Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
“All right. Well, text me when you get back, so I know you’re safe.”
“I will,” I said, squeezing her hand in return before I grabbed my coat and purse and made for the exit. I felt bad not saying goodbye and letting my aunt and uncle know I was leaving, but I just didn’t have anything left in my battery. The night had drained me.
Out on the street, I waited to see if I could spot a passing cab. A few went by, but none stopped, already having passengers in the back. Finally, one pulled over for me, and I climbed in, telling the driver my address. He was pulling away from the side of the street when I noticed Rhys emerge from the restaurant. He looked left then right, hands on his hips as he exhaled heavily and stared at the ground like a conflict was weighing on him. Was he looking for me? What had he and Stephanie spoken about at the bar?
A minute passed, and then my phone lit up with a text.
Rhys: Where did you go?
Me: I was feeling a little tired so decided to call it a night. Sorry I didn’t say goodbye, but you were with Stephanie, and I didn’t want to interrupt.
Rhys: I wish you had. I didn’t expect her to turn up.
Me: Maybe she was hoping to see you.
Rhys: She wasn’t. We’re over, and she knows that. She’s just feeling a little vindictive right now.
His reply gave me pause.
Me: Vindictive?
Rhys: After our chat the other week, she insinuated she might be interested in Aidan.
I frowned at my phone, sensing his frustration. Poor Rhys. And wow, that was pretty shitty behaviour from Stephanie. No matter the reason for a breakup, to go after your ex’s friend was low.
Me: Are you okay?
Rhys: I’m fine. Just sad you left. I was enjoying your company.
My chest fluttered, and my cheeks flushed hard, memories of us on that office couch returning. I knew he wasn’t lying because Rhys wasn’t like that. If he said something, he meant it.
Me: I enjoyed your company, too. Hopefully, next time, there’ll be a few less tears on my part.
Rhys: You never have to hide from me, Charli. I’ll take you any way I can have you.
Oh, man, what did that even mean? Did he mean he’d take my friendship any way he could have it? Something more than friendship? This was too confusing. I needed to end this conversation before I was up all night, replaying his words and his kiss and the way he’d made me feel until it was morning and I hadn’t gotten any sleep at all.
Me: You really are a good man. Goodnight, Rhys.
Rhys: Night, Charli. Sleep well.
On Monday morning, I arrived at the office before Barry or Maeve, settling in at my desk and making a start on things. I was head down, deep in work when Barry arrived, shortly followed by Maeve, who didn’t greet me with a friendly “Good morning” like she normally did. Had Stephanie already turned her against me just because she’d spotted me with Rhys by his car last Friday?
“Hi, Maeve,” I said, lifting my head from my computer only to be met with a blank expression and a reserved nod.
Yes, it seemed I was officially on her shit list, but I decided not to give it too much worry. I was at the hotel to do a job, not to be anyone’s best friend.
About twenty minutes later, a pair of familiar high heels clicked into the office, announcing Stephanie’s arrival. Like the first time I’d met her, she brought a fancy coffee for Maeve, the two of them exchanging pleasantries like I wasn’t even in the room. I glanced at Barry, who shot me a look that asked, Which one’s cornflakes did you piss in? His raised eyebrows were almost comical. In fact, the entire situation was hilarious.
We were grown adults, and I suddenly felt like I was back in high school.
I expected to be ignored entirely, but then Stephanie stepped over to my desk. “Did you enjoy the restaurant opening on Saturday, Charli? I saw you there, but you were gone before I had a chance to say hello.”
Lifting my eyes from my computer screen, I smiled politely, “Yes, I was there with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. The food was delicious.”
She made a small pout. “Sadly, I arrived too late to try the food, but the cocktails were to die for. You know, I had no idea you were related to the Balfes. Maeve mentioned Padraig is your uncle. How fortunate you could come work for him when he needed a new accountant.”
“Very fortunate,” I agreed.
“I also had no clue you knew my ex. What a small world, huh?”
“That’s right. I first met Rhys when we were teenagers.”
Her eyes flared slightly like this was news to her, and I instantly wondered if I should’ve revealed that. She seemed surprised but also annoyed I’d known him long before she did. Rhys had mentioned she’d been possessive when they were together, and it appeared that possessiveness was still alive and well.