Page 116 of Red King

“So you resigned?”

“Yes, I told Arctic that I was resigning. I insisted. I handed him my resignation, but only on the condition that they pay me for the full length of my contract.”

Again, it didn’t happen that way. It was Arctic who insisted I get paid out, but I can’t go there.

Rebecca squeals. “So, you’re rich.”

“Hardly.” I laugh. “But it’s a decent chunk of change.”

“And Cathy still has her job?”

“Technically, she didn’t do anything wrong. I knew she was there to try to get into Arctic’s pants, but it’s my word against hers.” I shrug. “Anyway, it is what it is.”

“You’re okay, though?” Rebecca glances my way a few times. “Because I’m picking up vibes.”

Becs indicates and takes the exit to Cedar Pines. The trip won’t be too long now. I’m glad since I feel like I could sleep for a week. The last few days have been rough.

“I’m fine,” I finally say.

Becs makes this noise like she isn’t buying it. “Fine? Really? What’s going on, Paisley?”

I burst into tears.

“Oh, crap! Oh, no. You can’t cry while I’m driving.”

I flap my hand and dig in my bag for a Kleenex. “I’m fine. I’m being silly.”

“You’re upset. You’re not being silly. What’s going on? There’s more, isn’t there?”

“I think I fell for him a little.”

“The CEO you were sleeping with?”

“Yes, Arctic.” I laugh while blowing my nose. “Who else would I have fallen for if not the guy I was sleeping with? Surely it’s too soon to have feelings for someone?”

“I knew from the first time I met Dave that I was going to marry him. It was instant.”

“You never told me that before.”

She shrugs. “I didn’t want you to think I was a weirdo.”

“I wouldn’t have thought that. Although you are a weirdo.” We both start laughing as Becs pulls into her driveway and switches the car off. She turns to me, her seatbelt still in place.

“Funny how I met Dave just when I was beginning to think I was never going to meet someone. I mean, my thirtieth birthday had come and gone already. And then boom…there he was, and I just knew. I knew!”

“And now you’re getting married soon. It’s all so exciting. How are the wedding plans coming along?”

“They’re not.” My friend’s eyes fill with tears.

“Oh, my god! What’s going on? Did something happen between you and Dave? Surely not. I’ve never met two people so right for each other.”

“It’s not that. It’s not us… Well, not really, but something has happened.” She waves a hand in front of her face, trying to dry up the threatening tears.

“What’s going on, Becs?”

“I’ve been so worried about having this conversation with you. I didn’t think it would happen now…not so soon.” She swallows, clutching her hands together in her lap and chewing her lip. “I thought I was going to have to tell you over the phone.”

She looks nervous and fidgety. It’s unlike her and quite worrying. “What is it?”

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