the block, I kept trying to answer why Hera had even bothered interviewing for the new mid-level management position in the first place. Especially if they knew that they were looking to sell. I wondered about the health of the company. It seemed strong, or at least gave that appearance. But without seeing the details, I really had no idea.
We rounded the corner and entered a liquor store.
When I started to head down the wine aisle, Monica grabbed me by the elbow and said, “Oh, no. Not tonight. Burritos go with beer.”
I laughed and looped my arm through the crook of hers. We spent our time browsing the microbrew selection until I found myself staring at the dark beer I had been served the day Nolan forgot me at the cowboy bar.
I missed him and hated these reminders of what I could have had. They seemed to pop up and surprise me when I was least expecting it.
Then I reached out and took the six pack off the shelf, needing to be reminded of how amazing it felt when I was at Nolan’s side. Because getting over him was going to take some time.
Monica turned to me. “It’s not like I have any right to say—seeing as I haven’t had the best of luck with men lately—but I really don’t know what Sienna sees in that man.”
“They’re getting married. She loves him.”
Monica gave me a skeptical look. “How did they even meet?”
“We’ve heard the story a dozen times.” I looked at her like she was crazy. “What has you so worried?”
“Gary—” she paused, “—is a player.”
“And how is that not Sienna’s type?”
She rolled her eyes and bobbed her head.
“Like you said, they fell in love quick. Probably slept together quick, too.”
“Probably?” Her brow furrowed.
We both started laughing. Then Monica asked about my love life as we walked to the counter. “I heard about your weekend.” She nudged my shoulder.
My stomach sank when I thought about Nolan—what he might be doing, who he could be with. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
This time I made sure I was the one who paid, and then we were out the door and back to talking about Gary and Sienna and their upcoming wedding. I went through the motions, but Monica did most of the talking. She had a lot to say, a lot to get off her chest. And as I nodded my head and listened, I was rewinding back to my conversation with Courtney. I still couldn’t believe the change coming to Hera.
Then Monica said, “So, what kind of movie are you in the mood for? A rom-com? Drama?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “How about anything but a romantic movie.”
“Agreed.”
We reached my apartment building soon after. I dug my keys out, quick to unlock the door. We kicked off our shoes and headed straight for the living room. Monica fell onto the couch, unwrapping her burrito as she settled in. I reached for the clicker and turned on the TV.
And that was when I saw him.
My entire body froze.
It was Nolan. And he was standing directly next to Audrey.
I stopped breathing, and as much as I wanted to look away, I couldn’t. They looked so happy, smiling and waving to the cameras. I wasn’t sure how much more of this I could take, because the campaign was just kicking off and, no doubt, their faces were going to be plastered everywhere. With Cooper being single, Nolan was convincing the voters that the Fosters were committed.
Monica stopped chewing.
She looked at me.
Then she glanced back to the screen.
It hurt knowing what could have been. Nothing about him was flawed. We were perfect together. It was his family who wouldn’t allow us to happen. And that was something I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to get over.
I quickly clicked to the next channel, needing to see something else before I started to cry. But it was too late. Monica had already seen my reaction. “Wait, was that him?” she asked.
“What kind of movie did we decide on?” I tried to deflect and change the subject.
She put her burrito down. “What happened between you two?”
“Nothing. It was just a weekend fling.”
“You don’t kiss and tell. I get it.” Monica sat forward and pointed her finger at me. “But I can see it in your eyes. It was more than that. You miss him.”
She was right; I did miss Nolan. Badly. But it was never going to happen as long as he was with Audrey.
43
Nolan
I plucked another flute of champagne off the platter as it passed by.
Narrowing my eyes, I turned my head and slammed half of it down.
I couldn’t wait for this night to be over. What had started out as something fun had quickly regressed into a miserable ballet, twirling across the floor between shaking hands and pretending to be happy.
Audrey lifted her white-gloved hand and waved her fingers at a woman across the room.
My head pounded, hating every moment of having to convince the world that I was even remotely interested in being with her. Audrey was having a great time, playing up her role and making sure that the cameras were on her as much as they were on Coop.
Looking across the room, I caught Cooper schmoozing Mr. Rothschild. It was clear there wasn’t anything broken about their relationship. Coop secured Mr. Rothschild’s support and, with it, Mr. Rothschild brought another dozen elite members to openly express their support for Coop as well.
Audrey said something under her breath, but I ignored her.
Dad had his arm slung over Travis’s shoulders, whispering something in his ear that Travis clearly didn’t appreciate. It was probably something about family legacy and how Travis should get his act together, stop being a ski bum and come down to the city to join the family business. We’d all received the same lecture from Dad at Travis’s age, and though our parents allowed us time to explore our passions when we were younger, there came a time when work came before play.
Feeling her eyes on me, I turned to find Mom staring. She gave me a small smile before returning to her socializing. I knew she was worried about me. And she might have reason to be. I wasn’t feeling myself. I was standing next to the wrong woman. It killed me to know I might not ever see Sophia again.
Wrapping my lips around the rim of my glass, I gulped down another healthy amount of champagne.
I was just waiting for my escape. Keeping an eye on the exit. Looking for my chance.
These black-tie affairs were getting old, I thought as I pulled on my collar. I didn’t need the red-carpet entry. Didn’t care for the women wearing black dresses and glittering jewelry. And don’t even get me started on the men. Because they were just as annoying as the women. Peacocking about the size of their bank account or how their trophy wife was better than the next man’s. It all made me nauseous. And this was just the first of what was coming.
Audrey hooked her arm in the crook of mine. Tipping her chin back, she pointed her lips toward my ear and whispered, “Can you at least act like you’re having a good time?”
My chest tightened.
Even her scent was enough to make me want to vomit. She had too much perfume on and the fumes were getting to my head.
Tossing back the rest of my drink, I mumbled, “I’m having a great time.”
Her mouth slackened. “Really? You’re not very convincing.”
I flicked my eyes away, not interested to hear how awful she thought I performed in front of the cameras or how I didn’t do something to her liking. Audrey droned on and on before ending with, “People will see right through—”
“What?” I snapped my head back around. “That I don’t love you?”
A pained expression quickly gave way to a hard look of annoyance.
“Do me a favor,” I said. “Go get me another.”
Audrey’s posture stiffened as her face turned red. “You’re such a drain.”
She stormed off, finally leaving me alone to find peace. I hated that Sophia could so quickly see that Audrey was a bitch, that Audrey wasn’t a good fit for me, that it was all a bunch of lies, when no one else could.
Looking down into my empty glass, I glanced toward Audrey and was happy to find her already in conversation with another couple.
“First you’re floating in the clouds, and now you look like you want to dig your own grave.” Charlotte floated over to me, smiling.
I glanced up to her and nodded. “It’s that apparent, huh?”
She murmured, “It is.”
“Any sign of Brody Morris?”
She dropped her gaze to the floor as she shook her head. “It’s still early, Nolan. I’m confident he’ll show.”
Feeling my muscles quiver, I grinded my teeth and said, “Make sure that he does.”
Lifting her hand to my shoulder, she said, “Relax. Enjoy yourself. It’s only going to get worse from here.” Sarcasm laced her words, and though Coop was the first to make a run in politics on the big stage, we all knew what we were in for.
I felt my eyes crinkle as a small, knowing chuckle passed over my lips. She was absolutely right. And though she was doing a better job at disguising her own feelings of annoyance, I wished that it wasn’t true.
She was called away and I nodded, hating to see her go. But the longer that Brody was a no-show the less confident I was that he’d show at all. He was my ticket to Sophia—the hope that kept me afloat.
My feet hurt.
My suit was too tight.
Every little thing seemed to be setting me off and it was only grinding on my nerves the longer it went unaddressed.
A passing waiter quietly shared hors d’oeuvres as I glided along the wall. Popping the scallop into my mouth, I soon found myself lost in conversation with a few prominent men discussing business, policy, and all the other things that made our family thrive, the reasons we all thought Cooper was the right man for the job.
As I conversed, I kept one eye on Audrey and the other on the lookout for Brody. Charlotte had made me believe that he would show. But if he didn’t—or if Audrey didn’t take the bait—then I would be forced to find another way. Because this couldn’t go on.
Another drink washed down more hors d’oeuvres, and soon the first hour had passed and I excused myself to go to the restroom. I needed a break. Needed to see what was happening outside the ballroom. Hearing my shoes squeak on the marble floor, I passed the polished furniture fit for a queen and noticed a young woman’s eyes lift to meet mine.
Breaking herself away from her circle, I watched as she headed directly for me. I didn’t know who she was. But when she said my name, I couldn’t help but wonder if she knew me.
“
Who’s asking?” I barked.
Her head jerked and I immediately apologized. I wasn’t myself, and she didn’t deserve to be treated like that just because I didn’t want to be here.
My shoulders were tense, my neck stiff. And I knew that if I didn’t find a way to get Audrey out of my life, then my attitude would soon come back to bite me in the ass.
“Look, I know about you and Sophia,” she said, lifting her flute to her lips.
My eyes scurried over her face as I tried to place her. Her platinum blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders and was as bright as the giant diamond ring on her ring finger. “How do you know about me and Sophia?” I asked.
“She’s one of my besties.” She nodded once.
Relief swept over me as my eyes popped. I stood back and blew out a hot breath of air. Then I flicked my eyes back to her and did a double-take. Shoving both my hands through my hair, I asked, “How is she doing?”
Slowly, the woman’s lips curled upward at the corners. “She quit her job, you know.”
“Yeah, I know.” My voice softened.
She folded one arm across her midriff, still holding her drink with her other. “She’s thinking about starting her own business.” Her brows raised. “Breaking out on her own.”
I blinked, surprised to learn the news. Silently, I wondered why Sophia hadn’t shared any of this with me. I could have helped. Given her some ideas on how to attract clients, turn a quick profit.
The woman flicked her eyes to the ballroom doors. “The company she worked for screwed her over.”
“Hera Software Technologies.”
She gave me a questioning look. “You know?”
I knew I was onto something with Hera. Suddenly, I was renewed with a sense of hope. “Darren Gill got the job they’d promised her.”
“You’re creeping me out with how much you know.” She laughed.
I lowered my brow and smirked.
“But you knew.” Her gaze locked with mine. “How did you know?”
“I can’t exactly talk about it right now, but I might be able to find a way to get her that job.” I caught Charlotte waving me to come over out of the corner of my eye. I held up my hand, telling her to give me a minute.