Page 64 of Love your Billionaire Boss

The next day, she woke up around noon. She was happy for a good night’s sleep and felt caught up from the night before. She rose from the couch as afternoon light poured in and warmed her skin. In the kitchen, she made herself a hot cup of coffee and sat at the kitchen table. She looked around her favorite spot in the house at all the mixing bowls and recipe books. She felt a glimmer of happiness.

She loved baking and still dreamt of opening her own bakery. Although that dream seemed even further now that she had decided to wash her hands of everyone at the party. Everyone in that world. She knew she was closing the door on several opportunities and that she would have to basically start from scratch again, but it was the right thing to do. Whatever happened with Kenny was too complicated, and what happened with Kev was too dangerous.

She took a sip of coffee and began scribbling ideas in a notebook, including new cafés she hadn’t applied at yet. It was nice to keep her brain busy. When she was finished, she powered up her phone and texted Bridget:

I’m feeling much better. I’ll be in tonight. Can we talk before my shift starts?

Bridget: I’m so glad to hear that. Of course we can. I’ll see you in a few hours.

Cleo felt thankful for her positive relationship with her boss. She knew she was very lucky to have Bridget, especially since she would probably be working there longer than she had expected to save up for her dream.

The rest of the day, Cleo took it slow. She baked an olive oil cake just because. Baking was her therapy. After she enjoyed a slice with some hot tea, she took a long, hot shower. She actually didn’t think of Kenny. At least not as much. Then she quickly got ready for work in her usual jeans and T-shirt. She didn’t put in any extra effort. After the party, she felt silly for even trying so hard for someone who barely tried at all.

She pulled into the rear parking lot of Murphy’s just after three. She entered the back door and waved hello to the cooks in the kitchen before pushing open the swinging doors to the bar. It wasn’t open yet. Bridget sat at the bar sipping on an iced coffee.

“Hey, Cleo. I’m so glad you’re feeling better. We’ve missed you the past few days.”

“I know. I’m sorry for all the time off.”

Bridget waved at her like it was no big deal. “Don’t sweat it. You’re my hardest worker. You need a break every now and again.”

Cleo took a seat next to her.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Bridget placed her hands in her lap and tapped her fingers nervously.

Cleo could sense that maybe Bridget thought she was quitting, so she wanted to reassure her.

“I’m not quitting.”

“Oh, thank God.”

Cleo laughed.

“I’m not ready to lose you yet.”

“You’re not, but I do have something to talk to you about.”

Bridget nodded at her intently.

“Something happened at the party two nights ago. Something bad.” Cleo shifted in her seat.

“What happened?” Bridget leaned in.

“One of the players on the team became forceful with me.”

“Oh, my God, Cleo. Where? How? Who?”

“I was in the kitchen packing up, and that guy Kev… you know the one who was giving me a hard time that one night here?”

“Mhmm.”

“He cornered me and pushed me up against the counter, forcing himself on me.”

“Cleo! Did you call the police?”

“No, no. He just kissed me and then I hit him in the head with a frying pan.”

“You need to tell someone.”

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