Page 110 of Rich and Bossy

“There’s tough decisions, and there’s having a room of old fucks neuter me.” I’m halfway off my stool, ready to start a fight with anyone.

He places a hand on my shoulder and shoves me down. The fact that he could do so that easily says I’ve had way too much to drink, way too fast. He’s not a small guy, but he’s not nearly as strong as I am.

He checks his phone, his expression grim as he picks up his glass. “It’s done. Nothing we can do now. Legal said it’s all tied down, good enough to hold up. And if they take it to court, they can string the shit out for at least twelve months with paperwork, maybe more.” He looks over at me. “I tried to get them paid and to be able to keep their benefits during any appeal process, but the three consultant fucknuts shot that down in a hurry. Wouldn’t look good if we fire them, then keep paying them. Had to look like it was all or nothing.”

I can only imagine what she must be feeling. How much she must hate me. How she has to hurt. She’s worked so hard, and she has so much hope. I told her from the beginning. I warned her. It’s out of my hands, they’re going to crush your ass. There’s nothing I can do.

Yeah, that’s the exact opposite of what you told her at the condo, because you were willing to say anything to make her happy right then.

But it was a lie, and you knew it.

He stares over at me. “We could have warned her, you know. We could’ve told her this was coming, somehow. We could’ve found a way and she could’ve been prepared.”

“You know it was impossible.”

For the first time, it’s him who looks pissed off now. He slams his phone on the bar. Pretty sure the screen cracks when he does it. “I know. I just… We could’ve morse coded something.”

“Hank has us surveilled twenty-four seven. He knows we’re drinking here right now. You can bet your fucking ass they’ve found a way to monitor every last thing she’s doing. It’s way too risky to try to make contact.”

John sighs. “I know. He’s a fat fuck of a man.”

I laugh a little at that. He’s not wrong. “She’s probably home by now. I have to see her.”

John’s eyes pop out. “No, that’s a horrific idea. If you wanted to risk that, you should’ve done it before this, to warn her. You don’t even make logical sense right now. Pretty sure you’re hammered and will fuck it up, even if you do see her. No, you need to wait, and think.”

“I have to.”

“You’re drunk, and she’s no doubt at the pinnacle of being furious right now. Listen to me. Do not do this.” He grips me by the collar to make his point even more clearly.

“I have to see her. I don’t expect you to understand. I have to, man.”

All he does is sigh, but he does let go of me. “I know what you’re doing.”

“What’s that?”

“Trying to punish yourself, for what happened. It’s fucking stupid.”

“I have to do it.”

He sighs again. “Just promise me you won’t drive.” He picks up his glass and drains the rest of it. “We don’t need any extra fucking disasters right now.”

Her car isin the driveway, and I take that as a good sign. Maybe she’s had a little time to think things through. Maybe her mom has comforted her a little. She needs that right now. I want to be the shoulder for her.

It’s fucking torture, knowing she’s probably hurting.

“You want me to wait?” The cab driver turns in his seat, eyeing me warily. “You staying here?”

I’m not sure what’s about to happen, but I do not want to get caught out here in this cold weather, and that’s a real possibility. At least the cold-ass air seems to sober me up a little when I step out into it.

“Stick around.” I get all the way out the door and start toward her house.

The cold air braces me a little, makes my brain feel a little sharper than before, so that’s good. Only now do I remember that I haven’t eaten all day, either. No wonder the booze slammed into me.

Why is it so hard to knock on the door?

Probably because I know I’m more than likely being watched. What was I supposed to do? Tell the cab driver to drive a circuitous route all over town and watch for any headlights following?

I know she’s going to be pissed. I know this. I just need to let her take it out on me a little, then we’ll figure this out. I have to tell her it wasn’t my fault.

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