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32. I Get Busy
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2024-07-07 23:17:32Related chapters
Better In Every Way 33. Golden Boy
Alec I sit in my car for a little while before walking up to the house. I need to mentally prepare myself for what is about to happen. I have to calm myself down. If there’s one thing I dislike more than having my patience tested, it’s having it tested unnecessarily. This entire day has been one useless endeavour after the next. What a complete waste of my day. I could have spent the day nursing a hangover from hell, lounging and relaxing for the first time in months. But a temperamental idiot had me rather spending my day trying to clean up a stain that has already set. My mental preparation is cut short, however, when Adeline comes around the corner from the garden and walks toward my car. “What are you doing here?” She extends her arms toward me for a hug as I get out of the car to greet her. “If I knew you were coming I would have prepared something.” “You don’t need to worry yourself about that, I won’t be long.” I give her a kiss on the cheek. “Is Cam home?” “I
Last Updated : 2024-07-09Better In Every Way 34. Seen What?
Dariana Before the elevator doors opened I had been feeling relatively good coming into work. The events of this past Friday night shoved neatly in the darkest corner of my mind labelled “later”. I don’t want to think about any of it. Well, maybe some of it. The first part of it before Cam showed up and wrecked my night. Wrecked is an aggressive word, but it’s the one I feel most appropriately describes about his presence that night. But I wasn’t thinking about that. On the elevator ride up I was calm. I was excited about this new phase of development for the HaphaesTech project, but most of all I was glad to mostly be getting back to my regular routine. I feel like it is a opportunity to reset. After those doors opened, however, I could tell that the universe was not interested in letting me maintain my sense of peace. It really does not want me to rest. As soon as I step out of the elevator, the looks I get from my employees sets a heavy, uncomfortable feeling in my st
Last Updated : 2024-07-11Better In Every Way 35 pt 1. A little immature
Dariana “You Blackburn boys have a nasty habit of just showing up at my door without warning or invitation.” I roll my eyes as I nudge Barry out of the way to get to my door and open it. Today had been long enough as it was, and I just need to prepare myself for this week to be even longer. After lunch with Rachel I had meetings up to my ass to distract me from everything. No one really brought it up, but I could still see the looks people were giving me when they thought I wasn’t looking. During one particular walk toward the boardroom I noticed that Eliza’s desk was empty. I couldn’t imagine that she would come in. Although the article didn’t mention her by name, it wouldn’t take any one at the office much time or effort to figure out that it might be her. Especially since she wasn’t really able to keep all her pregnancy symptoms under wraps. “What are you doing here, Barry?” I ask him, just as I notice that he had a few bags with him. “I can’t really be at home right n
Last Updated : 2024-07-12Better In Every Way 35 pt2. First Ring
Dariana “Do your parents know it was you?” I ask. He just nods and looks down to avoid looking at me. “Is that why things are so tense at home?” I ask, rhetorically. He nods again and I just let out a heavy sigh. “Well I’m sorry, Barry, but you can’t stay here.” I say. His head shoots up to look at me. “What? No! It won’t be for long, just a little while until everything is more calm. Please don’t make me go back.” He actually scoots off of the sofa to kneel in front of me to beg. “I’m not saying you should go home. But you are a minor and I’m not your family. You staying here without your parents knowing could bring about a shit load of problems for me.” I get down to the floor so I am on his level. “I want to help you Barry, I really do. But I also have to be responsible. I’m gonna call your uncle and see if we can figure something out, okay?” “Yeah, I guess.” He mumbles and we both get off the floor. I tell him to make himself comfortable while I go to my room to call Alec.
Last Updated : 2024-07-13Better In Every Way 36. A While
Alec As soon as I hung up the call with Dariana I immediately dial Lachlan’s number. It takes a while for him to pick up and I’m just about out the door and on my way down to the parking garage of my building before he does. “Hey, sorry about that. I was on another call, you know how it is.” I hear him sigh as he picks up the phone. “Uh yeah, sure. Are you at home?” I ask “I can’t exactly go anywhere with things looking like this. There have been photographers perched outside the gate all day. I can’t even sneeze in my own yard without them snapping away.” I can sense his sass through the phone. “Maybe you should ask Barry for tips on how to sneak around them.” I hop into my car and get the engine going. “I’m not really interested in what that boy has to say, he’s done enough as it is.” He says. “Does that mean I can keep him?” I ask. “What are you talking about? Why are you calling me?” He responds in a tired tone. I can tell that he’s very annoyed by my intrusion
Last Updated : 2024-07-15Better In Every Way 37.Low Class Company
Dariana I knew that the bliss would not last very long, but I’d be damned if I didn’t revel in every second of it. I miss it now the most while I sit here and receive a migraine inducing lecture from my parents. I was ambushed by my parents in my own office; my own secretary too powerless to stop it when they stormed in here like they owned the place. “All we are trying to say is that it would have been nice if you had warned us that this would be happening.” My dad says from the couch in the corner. “I don’t think that that’s what she’s saying.” I reply to him while pinching the bridge of my nose in annoyance. “It’s not like I had knew that they were writing about me .” “You know that’s not what I mean.” He admonishes. “I told you about that boy– I told you about a lot of things but you thought you were too smart for me; that you knew better. We’ll look where your youthful wisdom has gotten you now. On the front page of some cheap tabloid!” My mother continues to rant as
Last Updated : 2024-08-01Better In Every Way 38. Ambush
AlecThroughout this entire week Barry has proven himself to be easier to deal with than the other one. It is a welcome shift from the drama that was Cam’s life, especially considering that I already have my hands full with so many other things. Next week, in particular, is supposed to be our annual Thanksgiving charity gala. It would be the first time I’m hosting it Stateside, so there will be a lot of new faces. Henry, my assistant, is handling most of the details for the whole thing; but it doesn’t change the fact that I am sort of a newcomer on the scene. Since most of my business had been cultivated overseas, this gala would be the first real formal event where I’d rub shoulders with the financial elite this side. And it is important that I make an impression if I intend to stick around. So I am grateful for the ease that comes with having Barry as a roommate. A part of that may have something to do with the fact that most of the really taxing stuff involving getting him settl
Last Updated : 2024-08-02Better In Every Way 39.Giggling Over The Wine
Dariana “It smells like a omething is burning.” I say, rushing out of the bathroom to the kitchen where the girls are supposed to be helping me with my weekly meal prep. Instead I discover them giggling over the wine in the dining room. When they hear me come out, Emma is the only one who immediately springs up to meet me in the kitchen. She pinpoints the source of the burning smell a lot faster than I do. Quite frankly my contribution to the entire ordeal is worthless. While I was busy checking each individual pot on the stove to see which one could be the source of that smell, Emma hurriedly nudges me out of the way to pull out the blackened carrots, potatoes and peppers from the oven. It is only then, when the oven doors open to let out the steam (smoke?) and the the smell of charred vegetables becomes more pungent, that Rory and Rachel turn from where they’re sitting to witness scene in the kitchen. “Oh… that’s not good.” Rachel says. “No it is not.” I say, moving t
Last Updated : 2024-08-05
Latest chapter
Better In Every Way 52. Someone Else’s
DarianaEmma was right.Once again to my annoyance, she was right. And damn her for it. A little quickie in the bathroom really does make things better. I walked out of that bathroom high off the fucking pheromones. A little post-nut-euphoria if you will. I feel like I might even be able to give Rachel a little more time that initially bargained for.I came out of the bathroom first, leaving Alec to sort himself out in the bathroom like he asked me really nicely to. But obviously not before making sure that I don’t look like what I just did. And once I do, it’s like my social battery has been recharged. I suddenly have the energy to deal with the rest of the night.“You look like you’re doing much better.” Rachel looks me up and down once I make it back to our table. “Yeah, I think I just needed some fresh air and time to myself.” I say.“Mmhkay…” She furrows her brows, eying me suspiciously. “I knew you did. Now. Let’s go and try to make the most out of the rest of this evening.
Better In Every Way 51. Anchor
DarianaI don’t know how long I stand in front of the mirror. Staring at my reflection and trying to summon my best smile for the next one or so hours that I am bound to this place. I close my eyes and try to imagine myself back at home, on my couch or in my bed, gorging on a large bowl of popcorn while watching some trashy reality television.I sigh. My god, when did my fantasies get so depressing.“Was I boring you?” Suddenly being made aware of the fact that I am no longer alone in this relatively small space had my jump a little.“What the hell!” I scold Alec as I look him in the eye in the reflection once I manage to calm myself from the scare. “Why are you in here?”“I thought we could use a moment.” He says, in an annoyingly nonchalant tone. He starts to walk up to me, and in the mirror I see his eyes trailing all over my body. “Just us, no one else around.” His voice a little low.“What if someone saw you come in?” I ask, I am unwilling to let myself forget all of the potenti
Better In Every Way 50. My Knee
Dariana Dinner started shortly after we found our seats, but not before more people decided to graciously share their opinions on my life. Almost all of them falling somewhere within the realm of the same things my parents had been saying. About how it’s my fault because Cam was a “low class pick”, and in a somewhat mocking tone suggesting my career would ‘of course’ drive away the ‘better ones’. God, I forgot just how vapid and conservative these types could be. Unfortunately Shelby and I were at different tables, but thankfully I was considered enough to not be put at a table with a bunch of strangers. But that means, however, that I was put at the main table between Alec and some other HapheusTech exec I couldn’t be bothered to maintain a conversation with. He’s not bad or weird, just… old. And he works outside of any department I would need to collaborate with so there’s nothing for us to talk about. And Alec spends a majority of the time talking to Dominic on the othe
Better In Every Way 49. In Our Seats
Dariana “Is that a question?” I ask her, but she’s not looking at me anymore, she’s too busy watching Alec walk away. Can’t say I blame her, it’s a good view— one that I will never admit to watching myself. And I won’t begin to acknowledge it now. But seeing her drift off while watching after him makes me feel a bit…. weird inside. But that’s another thing I won’t begin to acknowledge right now. “A little bit…” She finally manages to mumble. “Come on.” I say, pulling Shelby toward one of the tables so we could sit down. “These shoes aren’t exactly meant for standing around.” I say. They may be gorgeous, but this may be the last time I allow Emma to pick my shoes, the stiletto heal is biting into the heel of my foot. “This isn’t our table.” She says once we get to one. “We can always just move later.” I shrug, nudging her into a chair and not-so-gracefully plopping into one of my own. “Sweet relief.” I breathe out. “So… You and Bradley Greene, huh?” I say in an attempt
Better In Every Way 48. That Friend
Dariana The sound of the doors opening is immediately drowned out by the music and the sound of chatter coming from the event hall. The familiar mixture of sounds does very little to comfort me, but it does serve as a sort of switch. Sending me into a practiced, almost robotic, stance; moving me through the room with an ease and grace I wish I felt. At first I try to convince myself that no one cares, that there are much more important and much more interesting people here for people to look at. That everyone is staring at Dominic and Rachel, the co-host and his new girlfriend. That would, of course, make for better news. It’s new and interesting, where I hopefully have made enough rounds around dinner and tea tables that my scandal is old and tired. That hope dies in me when I separate from Rachel and her beau when they head for the bar and the eyes still follow me. People look at me out of the corner of their eyes, some don’t even pretend to look like they’re not tal
Better In Every Way Sorry For The Mistake
*DON’T PAY FOR THIS CHAPTER!!! SKIP IT!!!* This was supposed to be a chapter but there was a mistake that I didn’t notice pre-publish. It was an error with the title. Then I forgot I could just edit it so I re-published the chapter *insert facepalm here*. I am very very sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused, I’ll get better about these things, I promise. The rest of this is just going to be the first quarter of the next chapter because I cannot put less than five hundred words down and I really do not have much to say outside of my deepest apologies. Especially considering that I did warn you in the first line so you wouldn’t be subjected to this. But if you are comfortable enough to have your settings set up in a way where you auto subscribe to chapters… *shrugging my shoulders* I feel like this is your lesson to be more careful. Because what if you don’t like a book? Now you have wasted valuable coins on a book you don’t like…. *sigh* tsk tsk tsk. I’m glad I cou
Better In Every Way 47. Good For Them
Dariana Standing here, taking a good long look at myself in the mirror while I get ready, I am glad that Emma, Rachel and Rory didn’t let me settle for the first dress I picked up off the rack. This one is much better. It’s a black floor length, off-shoulder slip dress. The side is pleated in a way where it looks like it’s being pulled in a way that accentuates my curves that are usually hidden under many layers of professional clothing given the weather recently. Overlaying the pleats is some of the most exquisite beaded flower embroidery I have ever seen. It’s so simple but so well done. Emma essentially put out a whole look for me, all I had to do was obey. All the way down to my hair and the silver accessories in it. “This dress demands an up do.” She had said, last night when she was laying everything out for me. “Gotta show off those collarbones.” Not to forget the makeup. Many inspo pictures were sent. A light smokey eye paired with a deep, plum lipstick. I wasn’t
Better In Every Way 46. Wink Wink
Dariana I hate how quickly the days are going by. This week in particular seems to be in a rush to get done. It’s feels like just yesterday when I was trying– and failing– to convince Rachel to let me sit out the gala. But I blinked and now it’s Friday and Emma, Rachel and Rory are dragging me from store to store to find a dress for tomorrow evening. I would have been fine with the first dress from the first store, seeing as I didn’t really want to put in too much effort for something I wasn’t really keen on going to in the first place, but they would not let me. That and the fact that they didn’t have it in my size and it is too short notice to put things in for alterations. “I’m tired.” I dare to complain, leaning on Emma so I don’t have to carry my own weight. Rory and Rachel are walking slightly ahead of us, engrossed in their own conversation. “It’s your fault for leaving things for the last minute.” Emma rolls her eyes. “Why can’t I just wear something I already have?
Better In Every Way 45. Pet Name
The walk to my office was longer than I’m used to. Or at least it felt that way. Your brain has a funny way of stretching out and building up moments that you’re dreading. And that is what I am feeling right now, dread. Not for any other reason than the fact that I don’t really know what I am walking into. I mean– I knew she would be here at some point, she had warned me after all, I just didn’t expect that point to be today. It feels too soon. I feel rushed. I finally make it to my office door. I take a deep breath to prepare myself for what is waiting behind it. When I open the door I am greeted by Hadley’s back to me as she pours herself a drink from my bar cart. “Sure, help yourself.” I say as I walk in; causing her to jump up a little in surprise, spilling a bit of my not-so-cheap twenty-five-year-old single barrel bourbon. “Alec, hi.” She says, offering a small smile. “I didn’t think you’d mind.” “Of course not.” I say, trying my best to keep things polite. “What
