Page 31 of Reconciling With the Rival

“Am I dismissed?” I ask her, purposefully pushing her buttons this time.

“I’m not your mother, Leo. You can move your own feet and go back to your office if you want to.”

I tilt my head at her. “If I remember correctly, you’re the one with mommy issues, not me, Williams.” I stand up from my spot. “I’ll send you an email this weekend with my thoughts on this client.”

“Shut the door when you leave,” she whispers.

“I’ll even let it hit me in the ass on the way out.”

“Whatever, Leo.”

And then, I leave her office. But when I sit down in my chair, I notice Ella has drawn the curtains over the glass so I can’t see in.

My phone buzzes when I sit down, and I see my best friend from back home’s name on my screen.

Wyatt: Happy birthday, wanker.

Leo: Thanks, idiot.

Wyatt: Plans for tonight?

Leo: Holt is in charge.

Wyatt: Yikes, good luck to you then.

Leo: How’s everything back home? Is your sister doing okay?

Wyatt: She’s fine. Thanks for asking. I saw your folks in the hospital the other day. Had a chat with them for a few minutes.

What?My parents neglected to mention that to me.

Leo: Oh. How did my dad look?

Wyatt: Better. Stronger.

Leo: Good. Thanks, man.

Wyatt: Have a good birthday, mate. You deserve it.

11

All Mouth & No Pants

September 20th, 2024

“Paige, can you driveany faster than this?” Hads asks her, only to be met with a stare Paige probably thinks is scary but isn't. The girl couldn't be scary no matter how hard she tries.

“Fine. But I’m almost at five over.”

“Holy fuck, Paige.Almostfive over? We’re not going to get pulled over; just drive like a normal person,” I tell her as I lean over the center console, trying to confirm she’s actually driving as slow as she is.

“I am driving like a normal person!”

I look back at Hads, and the two of us burst into laughter. I don't know why we always let Paige drive, but tonight, we had to make sure of it, since Oliver needed us out of their apartment. It kind of made no sense, since he’s also not there.

Oliver demanded we distract Paige tonight while he and Grant go pick out an engagement ring. One of my best friends is getting engaged to the love of her life, and even if that’s Oliver, I’m overjoyed for her. Paige deserves love and happiness after all she has been through.

As if he knew we were talking about him, the group chat Hads and I have with him and Grant buzzes.

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