Page 5 of The One That Got Away

‘Sure,’ I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

‘I think it’s good that they do it that way instead of taking the full amount, inviting you to the hotel, pairing you up with someone incompatible, and then when it doesn’t work, just shrugging their shoulders and sending you home. At least you know that when you hear back from them, it’s going to be worth making the trip.’

‘If you say so.’

‘Just picture it: two weeks away from the office, switching off completely from work. Relaxing in paradise. Enjoying some sun, sea, sangria… and if you just happened to meet your perfect match there too, that’d be the cherry on top.’

‘Anyway,’ I said, eager to change the subject, ‘has the new shipment of body oils come in yet?’

‘Yep. Arrived last night. The warehouse are going through the delivery right now.’

‘Great. I’ve got a meeting now with marketing about the beauty show in Dubai and the branding for the new range.’

‘I know marketing isn’t my forte, but I didn’t like those designs that company sent over.’

‘Me neither. Too dated. They’ve got complacent. Maybe it’s time to switch things up a bit. Start looking for someone else to do our branding.’

‘Yeah. What you got planned for the weekend? A few of us are going to the Liverpool vs Arsenal game. I’ve got a spare ticket if you…’

‘Can’t,’ I jumped in. ‘Got plans.’

‘Really? What?’

‘Doesn’t matter.’

‘Come on. I know it’s not easy, but I really think if you try, it’ll be good for you.’

‘Drop it, okay?’ I snapped. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to…’

‘No worries. I know it’s still a sensitive subject. Even after all these years. I’m just trying to help.’

‘I know.’

‘Same goes for the whole travelling and dating thing. Maybe I’ll call The Love Hotel people to see if there’s any news. You’re my best mate. I want you to be happy. There’s more to life than just work. If you just…’

‘Bye, Colton!’ I picked up my phone and headed towards the door. I loved him like a brother, but I couldn’t listen to him repeat the sameyou need to get a lifespiel again.

‘See you at lunch?’ he called out.

‘Okay.’

All through the meeting I was distracted. That conversation with Colton had stirred up a whole hornets’ nest of thoughts I didn’t want to discuss. He’d picked my least favourite topics of conversation. Dating and football. Even now, I hated talking about them.

Don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been with a woman in years. When I needed to let off steam and the gym wasn’t cutting it, I’d hook up. It’d only ever last one night though. Usually I preferred to do it when I was travelling, because there was an understanding that it was temporary. I was just passing through town on business, so it could only ever be a one-off. And that was how I liked it.

After the way my one and only serious relationship ended, it was clear I wasn’t cut out to have them. I didn’t deserve to. I always screwed things up. I couldn’t hurt anyone else.

And like I said, I was busy running a business. I had big plans to expand overseas, which would take up more of my time.

A lot of people depended on me for their salaries. If I was off my game and the company failed, my employees wouldn’t be able to pay their rent or take care of their families, which was something I took seriously.

And as for the whole football thing, I couldn’t even think about that. Football used to be my whole world. My everything. But not any more.

When I returned to my office, Colton was sitting on my black leather sofa with a smile the size of Asia across his face.

‘Someone’s happy!’ I said. ‘Did we get a big order?’

‘Nope. I’ve got great news!’

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