Page 113 of Heartfelt Pain
“What’s going on?” Ben lets the pen in his hand drop.
“They want to dispose of me,” I say simply. “They did the whole scare tactic bit, hoping I’d move on quicker.”
“They can’t kill you out right.”
It’s not like when I took out Cliff. Aunt Macy left me the business and everyone knew it. The Brits coming in and trying to take over would lead to a bloodbath.
“What do you want to do?” he asks.
My shoulder digs into the doorjamb. “She brought up a few good points.”
Apparently, my skincare regime’s done nothing to hide the fact I only get about five hours of sleep a night.
“Good points?” Ben’s incredulous. “I’m sorry, are you actually entertaining an offer from them?”
“Not just them,” I quietly say. “Anyone.”
It’s hard to shock Ben. But for a moment I don’t think he can suck down air.
My hip knocks against the doorframe. The black coffee ripples with the movement. “I just want to see the options.”
“Options?” Ben croaks. “Lennie called me three times thinking she’d upset you on Sunday. You’re not talking to any of us.”
“That’s not true.”
“You acted like we’d shanked you with a dull blade because we brought up a few points about how busy you are all the time.”
“And I’ve thought about them.”
“You love this job!”
“I do.” I won’t lie about that. “But maybe it’s time to take stock of everything going on in my life.”
Ben makes a sarcastic noise. “You’re going to sell your business because of a guy.”
The idea of Roma and I has solidified over the past few days. Trevino isn’t even alarmed anymore when he shows up at my place.
Ben’s annoyance is sharp enough to stab me.
“No.” I cross my arms, the bottom of the mug warm against my upper arm. “I’m not choosing a guy over my business.”
“This could be more Zimin underhandedness.”
“Let’s ask Lennie and Elijah if that’s the case.” There’s no way in hell Lev would work with the Stuarts after the Leopold debacle.
“So you magically start dating Roma again just as you decide it’s time to quit the business. What are you going to do. Be a housewife?”
“Obviously, I’ll build something up back home.” I’ve missed those Midwestern days.
Ben outright laughs. “What the fuck is this, Ren?”
He’s not wrong to wonder. Until two days ago, I’d nevertaken a day off. Now, I’m opening up my business to bids. Packing up shop and calling it a day.
“I’m proud of my business,” I tell him. “But I want to know what offers people will put in. And I don’t want to be like Aunt Macy.”
Meeting with clients hooked up to an oxygen tank.
“Then quit smoking!” Ben shouts.
