Chapter Thirteen
BELLAROSE
I stuff another sweater into my luggage, not bothering to fold it. I can feel Sheryl staring a hole into me from the doorway, but that’s nothing new. Anytime we cross paths, she glares at me.
Thankfully, since I’ve been crashing in West’s cabin, I only had to see her in our group activities. Her mouth wasn’t so biting when others were around, but I’m here now, and she’s blocking my exit.
“Planning another sleepover?” Sheryl says. How does she manage to make everything sound patronizing? It’s really a skill set. “How precious.”
There’s no point in having it out with her, so I keep packing.
Tonight is the last night of the retreat. Everyone’s leaving in the morning, and I wanted to have my stuff together. Of course I’m having another sleepover. Why wouldn’t I? Does she think I’d prefer sleeping next to her over West? Like that’s ever going to happen.
When I’m in bed with West, we talk for hours and make love. My chest starts to ache as I think about it ending in the morning. I suppose we could date long distance. Does that ever work? I know that I’m willing to try. Is West?
If I had the means and money, I’d be open to moving to where he lives. I know he has a corporation to run, but that hasn’t come up. He’s said he wants more, but it really hasn’t gone beyond that. As of tonight, time is officially running out.
“You’re making a fool of yourself,” she continues. “You know that, right?”
“Pretty sure that’s your specialty, Sheryl.” I zip my bag harder than necessary, a little surprised at myself. “Don’t be mad that West and I have a connection.”
“A connection,” she laughs, then her face twists. “You silly little girl. He’ll forget you by Monday. This was nothing but a trip hookup.”
“Whatever.” I shrug, though the words hurt.
“You think you’re special? You’re the one that’s ruined his life. The board’s going to vote him out. They heard about the two of you, and he was already on thin ice about misappropriated funds.” Her eyes rake over me. “You’ll be one big regret when that hammer comes down and he loses everything he’s built. All for a little girl that wears cat ears.”
My hands still.
“Oh, you didn’t know?” She leans against the doorframe, suddenly comfortable. Sheryl is at her happiest when she’s hurting someone. “He’s been avoiding you when others are around because he knows what he’s doing.” Slowly a smile takes over her face. “Bellarose, did you think he was doing that for your benefit?” She laughs harder. “You really don’t know how men operate.”
He doesn’t avoid me; he’s just not all over me in public. Not everyone is into PDA or others knowing their business.
“You’re lying,” I whisper.
“Am I?” She pushes off the frame. “Ask him. See if he tells you the truth about why he’s really keeping his distance. Think about it. You really think West Hayes, who runs a billion-dollar company that he created, is going to show up anywhere with a woman who has pastel rainbow hair and kitten ears?”
She doesn’t wait for me to answer. Instead, she starts laughing again while walking out of our cabin and leaving her poison in the air.
I stand there, my bag half-zipped as her words echo in my heart. Is West really going to lose his place at the company because of me? That would break my heart for him, even if he’s going to break mine too.
My phone buzzes, and I grab it out of my pocket.
Deidra: Bonfire’s starting. Are you coming?
Me: Is Rachel there?
Deidra: Yes
Good. I leave my cabin and head for the bonfire so I can talk with Rachel. I haven’t spoken to her much, but she’s always been kind. She’s the regional manager of the Midwest division. I’m going to quit before Sheryl can report anyone.
As I walk toward the bonfire, my kitten ears suddenly feel ridiculous. Like wearing a costume I’ve outgrown but can’t take off. My hair and ears are part of what makes me me. I refuse to believe Sheryl about them being the reason West isn’t affectionate in public. Maybe I am a silly girl for wearing them, but either way, I can’t work with Sheryl anymore. I can’t have someone like her in my life.
The bonfire comes into view, and I see silhouettes of people gathered around. Laughter carries on the breeze as I glance around, looking for West. I don’t see him, but I spot Rachel talking to someone from accounting. I’ve always liked her. She’s efficient but not cruel, the way some managers can be.
When she sees me approaching, she smiles. “Bellarose, I was hoping to catch you before tomorrow. I was just talking about your work in graphics.”
“Thank you.” My voice sounds strange and somewhat distant. “I actually need to talk to you about something important.”
