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As for Eric, his choice could’ve easily been avoided if he thought with his heart rather than his stupid head.
Then there’s me, always the single one in the group who everyone feels sorry for, which results in not-so-subtle blind date setups on more than one occasion and the constant pressure to find the ‘one.’
Yet, in their presence, I wear a façade. Everything was okay, and I was fine with not being in a relationship despite their concern over my non-existent love life.
The last four years changed everything about who I am and what I want in life.
My career and ambition have become an egotistical addiction. Ever since Lex promoted me so he could move to Los Angeles, I’ve made it my mission to show everyone exactly who is the new boss. I spent years shadowing Lex, watching him dominate the energy around him. He spent every waking hour becoming the mogul he had intended to be, and it paid off nicely. I’m not stupid, even though business associates thought it was a joke when Lex left the Manhattan office in my reigns. Nasty comments were said behind closed doors, the chauvinistic assholes didn’t know I had the intelligence or capability of filling Lex’s shoes.
And so, I was out to prove everyone wrong.
I busted my ass, worked myself into the ground all to prove a point. Somewhere, amid of all the chaos, my ego began to thrive on it. I almost enjoyed the fear I instilled inside the office, and as expected, people took notice and sharpened their work ethic around me. In order for me to succeed, I needed a team that would do their job plus go beyond what’s expected of them.
I’d become Lex—ruthless, assertive, and zero fucks given because I held power.
Between us, Lex was never shy to tell me I had changed, praising me for my ability to push through the negativity and grow our business despite the challenges I faced being a woman amongst a boardroom of men.
Perhaps, it was his encouragement that drove me further. He was happy to slow down, focus on his family. I, on the other hand, refused to slow down because slowing down will land you exactly where I am now.
Humiliated.
Because I’ve got feelings for a man who has no interest in me.
Dominic Kennedy.
Eric’s older brother.
The phone begins to ring again. Seriously, why can’t everyone just leave me alone to process my thoughts? I let out an annoyed rasp glancing at the screen, questioning whether or not I should answer since mother hen has expressed her worry over my state of mind over the last few days.
“Hey,” is all I manage to say.
“Okay, so not answering my texts will send me into early labor,” Charlie rambles, equally annoyed in her tone with my uninterested greeting. “Is everything okay? The last time we spoke—”
“The last time we spoke, I was fine, and you made a big deal out of nothing.”
“Kate,” she forewarns. “You’re not okay. Just admit it.”
“I can’t admit it.” I lower my voice, aware of the hurt in my tone. “He told me, Charlie, he told me he wasn’t the relationship type. Not only that, but he also explained his lifestyle to me. There were never any secrets.”
“It doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. You’re human.”
“Am I? I don’t even know who I am anymore.”
“Listen… I think you need to get away and spend some time here. You’re all alone, and nothing good will come of that.”
“I can’t. Work, merger…”
“I’m sure Lex won’t mind.”
“No, Charlie, you know I won’t mix business with pleasure,” I remind her.
“Hey, every one of us has had a romantic meltdown and needed time off. Even Lex. Get your ass on a plane, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”
I think about her suggestion. It’s been a while since I’ve visited, and maybe I do need to get out of the city and breathe fresh air. Although, Los Angeles is hardly fresh air with that godawful blanket of smog that lingers and the sun which isn’t compatible with my English skin.
I’d have to face Eric, yet on the bright side, he’s known to drag friends into some unwanted shenanigan, which will ultimately take my mind off things. Lately, it has been all work and no play.
“But you’re busy being knocked up, and didn’t you say your cousin, Noah, is staying with you?”
