Page 25 of Reconciling With the Rival

“Soft has never been used to describe me, and you know that.” She rolls her eyes at me. “Close my door behind you and have those mockups done by next week.”

“Got it.”

And as I sit down at my desk to prepare to doactualwork, I realize it might not be as bad as I thought it would be working under Ella.

But I’d never say that out loud. I wouldn’t want to jinx myself.

9

Sunday Linens

“Alissa, can you grabthe orange juice out of the fridge for me?” I ask as I grab the plates. I place them around our table, along with the silverware and napkins I folded into bow ties this morning.

I swear, nothing makes me feel better than seeing my friends, hosting a party, and brunch.

That’s a recipe for a good time, and since I’ve been stuck in the pits of hell lately, I’ve needed a day to forget all my worries and spend time with the people I love.

“You got it, babe. I can turn the music on too,” Alissa says as she glides through the room.

“It’s the least you could do, considering you didn't warn me Leo was joining my firm.” I still haven't let it go. When I got home and found Alissa waiting for me with a bottle of wine, icecream, and our favorite reality show queued up, I knew it was an apology.

“Ells, whatever arguing you do with my brother is between you two. I’ve never understood why you can’t just get along.”

Before I start a long-winded conversation about how much I hate her brother, someone knocks on my door. Based on what time it is, I know it’s Paige and Oliver. The girl is always early to everything. It’s probably for the best; I’d hate to ruin today by talking about him.

“Are you sure I can’t invite him?” Alissa asks me again. “He has no friends, Ella. He just moved back here, you know.”

“I’m sure whoever slept on his dick last night is keeping him company this morning!” I say as I finish setting the table. “It’s bad enough I have to see him at work every day. He’s not infecting my weekends too.”

“Fine.”

I head to my door, swing it open, and am immediately met with Paige’s smiling face.

She barrels into me with a hug, and I can almost feel the sunlight radiating off of her.

I’m not a sunny person like she is. I’m a bit rough around the edges, way too honest to the point that some people think I’m mean, and I’m often told I’m too much for people.

But with Paige, she doesn't give a shit. She balances me out in a way. The two of us understand one another, especially with our family situations. Her dad is a piece of shit, and my mom walked out on me and my family when I was younger.

We both know what it feels like to be a second choice to someone who’s supposed to love you unconditionally. But neither of us has let that stop us; we somehow found one another amidst all the people in the world. We love one another unconditionally to make up for all we missed out on, and I couldn't be more grateful for her presence.

I lock eyes with Oliver over Paige’s shoulder, a slight smile on his face. I don't know if I’ll ever get used to that, but I’m glad Paige has found someone who makes her happy.

And I’m glad Oliver is happy too, I guess. As long as he treats Paige right, that’s all that matters. If he doesn't, he knows Hads, Grant, and I will be first in line to kick his ass.

And Amelia, if she was here.

“Ella, I’ve missed you so much! God, it’s been way too long.”

“Babe, I saw you on Wednesday at book club.”

Oliver pushes past the two of us and comes inside. “She’s been dressed since six this morning.”

I tilt my head at Paige, confused but glad she’s so excited. I’ve missed hosting things at our apartment. Today’s theme was coastal, so Paige is on theme in her flowing white dress and large hat. Oliver is wearing color for once, so he’s on theme too. This outfit screams Paige. I bet she laid it out for him this morning. I made a bet with Grant he would be on theme, and it looks like I was right.

“Alissa! You look wonderful!” Paige says as she hugs her. Alissa’s big headpiece almost knocks her in the head, but she dodges it.

Those two continue talking as I look over at Oliver. “Why was she up so early this morning?”

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