Page 16 of Reconciling With the Rival

“Gross,” Amelia says.

“I also took a look, and Hads has agreed to let me borrow her copy as long as I don't ruin her tabs. I feel like I need to see what the hype is about.” Grant smiles as he throws more pepper on his eggs.

We talk about anything and everything before my mind focuses on the fact that, in twenty four hours, I’m going to have to see Leo again. There’s no way I can get out of him shadowing me. I’m going to have to be as civil as possible and try to refrain from snapping his neck whenever he makes a snide comment.

I can do that, right? I can be the bigger person in this scenario, especially since I know he’s going to do everything in his power to make this situation horrible for me.

“Guys, what the fuck do I do about tomorrow? I’m not going to let Leo force me to quit my dream job, but he’s not going to make this easy on me.”

“Because you both hate each other?” Oliver asks, and I nod.

“More like they want to hate-fuck each other,” Hads mumbles into her coffee.

“God, not you too. I thought Paige and Grant were the only ones on Team Ella and Leo.” All I hear as I slump my head is the sound of Paige and Grant high-fiving.

Amelia silently rubs my back as she speaks. “Ells, I know we don't know what happened between you two, but I think you both know you have to be civil. This is the real world. It’s not a college internship anymore. I hope he’s not too much of a stubborn jackass to realize that.”

She’s right. We might get off to a rocky start, but I can be the bigger person. I’m fully capable of being civil. It’s his stupid cocky attitude that I’ll have to rein in the first few days.I do get to boss him around for thirty days…“You’re right. I can do this.”

“I believe in you, Ells.” Paige smiles at me before she gets up. “I need a shower. I smell like alcohol.” Oliver goes to press a kiss to her mouth, but she leans away before she heads into their room.

“I second that. I’ll see you guys soon, though.” Amelia whisks herself away to the guest bedroom, leaving Grant, Oliver, Hads, and I in the kitchen.

“What was that about? Trouble in paradise already?” Grant asks Oliver.

“I told you not to fuck this up, Ol,” Hads scolds him.

“Can you guys calm the fuck down? Whenever Paige drinks, she doesn't like to kiss me until the alcohol is off her breath because I don't drink. I told her a million times it’s fine, but she still does it.” Oliver blushes.Blushes.I never thought I’d see the fucking day.

“I should probably head home for a shower too.” I lean over to hug Hads and Grant and give Oliver a wave as I collect my purse. “Unless you guys need help cleaning up?”

Hads waves her arms towards the door. “Go enjoy your last day of peace before you have to deal with Zimmerman.”

“Thank you.” I smile at her. “I’ll text you guys when I’m home.”

“Thanks, Ells!” Grant shouts from behind me.

I pull out my phone as I walk down the stairs of their complex toward my car, wanting to talk to another Zimmerman about how she forgot to mention her brother's new place of work.

I get into my car and fire off a message to Alissa, letting her know I’ll be waiting for her when she gets home from work tonight.

Ella: Care to explain why your brother showed up at my office yesterday?

Ella: His new job is at my firm… I’m going to kill you if you knew about it and didn't tell me. How are you related to him? It truly boggles my mind sometimes.

Alissa: I have no comment.

Ella: I’ll see you at home.

Alissa: Sounds good. I hope Paigey’s birthday was awesome!

Damn, she’s really hard to be mad at.

5

Enjoy Today While It Lasts

July 2024

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