Page 19 of My Ex's Best Friend

I send it off to Tammy. Something in my gut tells me it will only get better from here.

Arriving at the new office building, I admire the sleek glass façade reflecting the morning sunlight.

The revolving glass door ushers me into a modern lobby with polished floors and minimalist décor. It's a stark departure from my previous workplace, and I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation as I approach the reception desk.

The area is bathed in natural light, thanks to the expansive windows that offer a glimpse of the city beyond.

As I step into the elevator, I press the button for the twenty-fifth floor, where my new office awaits. The elevator glides smoothly upward, and my nerves mix with excitement.

You’re going to be great, Kiera. You were chosen for a reason. You’re good at what you do.

The doors open, revealing a spacious, modern workspace, and I straighten myself.

The admin who interviewed me, Thea, greets me warmly. "Kiera, welcome! We're so glad to have you on board. Let me show you around."

“Hi, Thea.” I adjust my skirt as I follow her into the office.

The office layout is open and collaborative, with clusters of desks, glass-walled meeting rooms, and a panoramic view of the city skyline. Not to mention the various art pieces hanging on the wall, giving the place character. They definitely know their art here.

Thea leads me to the HR office to complete the final formalities. As I wait, my eyes wander around the room, drawn to the paintings adorning the walls. One in particular catches my attention – a vivid creation signed by Jake's father. It's one of his early works, and I'm surprised to see a family heirloom hanging here.

The realization dawns on me that everything can indeed be bought at a price. The Bennetts don’t lack money, so I’m surprised they just gave it away.

A pang of uncertainty grips me.

What if the CEO I’m about to meet is a Bennett, perhaps even one of Jake's cousins? I've met a few members of Jake's family before, and the idea of working for them feels like navigating a minefield of awkwardness. Especially after what happened between the two of us.

I haven’t seen Jake in so long, but knowing him, I’m pretty sure he took on the hedge fund business from his father. At least I know it can’t be him, but I can’t imagine meeting any of his extended family. And working for them wouldn’t be any better.

I know I haven’t spoken to anybody about what happened. But what if he did? That could put a serious dent in my career.

Before my thoughts can spiral further, Thea returns.

"The CEO is ready to see you now, Kiera."

I nod, taking a deep breath to compose myself. As I follow Thea down the corridor, I can only hope I’m wrong and that I’m not about to be introduced to a Bennett.

6

JAKE

My phone buzzes for what feels like the hundredth time today. I drag myself from the depths of jet lag, my voice groggy with exhaustion.

“Hello?” I don’t bother to check the caller’s name.

"Jake! Thank goodness you answered. Your phone was switched off before,” a male voice says.

“Yeah, I was on a flight. Just landed a few hours ago.”

“We have a crisis on our hands. The artwork shipment has been delayed from Cannes, and the exhibition is just days away. What are we going to do?"

It takes me a few seconds to recognize the voice as Walter’s. Walter is one of my oldest clients, and together, we’ve worked on more than seven exhibitions. Over the years, he has also bought some incredible pieces from the restored collection. Walter is a trust fund baby like me, but he leaned into it instead of moving away from it and trying to find a new identity like I did.

Every year, Walter puts up an exhibition downtown for his inner circle, and for the past few years, my company has been helping him organize it.

I rub my temples, feeling the exhaustion settle deeper. "Calm down, Walter. Take a breath. I just got back to the office. What's the situation?"

As he launches into a torrent of concerns and potential catastrophes that I can hardly keep up with, I tune him out for a moment until his whiny voice cuts into my haze. “This is going to be a total disaster.”

---