AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Twenty-Three
The day of the tablet launch had arrived, and Taylor, while nauseous, made her way into the offices only thirty minutes late.
She hadn’t known what to expect on the day of Royce’s first product launch, but certainly not what she walked into. Basically the same office she’d left at five o’clock last night. Most of the staff was in their offices, a few chatting casually in the break room. Even Bran waved a casual hello as she passed by.
Royce’s office was dark but his aggressive assistant was in her chair, sitting guard outside his door. Taylor had seen his office dark a lot lately, but she didn’t expect it today. He should’ve been here brighter and earlier than any of them. Deciding it wasn’t worth the run-in with Melinda, she bypassed his office without speaking.
In her own office, Taylor opened her email and settled in for the day, expecting a meeting alert on her calendar for upper management. There wasn’t one, but there was a calendar announcement that alerted her to Royce’s absence.
He wasn’t coming in at all today?
That was insane. The first product launch of his career as CEO and he bailed? Barring open-heart surgery, she couldn’t imagine he’d skip work today. She might question the state of his romantic heart, but she doubted the actual organ was in anything less than working order.
At that moment, someone rapped on her closed office door.
“Come in.”
A pretty blonde stepped inside.
“Addi. Hi.”
Addison averted her eyes for a moment before meeting Taylor’s. “Do you have a moment?”
“Of course.” Taylor stood and rounded her desk.
“I won’t be long, I just...wanted to apologize.” Addison folded her hands primly in front of her periwinkle-blue dress. “I’ve been awful to you and I’m not quite sure how to make up for it. You might not think I was awful, but it’s how I define awful for myself. I’m happy for you. For you and your baby. I don’t want there to be any ill will between us.”
Taylor smiled softly, moved. “I owe you an apology, too. I didn’t mean to embarrass you when I pointed out that you and Bran looked good together.”
“Oh, don’t—That’s not—” Addison dismissed Taylor with a quick shake of her head. “Anyway. Thank you for the birthday card and flowers. Belatedly. And congratulations on your pregnancy. Also belatedly. You can count on me if you need anything. I liked it better when we got along.”
“Me, too.” Taylor liked Addison and was glad there wouldn’t be any further discomfort where the two of them were concerned. Plus, points to Addi for addressing the elephant in the room. Taylor hadn’t been that brave.
Addi wished her luck on the product launch and left, but before Taylor could shut the door, in walked Gia, with an uncharacteristic look of chagrin decorating her face. Without a word, Gia wrapped Taylor into a hug. It went on for nearly a minute. Taylor hung on to her best friend for purchase and tried to keep the tears at bay. She succeeded, but only because Gia pulled away before emotions overtook her.
“So, I’m a horrible person and I owe you an apology.” Gia shrugged matter-of-factly.
“False,” Taylor replied. “Your timing is curious. Is there a line forming out there or something?” If so, Royce should be at the front of it—the only person in it, in fact.
“I’m thrilled for you. I was upset that I had to hear about my niece or nephew from Royce instead of my best friend, but that was on me, not you. I shouldn’t have been so cool toward you.”
Taylor noticed her friend’s distance, but Royce was Gia’s brother. This entire situation had to have been hard for her, too.
“Royce is your brother. I understand your loyalty to him.”
“I’ll always choose you.” Gia smirked, and even if it wasn’t 100 percent true, it was still nice to hear. She chewed on her lip for a second before asking, “Have you spoken to Royce today?”
“No. Why?”
“No reason,” Gia answered quickly.
“Do you know why he opted to take off on launch day?” Taylor asked, her suspicion rising.
“I don’t.” Gia’s eyes were shifty, her lips buttoned tight.
“Maybe I’ll check with Bran. God knows Melinda won’t give me any information.”
“Good idea,” Gia said, not offering any details. “I have to go. It’s not every day we launch a new tablet.” She rushed out of the room.
