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“Just go,” I snap. The last thing I need is to breathe the same air with my father’s new chess partner.
“Before I do…” He is the hardest person to get rid of. “I wanted to tell you Felicia Warren is no longer a problem for your charitable endeavor.”
“Really? You think your dick is magical, don’t you?” I can’t believe the destiny of my hospice center was part of their pillow talk.
“Why thank you, it is magical. Though I’m not sure howyouwould know that or how it’s pertinent to your case.”
“Don’t lawyer-talk me. You’re in cahoots with her. I saw you at the Madison Club.” The words pass through my teeth with a bitter aftertaste.
The smile that spreads across his face pushes all my buttons. “You’re jealous, sweetheart?”
“Fuck you.”
“Any time, but let me remind you it was you who cut our date short due to your sensitivity.” His drawl digs frustration up my spine. “Back to the topic at hand, whatever you think you saw this morning, I don’t give a fuck. But perhaps a thank you would be nice after I solved your little problem.”
I glare at him. “I’ll thank you when Felicia Warren officially withdraws her project.”
“I can’t wait, neighbor.”
* * *
Two days pass, and Bianca and I don’t kill each other. We’ve always had a good relationship. Its strength is reinforced by the number of times we see each other in a year. Which is not many.
I love my stepmother, but neither of us is good at compromising. I have to give it to her, though, she’s taken off her crown now that she is away from her castle.
Dad hasn’t suffered any major symptoms after this round of radiation, but he’s weak and rests a lot. When Dominic comes over each day to play chess with him, I either leave the apartment or stay in my room.
I’m on my way to my office to avoid him again. I wish he hadn’t become a constant fixture in my family’s life.
But Bianca is practically in love with him, and Dad enjoys the small semblance of social life too much for me to cut them off from thewonderfulDominic Cressard. Fucking lawyers know how to talk themselves into anyone’s graces. Not mine.
I arrive at work and Ashley welcomes me with the biggest smile. I frown in response, because, well, that’s my default reaction.
“What are you so happy about?”
She rolls her eyes. She’s never taken my shit, which has made her the employee of the month since she started.
She shoves her hand in front of my face, practically blinding me with a huge rock on her finger.
“You got engaged?”
The smile on her face can probably be seen from space. “Yes. Yes, I said yes.” She bounces in glee.
“Congratulations.” Tying yourself to one person is the recipe for guaranteed heartache, but even I know it’s not appropriate to offer condolences right now.
“Thank you.” She walks around to her desk. “Oh, and Mia Huang called you.”
I forget about everything else and run to return the call.
“Ms. Lowe, thank you for calling back. I’m due at court, so I’ll be brief. My sources at city hall informed me Felicia Warren has withdrawn her application. She’s no longer going to develop that real estate. In fact, I hear it’s for sale.”
Dominic was right.
I stare blankly at my desk, stunned. And… grateful? I’m still irked by how he achieved the win, but I’m so relieved. And I have him to thank for that. Damn it.
“Thank you. That’s great news.”
“Hopefully someone more considerate buys the properties.” She hangs up and my initial relief disappears.
