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By the time I went to bed, Alex still hadn’t come up. I went to sleep with a huge smile on my face, though. I’d decided that on his birthday, I was going to tell him how I really felt. I was going to tellAlex Harbourthat I was desperately in love with him. I’d need to drink a bottle of vodka for courage before I did that, though.
“Did you want any cereal?” I asked Alex at the breakfast bar a few days later. He’d seemed troubled since Gina’s visit. In fact, we’d hardly spoken, and I had no idea how to get him to open up.
“No thanks.” Without any explanation, he stood and walked off to his studio. Why did I feel as if I’d done something wrong? It wasn’t just that we weren’t really talking. He hadn’t touched me the last few days, either. It didn’t help matters that Diego was away visiting his friend in Rio. I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. I knew it was a stressful time for Alex with his album release. Maybe he just needed a little space to get his head clear.
“Is everything set for Alex’s party?” I asked Mary, helping her clear the dishes.
“I believe so,” she smiled warmly. “Alex seems stressed at the moment.”
“I know. I don’t know what to say or do.”
“Maybe he just needs someone to listen. Help share the load.” I looked toward his studio thoughtfully. Could I get him to open up to me? If he loved me, wouldn’t he do that? It was time to put my theory to the test.
“Hey,” I called, wandering into his studio. He was playing around on his mixer.
“What do you want?” His voice was so cold. I didn’t understand it.
“Alex, what the fuck is going on? Why are you being like this?” He didn’t turn to look at me. “I get that you're nervous about your album, but don’t push me away.”
“Push you away? That’s what you think I’m doing?”
“You can talk to me, you know. I’m here for you.” He laughed like it was a joke, and that hurt.
“You should go back to London, Straight Lace. There is no point in you being here anymore.” What? Where the hell did that come from?
“Why would you say that?” I gasped.
“Because it’s the truth. You don’t belong here. You’re all about organization and control. I’m all about chaos. You should go back to the suit. He’ll give you what you need.”
“Is that what you want?” Tears welled up in my eyes and I had to fight hard to keep them at bay. I didn’t want David; I wanted Alex!
“Yes. I’ve spoken to Gina. She’s happy for me to release you from your contract.”
“Y…you…you’ve spoken to Gina already?” This was all happening so quickly. When had he decided all of this?
“It’s for the best. You’re flying back after my birthday party. I didn’t want you to miss seeing Diego, and he’s not back until then.”
“Why did you decide all of this without me?”
“Because I could. I think we should go back to a business relationship as of now, too. It was only a fling, after all. I know you won’t have a problem with that.” He was crushing my heart with each word he spoke.
“If that’s what you want.” I didn’t understand any of this. A week ago, I had everything. I was so stupid for thinking I meant anything to him.
“Yes, it is. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” Not wanting him to see me break, I left without a word.
Just like that, we were over.
Chapter Nineteen
When I was younger, I used to fantasize about being with celebrities because they couldn't hurt you. I’d always guarded my heart, and had let very few inside. Alex had been that make believe love when I’d been younger, and now it seemed ironic that he was theonlyman to destroy me completely. I’d never known heartbreak like it. It was as if my chest was constantly on fire, burning with all the grief that was inside my head.
Of course, I hadn’t let Alex see me that way. I was a strong woman. I could plaster on a fake smile and carry on like none of it mattered. I only had another week left in this hell anyway, then I’d be free. Free to get over him and move on. I never thought I’d hate Alex more when I left than the first moment I saw him, but I did.
Liv was excited to learn that I was coming home. She decided to move into my apartment with me. I wouldn't have a job when I arrived back, so it would help with the bills. I knew I’d need my best friend more than ever when I got back to London, too.
“I can’t believe this is your last week,” Shane sighed, taking a seat on one of the couches in my office. “Are you sure you can’t stay?”
“I’m missing London. This job was only ever going to be a temporary thing.”
