Page 121 of Due Dilligence (Takeover)
“Irreplaceable.”
Well, shit.“I—suppose this is not the time to ask for a raise?”
Sam’s eyebrows arched and he let out an amused huff. “I’d offer you a raise if I thought it would make a difference, but I doubt money will make you stay if you feel you have to go.”
There was the proof of how well Sam knew him. “It wouldn’t.” He coughed and took another drink of his coffee. Breathing came more easily. “You pay me pretty well, especially considering the mess I made out of Singularity.”
Sam rolled his eyes and slumped in his chair. “God, that account. It came shit-covered to start with.” He looked at Fazil. “You’ve made up your mind.”
He’d made the decision days ago, when he’d balked at talking to Sam. Still hurt because he was a shit of a friend and lover for his choice. He blinked back the moisture. “I’m staying.”
Sam’s brows creased, but he nodded. “I’m glad to have you, Fazil.”
“I’m happy to be here.” He rose slowly on shaky legs. “I should get to work on the shit show.”
There was a heap of concern written onto Sam’s forehead, but he nodded.
On the way out, Fazil tipped his cup to Justin.
At his desk, he sank into his seat and tried to get his pulse back under control. He was staying in Pittsburgh.
Which meant he wasn’t going to Seattle to be with Todd.
That saideverythingabout the kind of person was. A complete asshole.
But betterthatthan becoming a bitter, resentful shit of a human. If he took some corporate job, he’d cycle into the anxiety, fear, and frustration he’d felt at Singularity. Being with Todd had been a bright spot, but Todd couldn’t be hisonlyreason for living. Wasn’t fair to either of them.
He knew in the end, he’d blame Todd for the move, for upending his life, for making him leave Sam’s company.
He’d rather be a jerk thanthat.
Coffee warmed his throat. Todd would find someone better for him. He wished he could be that man—but he couldn’t give up his life.
Fazil swirled the remainder of his coffee, then set the cup down. Time to go to work and get Singularity sold off to BinBox Group. That at least would make Todd’s life better.
He was a half hour into work when his message app flashed. Eli, of all people.
How are you doing?
God. He typed out a reply.Why does everyone keep asking me that question?
Because lately you look like you’re about to shatter into a billion pieces.
He stared at Eli’s words.I’m staying in Pittsburgh.
That’s the other reason I asked.
Of course Eli would know. Fazil started and deleted several messages because there was too much to say. Finally he typed out five words:He’s going to hate me.
He won’t. Trust me, he won’t.
Fazil drew his teeth over his lips. Except Todd would. It was high school all over again. He couldn’t let Todd control his life so he’d run away.
This time, he knew exactly what he’d be missing.
I’ll be fine, Eli.
No message after that. Fazil declined Adam’s invitation to go to lunch. Not terribly hungry. Horribly tired.
