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I waited, brimming with excited patience for his response. I knew the idea was good, I was more concerned about whether he’d want to leave. Even if he didn’t, this was what I was going to do.
“Are you doing this because you genuinely want a fresh start, or is this your way of running without leaving?”
“I can understand why you’d ask me that, and I can also admit that things aren’t the same at WCSF anymore. Without the crew being how it is, the vibe isn’t the same. Not to mention what happened with Tiffany and the fight. This isn’t me running or quitting; this is me adjusting to what life has given me and doing what I think is best for all parties involved.”
Jeremiah’s arm reached across the space between our chairs, extending his hand for me. I placed my hand in his and allowed him to lift me from my seat and place me on his lap. He gave me a tender, lingering kiss that made my heart skip a beat. Cupping his cheek, I resisted the urge to deepen the kiss because this was a conversation that we needed to finish.
“First, I’ve never been prouder of you. The choice you’ve made shows an extreme amount of growth and maturity. And the fact that you found a way to still include them after everything that’s gone down shows the purity in your heart and love for them. Second, the ideas you have in mind are innovative. I’ve always loved your hustle and ambition, and the way your mind works. What you’re venturing out to do is monumental, and I’d be honored to stand by your side—personally and professionally.”
“So that means you’ll leave with me?”
“I’ll go with you to the ends of the earth and back, Angel. Just tell me when we leave.”
This time, when our lips connected, I left no room for self-control. I allowed our kisses to lead to touches that had our bodies becoming one.
28
The Following Week
Though there wasno reason for Nova or Allegra to be against my plan, I was nervous about how they would react. If they didn’t want to go along with the changes, I would be receptive to that. Nova had already made it clear that he was pretty much down with anything, even starting his own financial firm, if that was what I needed to be comfortable again. My concern was mostly about how they’d react to the increase in responsibility.
If they were to become co-managing partners, they’d have to make plans and decisions for everyone, not just their individual associates. Unintentionally, I’d made things a lot easier for them as far as the bylaws and policies were concerned. And with me adding additional staff members to serve as assistants and the human resources department, they wouldn’t have to carry the load alone.
How big WCSF was growing was a reason I wanted to branch off as well. I was happy that business was flourishing, but it left little time for me to enjoy the fruit of my labor and have the kind of personal life that I wanted. I didn’t want to work with eighty clients a season, all having various levels of temperament, expectations, and demand. I wanted up to fifteen clients a season that would make my time and creativity worth the work.
The silence in the conference room was so loud. Nova and Allegra were sitting next to each other instead of across from each other.
Had they gotten closer?
More… intimate?
That wasn’t my concern.
Shaking those thoughts from my head, I stood and slid folders that held my plan inside to each of them. After I gave Jeremiah his, I sat down and began to speak.
“Thank you all for meeting me. I know we’re at the end of the month and busy, so I’ll be as precise yet brief as I can.”
“No rush,” Nova replied. “I miss you, so I’ll sit here and listen to you recite the alphabet if it means I get to be in your and his presence.”
It was hard for me to admit it, but I missed him too, and I know Jeremiah did as well. They’d just agreed to work on restoring their bond when the truth about Ava came out. That drove another wedge between them. Jeremiah had shared with me that they talked more around the office, but they hadn’t been spending time together outside of these walls. I guess that was better than nothing, but I hated how quickly their reconciliation had diminished.
“I guess that’s a perfect time for me to take responsibility for my part in our demise. A lot of the blame has been placed on Nova because he cheated, but a lot of things that happened wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t run away. This meeting is my attempt at fixing things around here and also doing what’s best for me without my choice making things worse for any of you.”
Their expressions turned serious, and after a slight pause, I continued.
“Jeremiah and I are leaving this office. We’re starting an imprint under WCSF, Wilson Simpson and Co. We’re going to do what we do here there, on a smaller scale. I want to make both of you co-managing partners here. You both will be running things in my absence. We’ll still utilize your services, but we’ll have our own building, clients, and team.”
“You’re leaving?” Allegra asked quietly as her head shook.
“Yes, but again, things won’t really change as far as business is concerned.”
“You just won’t have to see us or deal with us because your team there will be working with our teams here,” Nova said.
“Yes,” I agreed. “I think that’s for the best.”
Neither of them spoke, so Jeremiah filled in the silence.
“This will allow us to handle business without anything personal getting in the way. Y’all know shit has been fucked up between us for a while. There’s no point in us walking on eggshells and suffering trying not to upset, offend, or make each other uncomfortable. With this plan, WCSF remains WCSF, just in two locations.”
