Page 69 of The Family Man

Thank goodness I have my sisters, I couldn’t do this without them.

* * *

SAGE

It’s been almost two weeks since the break-up. Two weeks, I have tried everything to feel better. Yoga, a massage, I got my hair and nails done. I look great, I have lost weight, but I still feel empty.

I park my car and make my way toward Emily’s door. She opens it with a rush.

“Oh hi, darling. Don’t you look lovely? Red looks great on you.” Emily takes my hand and leads me to her great room.

She looks at my face. “Your glow is missing.”

“Is it? I feel fine.” I open the new design portfolio for her as I sit on the sofa.

“These are the new designs from Roxy. She is the best. I got her to drop her cost and—”

Emily is staring at me, with a concerned face. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“My boyfriend and I broke up. We’re done.” I shrug.

“Well, you don’t say. He is dumb to let you go,” Emily replies.

“Yes, he is.”

“Are you going to fight for him?” Emily bites her bottom lip in worry.

“No. Not this time. Let me show you the prints and we can discuss the cost.” I move to show her my folder.

“I love it. Where do I sign?” Emily says with enthusiasm.

I look at her “You didn’t even look at the design Em.”

She squeezes my shoulders “I trust you. When you know, you know. I know this is it.”

I shake my head, rich people can be eccentric.

She walks to the kitchen and comes back with a check for “$90,000.00 Can we start next week?”

“I will contact Roxy and her team, and we can begin.” I take the check and put it in the folder.

God she is happy today. Maybe her boyfriend is back. “How are you and your boyfriend doing?”

“Oh, we are going to talk this week. You were right. I got his attention.” Her smile is blinding. “Everything is working out because of you.”

I get up and I see something that was not there before in the corner, a toy box. “You have kids coming over?”

“Oh yes, I am picking them up later today. My boyfriend is a single dad, so I am doing him a favor.” She sets her gaze to the toy box.

“That’s awesome. See you next week.” I pick up my folder and leave. I should feel happy. However, something feels off. I push it aside. I have to pick Anise up then get home. I must be tired.

* * *

ZAC

The last two weeks have been hell. I miss Sage. I look across at her house and her car is not there. My restaurant is being rebuilt, but my children are as unhappy as I am. They ask for her constantly. When she gets home tonight, I’m going across to her house and fixing this mess I made.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out; it’s Daire. He is picking up the kids and bringing them here.

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