Page 24 of The Sexy Part
Looks like I’m starting from scratch, or looking for a new job at an established agency. Maybe Endeavor Media is hiring and I can burn the place to the ground. Kidding.
I call my lawyer, Bob, to see if I can sue Dave for stealing all my clients.
“I’m sorry, Rowan, your partnership contract didn’t have any provision prohibiting either of you from taking clients once your employer relationship ends.”
“Why didn’t you put it in there?”
“You said it wasn’t necessary. You were getting married. If you’d gone through with the marriage, we could’ve split your assets equitably, but you didn’t. I’m sorry I don’t have better news. The good news is, Dave signed the papers dissolving your business partnership right away, so that’s settled.”
“Great.”
I get off the phone and debate going for more ice cream. If ever a day called for a double ice-cream snack, it’s today. But then I look down to find Felix winding around my leg.
I pick him up and take him to the sofa, where we indulge in a nap together. Sometimes you just need the unconditional love of a pet.
* * *
Cooper comes through for me again, showing up with a borrowed truck on Saturday morning and driving me to my apartment in the city. He’s kinda like a knight in shining armor, if I believed in that kind of thing.
When we get there, Finn’s waiting on the sidewalk. Rumpled and tired but he’s there. Ten thirty in the morning is early for a college student. He resembles Cooper, except Finn has blue eyes and Cooper has brown.
Cooper makes the introductions. Finn offers his hand, and I shake it. “Nice to meet you, Rowan.”
“You too. Thanks so much for helping out.”
“Of course.”
I lead the way to the apartment, thinking I should thank Hailey for raising such great kids. I’m sure their Dad is awesome too. He has to be.
Dave greets us at the door with a guy I’ve never seen before. “As soon as you finish, he’ll be changing the locks, so be quick about it.”
“It takes how long it takes,” I say, breezing by him.
“Asshole,” Cooper says.
I hear a scuffle and look behind me to find Cooper has Dave’s arm twisted behind his back. “Try me,” Cooper growls.
“I’ll press charges if you hurt me!” Dave cries.
“You shoved me first,” Cooper says. “Maybe I’ll press charges.”
“Cooper, please,” I say. “Let’s just get this done and get out of here.”
Cooper releases Dave and glares at him. Dave rubs his arm.
Thankfully, Dave’s smart enough to stay out of the way while we get to work. An hour later, my stuff’s in the truck. I leave without a goodbye. Dave doesn’t deserve one.
“Anything else I can help you with?” Finn asks.
So sweet. “That’s all. Finn, it was so nice of you to help out. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem,” he says. “I thought it was going to be an all-day project. Only took an hour.”
My heart squeezes. He was willing to spend his entire Saturday helping out a stranger just because his brother asked him to. “I wish I could pay you. Just know you have my thanks, and anytime you need something I can help with, let me know. I know the ad world, if that helps.”
He smiles. “All good.”
Cooper gives him a manly half hug, half pat on the back. “Thanks, bro. I’ll see you at Sunday family dinner tomorrow.” He turns to me. “You’re invited too.”
