My stomach flips over again, and I want to ask him if there’s something between us. But the thought is absolutely silly. How can I expect my boss to reciprocate feelings for me when I’ve built him up in my head already? As we pull into the parking lot of the apartments and Derek kills the engine,
“So, I think if we have the meeting with the owner on Monday or Tuesday, we can continue to move along and bring in the investors.” “You’ve worked with Gimble in the past. Do you think they’ll be accommodating so quickly?” I ask, tapping my pen against my stack of papers. This contract is at least
“Come join us, Georgia,” Derek says, dropping Natalie from his view. “All of our information about the Gimble deal is here. Plus, take my phone, go through my emails, my letters.” “We have nothing to hide,” I add. I’m not surprised by Natalie’s reappearing. I had a feeling she might be back for
“You’re still not dating him?” Annie presses as she takes a large bite of garlic bread. “Esme, it’s been months of this incessant back and forth!” “And that means I’m supposed to date my boss?” “No, that means you should have fucked your boss.” Annie smirks at me, dancing her blonde eyebrows. “T
“What? What do you mean?” Annie and Lily give each other a look, slightly annoying me. “Look, Lily is just trying to make sure you’re actually happy with what you have.” “We don’t want you to live your life in the shadow of your disgusting, scumbag, cheating-ass ex-husband.” “And also, the f
It’s around eight when I hear knocking on my door. I’ve been getting stuff done and cleaning the apartment. But the baby? That has been causing some issues. Even wearing better shoes and making sure I’m taking care of my health and stress; I’m still not having an easy time. And this is still the
“Uh, there’s a difference?” He seems more confused than when he walked in now. “Cause I’m just worried about not being able to answer all her questions.” “Well,” I think. “They’ll be showing that health class video soon. Most girls don’t actually hit puberty and get their periods until middle scho
My phone starts ringing as I leave the restaurant I’ve just eaten at. Daniel and I had a meeting today to talk about the restraining order and other paperwork. Not only that, but now Daniel knows about Natalie’s claims, as well as our suit against Max. “I really wish I didn’t have these other pr
For once in our friendship, my friends don’t pressure me to open up with them. They just protect me. I’m not used to such behavior from my sarcastic, goofy friends. It’s nice, because ever since I left Ryan I’ve felt as if the entire world has demanded answers, even if I’m not ready. It’s not unti
Annie and Lily come over for the first time in a while. It feels so nice to be surrounded with my girls, and their hugs when first arriving feel like something I’ve deprived myself of. “I wish you’d find out the gender,” Annie groans as she stretches herself out on the sofa. “I want to know if I’m
“That’s not—” “You don’t treat me like an underling.” “You’re not one!” “Yes, I am! I’m supposed to be under you! This isn’t a debate that we should be having. We’ve been pushing the envelope on what’s appropriate and what’s not. In the end, we have blurred any lines we had the day I left my h
“And I’ll have those numbers determined once the remainder of the information comes in,” I say into my work phone. “Don’t worry, I know everything is a mess right now but it’s an easy fix.” I sigh and look up, startled to see Derek standing at my open office door. He looks serious and also worried
Bea shoves the item in her hands at me. I take it softly, looking down at what she had. A picture of a beautiful redhead with a bright smile stare back at me. I see two small girls surrounding her. Bea can’t be more than three, and the baby wrapped in blankets held by the woman must be Tris. “Is t
“No. I called you. I couldn’t think of anything else.” I nod. “Call the front desk, security, any friends you might have in the building or complex altogether. Have the pool on lookout, and anywhere else she might feel she can hide.” “Okay,” Derek says, nodding but still clearly distraught. I
My phone starts ringing as I leave the restaurant I’ve just eaten at. Daniel and I had a meeting today to talk about the restraining order and other paperwork. Not only that, but now Daniel knows about Natalie’s claims, as well as our suit against Max. “I really wish I didn’t have these other pr
“Uh, there’s a difference?” He seems more confused than when he walked in now. “Cause I’m just worried about not being able to answer all her questions.” “Well,” I think. “They’ll be showing that health class video soon. Most girls don’t actually hit puberty and get their periods until middle scho
It’s around eight when I hear knocking on my door. I’ve been getting stuff done and cleaning the apartment. But the baby? That has been causing some issues. Even wearing better shoes and making sure I’m taking care of my health and stress; I’m still not having an easy time. And this is still the