Page 3 of The One That Got Away

Once I’d got settled, I could think about dating again.

But until then, I was just fine being single.

All I needed was romance novels and my buzz buddy.

And maybe a spare set of batteries.

2

MAX

‘Damn. This is adorable.’ As I looked at the colourful painting my best friend Colton put on my desk, my heart squeezed.

‘What can I say?’ he beamed. ‘My daughter is talented.’

‘And she really painted this for me?’

‘She did.’

Well, fuck. What was it about children? They knew how to get you right in the feels.

Colton took off his dark grey suit jacket then sat down. His short Afro hair looked like it’d been shaved at the sides since I last saw him. Wouldn’t surprise me. He always looked sharp.

‘So, obviously I can see this is the sky.’ I pointed to the blue brushstrokes at the top which had a ginormous yellow circle that I knew must be the sun. ‘And I’m guessing I’m the white guy with the dark brown hair and big muscles.’

‘Obviously,’ he chuckled.

‘Nice to know someone recognises all the hard work I put in at the gym!’ I laughed. ‘But why am I with your wife and kid? Where are you? Did you send Betty to bed with no ice cream or do something to piss her off so she deliberately left you out?’

‘No. That’s not Natalie and Betty standing in the photo. That’syourwife and kid.’

‘Wow. You and Natalie got your sweet, innocent daughter to draw a fake family painting just to convince me to join some dating apps? Wasn’t using her to make me sign up to that other stupid thing bad enough? That’s low, man. Even for you!’

‘Nope. She did that all by herself. When you didn’t come round for breakfast on Sunday, she asked why. And when we told her you were away, she asked if she could make a painting for you and voilà – here it is.’

‘Well, tell her I said thanks. Here.’ I reached beside my desk and handed him a large bag. ‘Got these for you guys.’

Colton took the bag and when he opened it a big smile spread across his face.

‘Olive oil, Ibérico ham and two bottles of our favourite Rioja? You should visit our factory in Spain more often if you’re going to bring back gifts like this! Thanks!’

‘You’re welcome. It was worth the trip. I think the new olive oil body cream will be a big hit.’

I was the Managing Director of Olibella, a natural skincare company. It was the polar opposite of the career I’d always imagined I’d have, but as Colton always said, I had to make the most of the cards life had dealt me.

‘Sounds like it’ll give a nice boost to Q4 profits when it launches.’

‘Should do,’ I nodded. As well as being my best friend, Colton was our Financial Director, so success for him was always measured in numbers and the bottom line. ‘Oh and there’s some souvenirs in the bag for Betty too. Couldn’t forget my goddaughter.’

‘She’ll be so happy when she sees this!’ He pulled out thepink T-shirt. ‘You could be happy too if you stopped being such a workaholic.’

‘I’m not a workaholic!’

‘What time did you leave the office last night?’

‘Can’t remember,’ I lied.

‘Bet it wasn’t before ten.’

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