Page 47 of Executive Benefits

I gave the guard a quick nod and a “Thank you,” and made my way through the metal detectors.

When I looked around, I still didn’t see them, and although I was warm, I checked my phone. “Dammit,” I said, seeing the message that just came through.

Jared said the court date got moved and he asked me to meet him back at the gym. I had all the mind to tell him no, but I needed to tell him how pissed off I was to his face and that I wouldn’t be coming down a second time.

Not because I expected him to change from it but because I was tired of hearing from him. Plus, I needed to say some things for me, just because I wanted to stand up for myself.

I didn’t text him back and instead, hopped into my car and hurried over to the gym. I parked in front of the building and fed the meter the lowest coin it would take, knowing I wouldn’t be in here long.

“Hey, Mark,” I said to the gym manager.

Mark smiled at me with kindness. It was nice to see something like that from my old life. It was nice to know that not everyone I left behind in Buffalo thought I was a fuck-up. “Hey, Julia,” he said. “It’s nice to see you.” He looked like he wanted to walk over to me and give me a hug, but he didn’t. I didn’t know if I was happy or sad about it, but I wasn’t here to overthink a possible gesture from an old acquaintance who came from my old life.

“Thanks, Mark. It’s nice to see you too.” I looked over my shoulder and into the gym. No one was here. I guess what Jared said was right. His business really was hurting. “Is Jared here? He asked me to meet him,” I said. I didn’t want to just barge in on him if he was working… On second thought, I didn’t care. I pointed in the direction of the office and walked down the hall without getting the okay from Mark.

I loved the fact that I really didn’t care anymore. It was freeing. I had uprooted my entire life because of him, and I wasn’t going to be taking shit from him again.

When I got down the hall, I twisted the knob and walked in, then froze.

Several dozen long-stem roses were sitting in crystal vases.

I looked over my shoulder and didn’t see anyone coming.

I walked into the office and searched the roses for traps or hidden meaning. It was hard to believe Jared would buy all of these for me when I told him I didn’t even want the daisies.

I sniffed the roses. They did smell nice.

I wished I would get something like this from Nick.

My heart twinged in pain at the thought, and I was swept away in a wave of ache. I didn’t know I missed him as much as I did. I really was good at avoiding my feelings. I hadn’t thought about him in days—well, I hadn’t let myself think about him in days specifically because I knew it would hurt.

I just didn’t know how much.

I touched a rose. Its petal was soft, and I chewed on my lip wondering what missing Nick meant, if it meant anything at all, or if I should pursue it.

A woman’s giggle skipped over the air, and I turned just in time to see a tall brunette woman planting a kiss on Jared's lips as both of them started to feel each other up. They had to know I was here, right?

Plus, why the fuck would Jared ask me to come to his gym if he didn’t know I was coming? I rolled my eyes and turned back toward the flowers, trying to think of what I should say. This wasn’t worth my time anymore.

“Oh, hey, Julia. Thanks for stopping by,” Jared said. “You didn’t text me that you were coming.” The woman of the hour was still on his arm. I balked. It was the woman who was suing Jared.

“Oh, my God,” I muttered. “What a joke,” I said, my eyes meeting his, then the woman’s. “I’m tickled to know you won’t drive down to see me again,” I said, not worrying about the woman’s shock. “Thank you for the reminder of what a dick you are,” I said, no longer feeling any aggression toward him. Instead, I was relieved. I walked past Jared and patted him on the shoulder. My eyes flicked to the woman’s. “Good luck. You’re going to need it,” I said.

I walked out of the office and called, “Please lose my number. I never want to hear from you again.” I pointed to the woman. “Check his phone and delete it for me if he doesn’t, please.”

“Julia!” Jared called. But I turned and kept walking. I could hear that woman’s squawking as I walked through the front lobby and out the door saying “goodbye” to Mark on my way into the cold. I didn't even feel bad that I hadn't apologized. I didn't think I was wrong for the way I treated her now.

“Fuck Jared. Never talk to him again,” Mia groaned.

“I won’t be. If I ever see him again, even within fifty feet of him, I’ll be filing a restraining order. Ugh.” I gagged, thinking about them fooling around in front of me. “It was so gross and strange, Mia,” I said. Deleting and blocking him were the first thing I did when I got into my car.

It was refreshing, and I felt the shackles of my past finally fall away for good. It was annoying that I drove two hours to Buffalo to find my justice, but even if Jared wasn’t going to get punished for the sexual harassment suit, the justice I got from the trip—that I was no longer chained to my past—was well worth the gas.

“Gross and strange could be his new advertising promo. How long do you think it will take you to get back?” Mia asked. I could hear her typing in the background.

“Probably about two hours. Are you thinking about taking a half-day, partner?”

“Heck, no.” She snorted. “We have enough work for three of us, let alone the two of us,” she stated. It was true. “I’m going to be meeting potentials today, so I wanted to make sure you’re on your way back in case I find anyone worth meeting a second time.”

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