Page 55 of The Executive Assistant

Emilia and Brooke shared a concerned frown. Emilia squeezed my arm. “Don’t work too hard, okay?”

How many times was I going to hear that from people?

I had tried to have a better work-life balance. It had ended in disaster.

“It’ll be fine. Business is booming,” I replied, forcing a smile on my face. It was true, and I was grateful for that, because the last thing that I could handle right now was my company failing.

That would be the cruelest joke in the world.

“That’s great,” Brooke said. “Maybe you need a girls’ trip, though. To get your mind off things.”

Emilia gasped. “That sounds so fun! When was the last time the three of us left town for a little bit and had some fun?”

Brooke and Emilia shared an excited look with each other, but all I could think about was the last time that I went out of town with someone.

“Yeah, maybe later,” I said. I knew I was ruining the excitement, but I couldn’t bear to go on another holiday.

Their smiles faltered, but they didn’t totally disappear.

“Yeah, that makes sense. It would take some time planning and aligning all of our work vacations,” Brooke said, prompting Emilia to nod in agreement. “One day, though!”

I forced a smile and nodded. “Definitely.”

“Well, that doesn’t mean we can’t hang out in townsoon,” Brooke pointed out.

“You should come out for drinks with us. What about tonight?” Emilia asked.

I shook my head. “I really need to catch up on reading some reports tonight. Maybe another time.”

It would probably be a while. I loved hanging out with my friends, but they would probably bring Cameron up or ask how I was doing. That all would remind me of what happened, and I couldn’t deal with that right now.

I wasn’t ready.

Once again, Brooke and Emilia exchanged concerned looks, but thankfully they didn’t argue.

“Just let us know,” Brooke said.

“I will. I should probably finish getting ready for work, though,” I told them before gesturing to them. “You guys are going to work soon too, right?”

“Yep, I’m heading to court after I leave here,” Brooke replied.

“I’m only a few minutes away. I could stay with you while you get ready if you want extra company or just want to talk more,” Emilia offered.

It was a sweet gesture, but I just wanted to go to work.

“It’s okay. I’m just going to throw on some clothes and put up my hair. I won’t be long.”

Emilia looked disappointed, but she smiled and nodded. “Okay, sure.”

I led them back to the front door, hugging them goodbyebefore they left. Afterward, I threw on a pair of black pants and a simple blouse before pulling my hair up into a ponytail to get it out of my face.

When I arrived at work, I walked towards my office, nodding at a few people who were busy at their desks. Then I spotted Cameron across the room, and my pace slowed to a stop.

My heart sank as I realized that he was chatting with one of the interns, a pretty redhead with a bright smile. She said something that made him laugh, and the familiar sound of it hit me like a tidal wave.

My head felt light as I watched them interact. It didn’t seem like he was flirting with her, but I still hated how they were so friendly towards each other.

I was being ridiculous.

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