AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I can’t wait for our consultation! I’m curious to see what you come up with,” She says.
Ms. Sharpe is the fourth new client this week. My work somehow skyrocketed and I’m busier than I ever thought I would be. If I keep going like this, I can open my offices soon.
“Before we end the call, can I ask where you heard about me?” I keep track of how my business comes in so I can capitalize on that.
“Oh, I got our name from a friend who mentioned that you dressed Blake Ford. A man with such a high social standing has a big image to uphold and if you pulled that off, I know you’re capable of making magic.”
My stomach twists.
“Thank you,” I say, forcing the smile so that I don’t sound as floored as I suddenly feel. “We’ll talk soon.”
I end the call and try to keep it together. My breathing comes in ragged gasps and my cheeks burn. Even though I’m not with him anymore, his influence in my life is still prominent. I don’t know what to think or how to feel.
When my thoughts mull around so much they drive me crazy, I get in my car. I have to talk about this to someone, and there’s only one person who will know exactly what to say to me.
When I arrive at Sam’s place, my friend isn’t in. Alex opens the door.
“Hey, stranger,” he says with a grin.
When I don't return the smile, his expression falls.
He clears his throat. “Do you want to come in?”
“How long will Sam be out?” I ask.
“She’ll be home soon. You can come in and wait for her.”
I hesitate but agree.
“Do you want something to drink while you wait?” Alex asks. It’s so damn formal between us. But I’m so angry with him, I could choke him.
“I’m fine, thank you.”
He nods and turns to leave the room. He pauses at the door.
“Look, Rach, I’m sorry.”
“About what?” I ask. “About ruining my relationship, ruining my job, or using me for personal gain?”
“God, don’t say it like that,” he says, pulling a face. “It sounds terrible when you say it like that.”
“Itisterrible, Alex,” I snap. “I thought we were friends. How could you do this to me? To him?”
“It wasn’t personal,” Alex said. “It was business.”
I snort. “The moment you sacrifice the people close to you for business, the lines start to blur. That’s how you end up alone, Alex. If no one can trust you that what they say won’t end up in the paper—”
“I know, okay?” he says. He drums his fingers against his thigh, rubs the back of his neck, shifts his weight from one foot to the other. “I was wrong. I was mad that Blake Ford wouldn’t give me anything when we talked at the event. He treated me like I’m some asshole who doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
I raise my eyebrows at Alex. “Maybe he wasn’t wrong.”
Alex rolls his eyes. “That’s not fair.”
I shake my head. “You ruined everything. Did you get a raise out of it? A promotion? Anything more than a pat on the back?”
“Not even that,” Alex says, shaking his head. “And making first-page news isn’t all it’s chalked up to be.”
“Maybe it’s time you reevaluate what’s important to you.”
