Page 101 of Enchanting the CEO

"She told you that?" My heart sank.

Meredith pressed her lips together. "Honestly, she told us that in confidence, so I feel bad just talking to you about it at all. I’d rather not give more details."

No way. They have to be wrong.

I waved my hand. "You probably misconstrued what she said. Diane isn't worried about anything."

It was true that she and I had never discussed anything further down the line, but we were both on the same page, I was sure of it. It was probably something Meredith and Natalie wouldn't understand since Meredith was engaged to Cade and Natalie and Jake were already married. But Diane and I didn't have to talk everything out.

I looked around for her. She was with Penny and Spencer, holding Ben again. I usually couldn't take my eyes off this woman, but right now, watching her with Ben was something else entirely. I walked straight to her, and she and my brother abruptly stopped talking.

"What's that?" I asked. "Why did you fall silent?"

"Because they were gossiping about you, obviously," Maddox said helpfully, appearing from behind us. Nick and Leo weren't too far away either.

"So everyone eavesdropped?" Diane asked.

"I mean, it wasn't that hard," Leo said. "You weren't keeping your voice down."

"There is very little respect for private conversations in this house," I informed her.

She nodded. "Right, right."

"You’re holding up really well, actually," Leo said.

"You know, I thought I’d be more overwhelmed, what with all of you being here," Diane said, "but this is surprisingly fun."

I had no idea where Natalie and Meredith got the idea that Diane was worried about something. She was just like me—laid-back and taking things easy. No overthinking, no pressure, just enjoying each day as it came. It was one of the reasons why we fit together so well.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Diane

Every time I thought I’d gotten rid of Chuck, he proved me wrong. On a sunny Wednesday morning, I got a message from him right as I was heading out for a tour.

Chuck: Stop ignoring me. I want that fucking laptop back.

What the heck did he need his ancient Acer back for? Or maybe he just wanted another opportunity to insult me. Whatever.

I stared at the phone. I wanted to ignore it, but it was apparent that he’d keep insisting, and I wanted to get this over with.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I wondered how to organize this. I certainly didn't want to go to his new place. No, if he wanted the laptop so badly, he could come get it for all I cared.

I realized with shock that I wasn't afraid of facing him anymore.

Diane: Here's my new address. You can pick it up tomorrow between twelve and two.

Chuck: I’ll come at two.

Gabe was usually at work around then, so that should be okay. The last thing I wanted was for the two to cross paths.

I didn't want Gabe to have to deal with him, or to see what an asshole he could be. Hell, I didn't even want to deal with him myself, but he was my ex; there was nothing I could do about that. And it was his laptop, after all. Besides, I felt much stronger now. I could face Chuck and not crumble afterward.

I headed straight to my meeting point for the tour. My groups were still rather small, but because I was keeping all the income, I already made more than when I worked for George. I had a great feeling about this, and not even the prospect of seeing Chuck was going to get me down.

***

The next day I was having second thoughts. I was a basket case, waiting for him to show up.

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