Page 113 of A Bossy Roommate

Nobody has ever fought for me like he had. He even fought for me when it came to Rob.

And what did I do?

I’m the reason why he can’t live his dream.

He even warned me about the gossip.

I didn’t listen.

Certainly, Carter will no longer want me to stay with him after he finds out I’ve turned his life into a shattered mess.

There’s no point in me staying.

I start to pack.

31

CARTER

If someone had told me six months ago that I would be let go from Legacy, I would’ve thought they were insane.

One meeting has turned my life completely upside down. I’m jobless for the first time since I was a kid and, honestly? I don’t hate it. Not one bit. While it sucks that I wasn’t made partner and that all that work I’d put into Legacy hasn’t amounted to what I’d hoped it would, I feel genuinely excited for what’s to come. I’m embarking on a new adventure, a new phase of my life—and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

And I know why.

It’s Eden. She’s made all the difference. She’d strutted into my life with those green eyes and those laughing lips, kicking the door of my heart down with her cheerful personality and breathtaking beauty. She brought with her that infinite ray of sunshine and kindness she carries around and has made me see things in a new light. I have something,someone,in my life who loves and cares about me.

What my aunt said now makes sense. To have someone like that, someone to be there for you through thick and thin is life changing.

But as happy as I am that she’s staying, I’m also concerned.

I’ve noticed that on top of being exhausted, she hasn’t been saying much unless I strike up a conversation first. Even then it’s quick, usually one-word answers. Clearly, something is bothering her. She’s always upbeat and positive—to see her quiet and withdrawn makes my concern jump to outright worry.

Worst of all, I’ve seen some of the sadness return to her eyes. Even the morning’s humming through the apartment and singing in the shower has stopped. Funny enough, it’s something I find myself missing. And I’d given her so much shit about it. Is she having second thoughts? About me? About us?

Or is work getting to her?

While I appreciate her work ethic, I know how thoughtless the company can be in that regard, and I don’t want her to hurt herself trying to please them. She’s been working too hard. Everyone needs a break from time to time, and she’s no exception. I gave years to that place, and they wrote me off without a care. I don’t want the same thing to happen to Eden.

Ever since word has spread that I’ve left Legacy, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing. I’m receiving job offers left and right.

Several construction giants have reached out to me and shown interest in having me on their staff. I’ve agreed to meet with two. Thorne Architects. Humphries Properties. The work seems interesting on paper, but I need to learn more. After all the time and work I put into Legacy, I’m not about to take the first job that falls into my lap. I know my skills and my worth, and I’m determined to only accept opportunities that align with my capabilities.

I haven’t talked with Eden about it yet, but there’s another reason why I’ve been declining most of the other interviews. I’vegiven my career a lot of thought, and I’ve realized that in any new place I join, any job I take will require starting over in some capacity. After everything I’ve been through, I honestly don’twantto start over. I want more.

But I take the interviews to keep my options open. I don’t want to decide without exploring what’s out there.

By the end of the first meeting, my brain is elsewhere. While the company has their ducks in a row and I see a lot of potential, the prospect doesn’t sound even remotely challenging. The company wants me to manage their sales team, and also implement the same strategies and changes I had put into practice at Legacy. True, they pay a lot and there are many perks. But for what? To redo what I’ve already accomplished? No, thanks.

The main thing I loved about my job at Legacy was providing my expertise in the construction field, and making solid decisions based on my knowledge. Being fired hasn’t taken any of that away. Former clients and friends are texting and emailing me asking for that advice. What if I start my own company? Clearly there’s a market for it. Then I could focus on what I want to focus on instead of what some board dictates.

The idea is in its infancy, and I can’t wait to present it to Eden. It’s funny. Not too long ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about deciding what to do. I have the space, the time, and the money. I could start my own company. But I don’t have just myself to worry about anymore. I have Eden. She’s my partner. My decisions affect her just as much as they affect me. I find myself wanting to share it with her, wanting to get her opinion and thoughts because I value what she has to say.

I love her. I love her more than I have ever loved anyone.

And I want the best for her. If she decides to give us a chance, I’m going to make sure she never wants for anything for the rest of her life.

She’s a girl I know I could steal horses with.

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