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He lets out an audible exhale. “I can’t come back to New York.” I’m bummed out. “I have to make sure his wife and three-year old triplets are taken care of.”
“His poor wife and kids.”
“His wife isn’t doing too well.”
“I can imagine.”
“I have to work with my top executives to manage Derek’s workload and responsibilities, and find a candidate to replace him.”
“I understand.”
“I might not be back in New York for a few weeks… potentially a month.” Two weeks to a month? That’s an eternity. “I want to fly you here to see you, but the next few weeks will be grueling and emotionally taxing.” My heart sinks.
“I’ll miss you, but you’re juggling at the moment. I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere.” I try to add a little levity to my voice, but fail.
“Thanks for your understanding. I’ve known Derek for years. He mentored me during the first year of my corporate career, and we’ve remained close. I hired him because when it comes to corporate finances, the man is untouchable.” He sighs. “I didn’t expect he’d die so suddenly.” Static echoes on the line. “Sofia, I lo—”
“Bryce, I didn’t catch that.”
I wait with bated breath for him to repeat his sentence because I swear, he was about to say, I love you.
“Bryce?”
Nothing.
“Bryce, are you still there?”
I pull my phone away from my ear and check the screen.
Fuck!
The battery is dead!
I forgot to charge the stupid thing!
I stomped around like a pissed off three-year-old, angry at myself for being forgetful.
That’s the problem with three phones. You have to remember to charge them.
Did Bryce say he loves me?
Am I delusional?
I must be.
It’s official, I’m hearing things and I’m having a conversation with myself.
There’s no way he feels that way about me.
Realization slams into me like a Mack truck hitting a brick wall.
It might be days before I hear back from Bryce given the circumstances.
Chapter 16
Sofia
Five days later, and Bryce is still MIA. Apart from the occasional text message sent in the middle of the night New York time, I haven’t heard from him.
