Page 60 of The Enemies With Benefits Deal

“Then where do you go from there?”

“You learn how to hurt each other less. You spend more time forgiving each other and learning how to communicate. The hurts get less. Rarer, but it takes time, and, in the beginning, you’re going to hurt each other a lot.”

With a sigh, I stand up and take a final look at the papers in front of me. Work can wait for another day. “There’s no way to guarantee I won’t hurt her again?”

“No. But you learn from it. You do better. You work harder to be the people the other deserves.” Dad glances at the clock on one of my bookshelves. “Come on, we’re already going to be late as it is, and I have to name you as my successor tonight.”

“Really?” I grab my coat from the rack by the door, pulling it on and following him out of the office.

“Yes. You’re ready.” Dad grins at me over his shoulder. “Just keep it to yourself for now, okay?”

I nod, and together we get into the elevator.

For the first time in years, I feel like I might actually be making a connection with him.

The hotel is decorated with shining lights and dark linens, large pictures of newspapers all over the room, and old stories on the walls.

The guests are dressed to the nines, dancing to the band that’s playing in the corner or picking at the appetizers.

I take a seat at the table in the back, reaching for a flute of champagne from a passing waiter.

I scan the room, but there’s no sign of Jade. My heart sinks in my chest. I thought she would be here, but it seems like she’s determined to avoid me no matter the cost.

I sip the champagne for a few more minutes as one song bleeds into the next.

If she doesn’t show up in the next five minutes, I’m leaving here and going to find her, announcement be damned.

She means more to me than this job, and I should have made that clear to her. I should have been telling her a thousand different times over the last three months.

And now, here I am at the launch party of a project she ran, wishing that I was with her instead.

Just as I’m standing and about to head to the door, the music cuts out.

The microphone crackles through the speakers as people applaud for the band.

Dad grins behind the microphone. “Welcome, everyone, and thank you for being here tonight. I would like to thank you all for the work you have put in over the last three months, and for the faith that you’ve had in the company. I know that it has been a trying time for everyone, but I appreciate you all holding on.”

People give a polite clap, whispering to each other as I make my way along the wall and to the door.

“This rebrand wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of Jade and Grayson. Over the last twelve weeks, they have put in countless hours to make sure that LRH Global comes back better than ever before. I would like to take this opportunity to offer both of them a round of applause.”

A spotlight beams on me just as my hand closes over the door to haul it open. I turn and force a smile on my face, hoping the light will swing away so the people at the party won’t see me fleeing.

The light stays focused on me as the noise dies down.

Dad clears his throat. “And with this transition, the time has come for me to announce that I will be stepping down as CEO. I’m not getting any younger, and what this company needs now is a fresh perspective. I have put much thought into my replacement, and I’m pleased to announce that Grayson will be taking over the position.”

Thunderous applause explodes through the room, and Dad motions me to the stage.

“Grayson, come up here. Say a few words to everyone.”

I’m going to go up there, thank everyone for being here, and then I’m going to get the hell out of here.

It’s the plan that plays on repeat through my head as I walk to the front of the room and climb the steps to the stage.

I shake Dad’s hand as I approach him at the microphone, trying to figure out exactly what to say.

There are so many things I want to say, but all I can think about is what’s going to happen when I finally get out of here and apologize to Jade.

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