Page 64 of Frayed Bonds

I close the door and turn to find her staring out the large windows blankly. “Do you ever get tired of this view?” she asks.

“I don't think I ever could. It makes me feel human, watching people live their lives and essentially watching time pass.”

“It seems condescending,” she says, and turns to face me with an irritated expression. Her mood is a vast contrast from Sunday evening, and especially from my dream Valerie.

“Why were you late?”

She breaks eye contact and stares out the window again. “I told Antonio I was going to be late. Ask him why he didn't pass on the message.”

“I’m your boss, not Antonio.”

Her brows raise and she scoffs. “Is that what you are now?”

I ignore her comment, an obvious jab at everything that happened this past weekend. Focusing on the real reason I want to speak to her. “You should be telling me. Besides, I tried to call you.”

“I saw, I declined the call,” she snaps, now looking at me as if it’s a challenge.

“Valerie, I’m trying to have a civil discussion with you, the attitude isn't needed.”

“I’m not the one questioning you about where you are every second of every day.”

“I’m entitled to know that you aren't going to be at work, even though this is a favour for Antonio, that kind of information should be told to me as well.”

She sighs. “I’m so fucking sick and tired of you throwing how much of a favour you’re doing for me in my face.”

“Val-”

“If you don’t want me to work here, then fucking say that. I’m sure Alexa would jump at the opportunity to come back. Or is it taboo to fuck the same girl twice? Does it have to be a new one each time?” She stares up at me, her face red, and I’m genuinely taken aback by her outburst.

“Valerie, I didn't mean…”

“You didn't mean what, Ambrose? To pry where I don't want you involved? We aren't even friends. You treat me like shit and then the next second, you're kissing me. I’m tired and confused.”

“Valerie.”

“Just stop. You want to know where I was so badly? My father went in for his second hip replacement surgery and I’m fucking terrified he’s not going to be okay. Plus, on top of it all, your stupid little favour is the only hope I have of trying to pay off his medical bills since the medical aid scheme refuses to.”

“Valerie, I didn’t know,” is all I’m able to say.

“Of course, you didn’t, because you don’t care about anyone else but yourself, the money you make, and whatever girl you’re fucking that week,” she says as she stands.

“That’s not true,” I practically growl, my patience wearing thin.

“Can I leave now?”

I gesture toward the door not being able to say anything.

I have never cared for what the media thinks of me, or my brothers. But something about the way Valerie looked at me when she said those things felt like she was throwing years’ worth of rage at me.

For the first time, I think I do care about what someone thinks of me. Her opinion of me is the only one I don't want tainted by the media's perception of me. Everything she said was true—at some point. Even three months ago I would’ve agreed with her, but right now deep down, I feel it. She couldn’t be more wrong.

Going against Adriano's reservations, I wrap up the last of the paperwork before sending it off to Horatio for approval.

“You okay?” My mamá asks as I enter the kitchen.

Tossing my keys onto the counter, I slump into the bar stool and rest my head in my hands.

“Did you know Valerie's father was having a double hip replacement?” I ask, not lifting my head simply waiting for her answer

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