Page 12 of Unwrapped

My office is perched high above the city, a wall of windows offering a perfect view of Chicago’s skyline, glittering beneath the afternoon sun. I stare out, tapping a pen against the desk as I try to focus on the spreadsheet in front of me. But my mind keeps wandering to her. A notification buzzes on my phone, and I glance down to see a message from an unknown number.

Unknown

Hey, it’s Ivy. Tessa and I will be at the party. Thanks for the invite.

I lean back, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. Ivy Calloway. I can’t say I expected to hear from her, but I’m not complaining. Seeing her at the office the other day was like flipping through an old yearbook and finding the one photo you always lingered on—nostalgic, but somehow still a stranger. She’s different now, and yet I could still see that shy girl trying so hard to take over her confidence.

I type out a quick reply.

Asher

Glad to hear it. Looking forward to catching up. Is it just you and Tessa?

It’s a simple enough question, but I can’t help the curiosity. I know Ivy was always the quieter one between the two of them, always hanging back while Tessa lit up every room she walked into. Back then, it was easy to overlook her. Now, it’s impossible. But that’s not where my curiosity lies. I fully expected her to come along; I just wasn’t sure if I should expect a date on her arm.

There’s a pause before her reply comes in, and I find myself staring at the phone like some teenager waiting for a message. I let out a small laugh at myself—a man on the verge of thirty shouldn’t be acting like this. But the truth is, Ivy’s different. Always has been, I was just too stupid to notice.

Ivy

Yep, just the two of us. Tessa’s already planning our outfits, so there’s no backing out now.

I grin, imagining Ivy reluctantly getting dragged into whatever plan Tessa has cooked up. I send another text.

Asher

Good. I wouldn’t want you to back out. Besides, I’m sure you’ll look amazing.

I don’t know what I’m expecting—a playful response, maybe even a little banter—but there’s a thrill in waiting for her reply. It’s a little reminder that, no matter how much I’ve achieved or how successful I’ve become, there are still things that make my pulse race in ways no amount of money ever could.

Her reply pops up after a moment:

Ivy

Don’t get your hopes up. I’m not really up on party attire but Tessa has promised to make me presentable. I promise, I’ll be in something other than black jeans and a black sweater.

I chuckle, picturing Ivy in her usual low-key outfits she wore in high school, something about her that hasn’t seemed to change. She was never one for the spotlight, which makes me wonder how she handles working alongside Tessa, who always thrived on it, like me. Then again, maybe that’s why their dynamic worked so well.

Instantly, I’m left wondering how she’d do in my life. The spotlight of business, social media, politics, and everything else always on me. I knew going into this business that was a small price to pay for everything that comes with success. But I’ve also realized along the way, through my own heartache, that some people want nothing to do with a life like mine and no amount of love can overcome it.

I push the thoughts aside, sending a response back.

Asher

As my guest of honor, I can’t wait to see what Tessa comes up with. But if you ask me, you’d stand out in anything.

I contemplate sending something else, something not so subtle about just how fucking sexy I actually find her, but decide against it. I’m trying to be a different man, trying not to lead with the one thing I’m confident I don’t have to try with—sex.

I toss my phone onto the desk, forcing myself to focus on the spreadsheet in front of me. It’s the quarterly earnings report from Michelle I’d requested during our meeting. Thenumbers are strong, the growth projections even stronger. Mercer Enterprises is set to have another record-breaking year, and as the face of the company, I have plenty of interviews, press conferences, and investor meetings lined up to keep it that way.

All the things Zane hates doing. I can’t help but compare me and him to Ivy and Tessa. I smile, thinking about how similar Tessa and I were in high school—outgoing, loud, the center of attention. And then there was Zane, lurking in the shadows, keeping to his angry self.

Shit, maybe I should try and hook those two up.

There’s a knock at my door. Keri steps in, a tablet in hand and a serious look on her face.

“Mr. Mercer,Forbeswants to confirm your availability for an interview next week. They’re doing a spotlight feature on young CEOs and their impact on local communities.”

I nod. “Set it up. Make sure we highlight the new program we’re launching with the local schools—internships and mentorship opportunities.”

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