Page 143 of Reconciling With the Rival

I don’t know why I expected Alissa to react similarly to Hads when she found out about Oliver and Paige, but that situation was far more tense than Leo and me. At least there’s no dead bodies.

“Sure, Liss,” I say as I sit on one of our stools. “I could use some coffee.”

Leo takes over and starts making my coffee for me, just how I like it, and I smile, loving that he knows how I take it. I really underestimated him before, and I hate that it took me so long to see the kind of guy he really is.

Perfect—for me, at least. Attentive as fuck and sweet. Leo Zimmerman is a sweet guy.

“Here, darling,” Leo says as he slides the mug I always use in the mornings toward me.

“What are you guys going to do about work? Unless you no longer work together. It’s been a hectic few weeks,” Liss says as she grabs some stuff from the fridge to make avocado toast for the three of us.

“I haven't really thought that far ahead,” I say, my voice defeated. “I haven't been liking work lately with the whole Brody situation.”

Leo’s eyes narrow at me. “I could try to find another job—or beat the shit out the guy so he doesn't say anything.”

I smile at him willing to do all that for me. “No, babe, it’s okay. I think…” I trail off, the thought in my head but unsure if I want to say it out loud.

“Why don’t you work with authors full-time, Ells? I know you love it, and it would all be on your terms. You’d be your own boss. Doesn't that sound perfect?” Alissa asks me.

I sigh heavily. “I’ve been thinking about it, but it doesn't bring in that much money yet. It’s enough to cover rent and such, but I worry about all the other expenses. What if—”

Leo’s hands wrap around my waist as I feel him come behind me. “You’re insanely talented, Ella. Any author out there would be lucky to work with you.”

“You guys are disgusting, but he’s right,” Alissa says as she mashes an avocado. “You have lots of connections already, Ella. Imagine what you could do working on it full-time.” She throws me a wink.

“I guess I could do it, but is it right to leave Loft Media after all the years I’ve put in? Could I do that?” It terrifies me to jump into the unknown, unsure if it will actually work. If it doesn't, I would be out of money, a job, and I don’t know what would happen. That’s terrifying.

But I would love my job again instead of hating going into work every single day…

“You can do whatever is best for you, Ella. That’s all that matters,” Alissa says as she plates our breakfast for us.

“But what about rent? And what if my car breaks down and I can’t pay for it? Or what if my dad needs help with—”

Leo spins me around on the stool. “Darling, breathe for me.”

“Okay,” I say as I take a few deep breaths. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, Ells. It’s scary, but I believe in you. The work you put out is good, and you know the trends from working in marketing your entire adult life.”

I look up at Leo leaning against the kitchen island. “And what will you do?”

“I’m going to stay and ruin the fucker.” He smiles. “Brody is a terrible person, and I’m sure I can fuck with him a little without getting fired.”

“If anyone can, it’s you, brother.” She smirks at him. “I did grow up with you, and you’re a menace when you want to be.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of that,” I smile.

“Will you two hush up and listen to me for a second?” Leo drags a hand through his hair. “Ella, you’re insanely talented, and if you need some help with your rent, I can cover it.”

“But—”

“I know you hate taking money from people, but it’s only a last resort because, knowing you, you have enough money saved—you’ve probably been thinking about doing this for forever. Am I right?”

I say nothing because he already knows he’s right. I’ve always had a safety net of money saved up that I haven't touched. I started it when I was young, as myjust in casefund, and thankfully, I’ve never needed to touch it.

But maybe I could use it to sustain me until business picks up.

No, not maybe. Thisiswhat I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m going to do it.

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