Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
I seriously doubted that but the thought of having a conversation to clear up the past seemed pointless now. It wouldn’t change anything. “I hope you don’t think this is the beginning of some grand romance because I can assure you it isn’t.”
“If you say so hon, but I think it’s funny that you being a therapist is the height of irony.”
“I’m not sure what you mean by that.”
“I mean you’re avoiding having a conversation with him because you might find out you’re not as indifferent to him as you think. And before you say I’m taking his side, that’s not what I’m doing. What he’s doing to you isn’t cool either because its clearly causing you distress. You may not be able to do anything about your father’s health and your brother being a loser but you can figure out this thing between you and Jackson. That would be one less stress in your life.”
“You make it seem like this conversation is supposed to absolve him of everything he did.”
She shakes her head. “No. That’s not what I’m saying at all. I just want you to be honest with yourself. I want you to be happy and I don’t think you can be until you’re able to move on from the past.”
Was she right? Would the key to getting over my anger and resentment toward Jackson was to finally let him in?
20
JACKSON
“I’ve been patient with you these last several weeks, when I’ve had every reason to be pissed with how you’ve handled the Knight situation. Not only that you’ve been out of the office at a crucial time for the company. The investors are getting antsy and now this.”
Gavin slaps a manila envelope on my desk. I don’t need to open it to know what’s inside. My mother’s handiwork no doubt. I ignored her threat by refusing to have anything to do with her event. I’m sure she’d told everyone her son would be in attendance, and I’d raised a lot of money for whatever the fuck it was she was fake supporting.
The truth is, Champion has changed and developed a lot in the last twelve years. Her social influence over the town isn’t as strong as it once way but it doesn’t mean she couldn’t still cause trouble. Like now.
I stare dispassionately at the envelope without touching it. I know what’s inside because all of the board members have received the exact same items and I’ve been fielding calls all morning.
My head is pounding and all I want is to go back to my Zora. I need the comfort of her arm. I need to be inside of her. I need to hear her voice to remind me the world still has some decent people in it.
“Don’t you have anything to say for yourself?” Gavin demands when I don’t answer right away.”
I lean back in in my leather swivel chair with a heavy sigh. “What do you want me to say?”
“Tell me what’s in these documents isn’t true and this is some sick prank. Or at the very least tell me you’re going to take care of this.”
“I’ll take care of this.”
He storms over in my direction and slams his palms on my desk. “Fuck you! You don’t get to brush this off like it’s no big deal. I’ve fucking had it, man. I’ve put up with your bullshit these past weeks in the name of our friendship. I could almost forgive you for fucking with our livelihoods but I’m not going to let you treat me like I’m of no importance to this company. You may hold the majority of the shares but if I garner enough support with the other shareholders, we could oust you.”
I’m not sure what reaction he expects from me but I don’t have the will to argue right now. I’m taken back to those days when my mother would pull stunts like this to humble me and I’m reminded, I won’t be free of this until I stop running from my past.
She’s destroyed so many good things in my life. I’m not going to lose the first real friend I’ve had over this.
“If you think you’re up to running this company and it’s what you want, I’ll gladly hand over the reins. I’m not going to fight you for it.”
“Of course it’s not what I want. If I wanted to take over, I would have set that in motion after the Knight situation. Which by the way, I still don’t agree with. But you keep pushing me aside like I don’t fucking matter. I’ve been here with you every step of the way and I’m more than just a business colleague, but I’m also your friend or at least I thought I was until recently.”
“You are my friend and I’ve been shitty to you recently. Apologizing isn’t my strong suit but I’m sorry for being a dick.”