Page 153 of Unleashed

Chapter 24

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ROCKING IN MY OFFICE chair, I stare at the clock on the computer. I should’ve skipped work instead of sitting here, waiting to leave for Simone’s graduation early. How stupid to have it on a Friday afternoon. I guess it weeds out too many people showing up. But I won’t miss it for anything.

I twist the silver wedding ring on my finger. This is the last day of pretending to be Simone’s husband. It shouldn’t be a big deal, but waiting for her to agonize over a marriage she ditched makes zero sense and isn’t easy. I need to get out before it kills me.

Last night I told Tansy to back off about sex or she could move on. She agreed to be friends.

“Why don’t you leave now to be with Simone before the ceremony?”

I arch an eyebrow at Vaughn. “What would that do?”

“It would show your support.”

“Being at her graduation is me showing my support. Congratulations to her and all that.”

Vaughn closes the door and walks to my desk, jingling the nonsensical change in his pockets. “Greg, please stop the charade. Simone ended your marriage, but she still loves you.”

I scan the view overlooking the interstate in the distance. “What’s the weather like outside? Looks sunny from here, but those weather people lie.” Not unlike the sports people.

“I understand you don’t wish to discuss Simone with me, but you have been miserable. You lost your best friend.”

I scowl at the middle-aged gnome. “My best friend is on the other side of the office, Amos.” I sit up and move shit around on my desk to keep from choking Vaughn or running through a window.

“Hadley may be a close friend, but she’s not your best friend.”

“Okay, then. That’d be Ferrera. If you don’t mind, I must return to work.”

“Nico? He hasn’t been in town for long.”

“So? Are you taking some kind of survey? Or are you throwing your hat into the ring? Sorry. The position is filled.”

“Simone is the love of your life.”

I bow my head as I dig my fingers into my hair. “You just said she was my best friend. Make up your damn mind.”

He laughs. “She’s both. You must get her back before—”

I drop my hands and glare at him. “Before what? She annuls our marriage? I missed that train! I saw her on a date with some new asshole last night!”

Vaughn sighs. “Greg, none of it matters. Don’t lose her.”

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