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“Funnily enough, it doesn’t. Because Leo beating himself up over things is exactly why we are where we are. Anyhow, thanks.”
“Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
“You’ve got it.”
I took the envelope into Leo’s office and sat in his chair. Seemed only right to open the packet in his space.
No surprise: inside was another copy of the divorce papers. In addition, I found his set of house keys and a handwritten list of all the passcodes for the cameras and security system for the house.
So much for a sappy letter—not as if it would’ve been Leo’s style. As I read through the divorce papers, I saw he was signing over the house in my name. He was also giving me fifty thousand dollars and a vehicle of my choice to purchase, along with some other property.
It was ridiculously generous. And not anything I wanted.
Although I didn’t get a choice when it came to whether this divorce happened, I controlled my life. And living it the way Leo had planned out for me—living in his house, spending his money, driving a car he’d gifted me, and working at the job he provided, so long as he could avoid me—was so not fucking happening.
Not a chance. I’d miss this job, the people, and especially Leo, but I sure as hell wasn’t about to torture myself by allowing him a driver’s seat to my life.
Bad luck happened. Breakups happened. Heartbreak happened. But I wasn’t about to sit here and marinate in the fallout, content to be a victim. No, I was taking charge and making my own luck, no matter if it turned out to be good or bad.
If I was moving on from Leo, then I was moving on completely.
Starting with my signature on the damn divorce papers.
* * *
I wastedno time to put my plan in motion. It had taken three car loads, but I was officially moved out of Leo’s house Friday morning, with my things packed in storage.
I wasn’t sure what was in my future, but I was certain I’d never move forward living there or working a job where we had to actively avoid one another.
Going into Delta Security, I steered directly for Dominic’s office, my envelope in hand and ready to give to him. When his gaze hit mine, he sighed and indicated I take a seat across from him.
“Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like this news?”
“Because I hate it too. But you and I both know it’s for the best. Here’s my letter of resignation.” I took the typed paper out of the packet. “And the rest is for Leo.”
He sighed, taking the resignation letter from me. “He won’t be happy when I tell him.”
“Yeah, well, he doesn’t get to control my decisions. That isn’t how it works.”
He grinned. “No, it’s not. What’s your plan, and how can I help?”
I’d miss Nic so much. He was generous and hands down the best boss I’d ever worked for. “My plan is to sleep on my cousin’s couch while I give you two weeks’ notice, then head out to California until I figure out my next move.”
Brooke had offered her empty apartment in Laguna Beach. I needed to get away and think about what I wanted to do next.
He reached in his pocket and pulled out a key. “Don’t stay on a couch, stay in my townhouse.”
“I couldn’t.”
He sighed. “I won’t tell Leo you’re staying there, but I guarantee the guest bed Kelsey picked out is a hell of a lot more comfortable than your cousin’s couch.”
It sounded like it was too good to pass up. I took the key. “Thanks, Nic.”
ChapterFifty-One
LEO
Gabe’s condo was the penthouse, with views of the water in Mission Bay on the north side of San Diego. I paced past all his modern décor, waiting for Dominic to arrive from Las Vegas. My plan after leaving the cabin had been to deliver Addy a generous divorce settlement, something which gave her the house, money, and a safe, new car. It would also give her a guarantee that she could continue to work in the job she loved without having to worry about my presence.
