Page 5 of My Totally Unfair Deal

“Iamthe someone,” I say. “I have two business degrees, and I handle myself just fine at all the other meetings…”

“On a scale from one to ten, how badly did you burn the bridge?”

“Fifty.”

“Jesus Christ.” He glares at me.

“I really am sorry.” I meet his eyes. “I tried every tip and trick from that course you made me take, but when the CEO asked if we could ‘continue the discussion over wine… with me in his lap,’ I just… lost it.”

His expression slowly softens.

“The other guys were less direct, but it was all the same. I know you were counting on that contract, but…”

I trail off. What else is there to say?

“If he calls to follow up, let me know.”

“I won’t answer.”

“No, I want you to.” His tone darkens. “I’ll finish the conversation for you.”

I nod, but ignoring the call sounds like the safer plan.

My brother’s still on thin ice with the sheriff for beating the shit out of the last guy I almost dated?—

(and by “dated,” I mean the guy who said, “If we don’t fuck tonight, I’m done with you.”)

“Why didn’t you tell me he came onto you?” he asks.

“Seriously?” I give him a blank stare.

He laughs. “Fair enough.”

He grabs my bags before I can stop him. “Let’s get home. You’ve got a lot of new stuff to deal with in the garden before tomorrow’s check-ins.”

THREE

HARRISON

Three weeks later

“Are you freakin’ serious?”

The latest girlfriend I’m breaking up with practically screams it across the café. “He’s too much of a coward to end this relationship himself?”

I stay quiet as the room goes still.

There’s no use telling her that her boyfriend has been trying to break up with her for months—but he didn’t want to risk a public meltdown like this one.

“Oh, so now you’ve got nothing to say?” She stands up, knocking her chair back. “Now you’re a mute?”

People start pulling out their phones and recording.

“I just need you to sign this contract,” I say calmly, sliding my typical paper forward. “Your boyfriend wants you to find someone who deserves you.”

“I deservehim!”

“Well, he doesn’t want you anymore.” I don’t flinch. “Don’t waste your time trying to keep a bird captive while he’s trying to fly free.”

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