Page 63 of Champagne Nights

“What time was your meeting?” I looked at my watch. “It’s only eight o’clock.”

“It was at six. It was the only time a new and very wealthy potential client could meet. So, what’s going on with you?”

“What do you mean?” I sat down and leaned back in my chair.

“You’ve been distant lately.”

“I’ve been busy,” I spoke as I shuffled some papers on my desk.

“Too busy to tell your best friend what’s going on in your life? I mean, come on, Ethan, what’s up with Aubrey?”

“She hates me. Told me never to call her again. End of story.”

“I see. Nothing new there. A lot of women tell you that all the time. But this time, it’s bothering you.”

“Not really.”

“Come on, Ethan. Jesus Christ, it’s me you’re talking to. What the fuck is going on in that head of yours?”

“I’m losing control,” I spoke through gritted teeth. “I’ve developed feelings for Aubrey and can’t stop them.”

“Bro,” he spoke in a low voice. “It’s okay. You’re human. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I don’t do feelings. You know that.”

“You used to. But since Sophia, you’ve closed yourself off to everyone. At first, I understood and figured you’d get over it. But as the years went by, you got worse. Your company became your obsession. It’s all you live for, and it’s not healthy.”

“It’s the way I like it.”

“I’m not buying that bullshit anymore, Ethan. And neither are you. Because if you did, you wouldn’t be in such a shit mood 24/7 over a girl you barely know. Now,” he got up from his chair, “you know I love you like a brother. We’ve been through some serious shit together. But I can’t stand by you anymore when you’re like this. It’s time to put the past to rest. There was nothing you could have done, and if you can’t accept that, then I no longer feel sorry for you. You’ve created an image for yourself. Do you really like people calling you The Iceman? Damn it, you can’t let one person ruin your entire life and change the man you used to be. I have to go.” He shook his head as he walked out the door.

Picking up a pen, I threw it across my desk.

“Excuse me, Mr. Klein,” Holly softly spoke as she popped her head through the door.

“Come on in, Holly.”

“Umm—” She looked down and folded her hands.

I let out a sigh. “Just say whatever you have to say.”

“I have a doctor’s appointment first thing Monday morning. I tried really hard to get a later appointment, but they were all booked. So I wanted to ask you if it’s okay that I come in a little late. If not, I understand.”

I sat there and watched this girl tremble from head to toe before my very eyes. She was scared to death of me, and Icouldn’t blame her, judging from the way I treated her over the past two years.

“It’s fine, Holly. Just come in when you can.”

“Really?” Her head popped up.

“Of course. Your doctor’s appointments are important. I understand.”

“Thank you, Mr. Klein.” She smiled. “I promise I’ll be in right after. It shouldn’t take very long,” she spoke with excitement.

“You’re welcome.”

She turned and headed for the door. “Thank you again.”

“By the way, if you and your husband are still planning that trip to Hawaii, you can have the time off.”

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