Page 127 of A Bossy Roommate

The board has shown their true colors to me—both good and bad. Even now, giving me the title of “partner” and Huxley’s old job somehow seems more like a consolation prize, a way to placate me while still saving face. They don’t want me back because they value me, they want me back so no one else will get me. And, I suspect, part of it is also to silently stick it to Huxley. I bet he’s livid that I’m being offered his place.

I think about my own idea. Opening a construction consulting business fills me with more excitement than the thought of returning to Legacy Builders.

I look up at Bernie. “Thanks, but I’m going to have to pass.”

Bernie’s eyes go wide. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“I don’t want the position.”

“Carter, I know you were probably hurt that?—”

“Bernie.” I cut him off. “I appreciate my name being cleared, but I’m going to have to pass.”

In the depths of my heart, I can’t help but feel a tinge of regret toward Bernie, the man who couldn’t prevent my unjust dismissal but had played a crucial role in uncovering the truth. Bernie has proven himself to be a true ally and friend. Despite the tempting offer, my decision is resolute—I have to move on, leaving behind the shadows of that boardroom.

“If anything, Bradley Everhart should have the job,” I say, motioning to my friend, whose eyes light up. “We have the same experience, and he has proven his expertise over the last few days. He’s the one you want on your board.”

Bernie sits there, not looking happy, but not entirely surprised either. He’s a smart man and he probably suspected that I wouldn’t be coming back.

No one says anything.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, I ask, “Are we done here?”

Bernie nods. I don’t wait for an answer. I don’t need one. My mind is made up, had been when Eden had given me her support this morning. Shaking hands with Bernie and patting Bradley on the shoulder, I get up and leave.

I feel lighter than I have in years. A calmness washes over me, and I know I’ve done the right thing. The door is officially closed on my time at Legacy Builders, and there’s so much more on the horizon to look forward to.

Eden is typing awayat her computer when I walk into the lobby. “Hey, that was fast,” she says with a smile. “How’d it go?”

I lean down and kiss her, cradling her face. When I pull away, she looks dazed, and her smile grows.

“Everything’s great,” I say, stroking her cheek. “I’ll be back later to take you to dinner.”

“Oh, okay. Wait, what happened in the meeting?”

“They offered to make me partner.”

She gasps. “They did?”

“I turned them down.”

Eden pulls away and looks at me as if she thinks she hasn’t heard me correctly. “Wait, seriously?”

“Absolutely.” I lean on her desk, a smile playing on my lips.

She can’t contain her excitement and hurries around her desk to pull me into a hug. “Well, I’ll be darned! I’m so proud of you.”

“You see, I’m not just a pretty face around here.”

Laughing, she draws away, then gives me one more kiss.

“Babe, well, guess what? I’ve made a decision, too—I’m quitting! Yep, I stayed here just to clear your name. But the truth is, I can’t imagine being here without you. So, here’s the plan: I want to be your assistant at your new place, if you’ll have me…I mean, if you sayplease.”

I don’t need to think twice. “Well, Eden, with an offer like that, how could I refuse?” I lean in and grumble, “Pretty pleasewith sugar on top. Be my new assistant, baby. Deal?”

“So glad you asked! Fantastic idea! How could anybody resist such a sweet request? And to make it even better, I’ll go all professional and give Bradley my two weeks’ notice. World domination it is,boss. Let’s roll!”

“Sounds like a good plan.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “Don’t work too hard. I’ll pick you up after work, and we’ll go somewhere to celebrate.”

---