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If I had the money, I would buy them, but I used most of my cash to bail Cooperson Corporation from bankruptcy. So much for not giving a shit. Well, it’s not like I bailed it out and my father is keeping it. The company is one hundred percent mine. I saved it because of the employees, not for my family.
“Later tonight I’m heading to L.A. I’m closing one of my bars for the after-party of a premiere,” I announce, placing the papers inside my folder. “The nurse should be here for the night in case you need help while I’m gone.”
Fuck, I have to go to L.A. They’re going to be there at the premiere. I rub my face and lean against the desk to support myself as the pain flows through my body. The lingering ache never leaves me, but sometimes it becomes a full-blown hurt that prevents me from functioning.
Soon I’ll have to deal with the pain, the loss, and what I did to myself.What I did to them.One day the news of them marrying and having children will hit the internet, and if I don’t work this through before then, it might kill me.
If only I could go back in time. If only for one minute, I could let myself be selfish and… but I won’t. They wouldn’t forgive me for being a prick, a fucking coward. Would they?
“Thank you,” he says one more time. “After everything I did, you’re the only one who’s here by my side.” His voice cracks a bit at the end, and my eyes dart to his. He’s quiet now, studying his hands. But if I’m not mistaken, he almost looks remorseful.
“For now, at least until you get better, Father.” He’s been this way for the past few weeks since I brought him back from the hospital. Thanking me for bringing him food, handling his medicine, or trying to help him with his company. “I’m heading to the lawyer’s office. Call if you need me.”
He opens his mouth, closes it, and just nods.
ChapterForty-Eight
Matthew
I’m tuckingmy shirt inside my slacks, lecturing myself about tonight—what to expect and what I shouldn’t do. Thinking through the list of allowed questions that Pria handed the press.
None include Thea, but I’m ready in case they ask about her.Stay cool. This isn’t your first time on the red carpet.
This is the first time my name is not only part of the credits but is under producer and director. The interviews…
Who the fuck am I kidding?
I’m freaking out because Tristan fucking Cooperson will be at the after-party. When I booked the Black Out for this and other events, I believed we’d be together forever. Now… I’m about to see him for the first time in two months.
I lean forward, grabbing the edge of the sink with both hands as I stare at the mirror, gathering my equilibrium.
You’re searching for a new life. Let the past go. His presence shouldn’t affect you. It’s over.
Closing my eyes for a couple of beats, I find the energy, the strength, to face him. I find it in her. She’s in my heart, regardless of how close or far we are from each other.
With that last thought, I finish dressing and head to face this new role. It’s only a few hours—walk the red carpet, smile for the cameras, answer a few questions, and then watch the movie. Afterward, I’ll make an appearance at the after-party for an hour or so, and my duty is over.
As predicted, the entire premiere shit was a breeze. People loved the movie, and the Oscar buzz began while walking the red carpet. It would be pretty cool, but I won’t hold my breath until it’s official. On our way back to the limo, things weren’t as smooth.
And now… fuck I should head home. I walk alongside Pria and Jacob when we enter the nightclub. Mark, Tristan’s assistant, greets us and directs us to the VIP area where my parents are already sitting.
“You sure you’re okay?” Jacob asks, and I nod. “You almost pounded a reporter, Bro.”
Yes, an unlucky bastard who asked the wrong question.“Are you and Ms. Levitz looking for another man?”
Arthur reached forward and stopped me before I did something stupid, but it had been an ongoing trend, asking about Thea. Most were harmless questions, but they reminded me of her. The woman I love who is far out of my reach for now.
As we arrive at the VIP section, I spot him exchanging pleasantries with my parents, who treat him as if the man is part of the family. I let that go because I know he needs it, even though they are part of what he left behind.
“Decker.” Tristan focuses his eyes on Jacob with a curt nod. “I received your email. Maybe we can sit down in a couple of weeks when I travel to Seattle.”
“Sure,” my brother says, shrugging and moving away along with Pria, who gives Tristan a quiet hello.
“Tristan,” I greet him.
“Matthew.” Another cold look. Another curt nod.
“You came alone?” He looks behind me, expecting something or someone to appear.
