Page 4 of Heated
I nod. “Charlotte Reynolds, if I remember correctly from your intake form.”
“Yes. Charlotte and I were college suitemates, and when I confided in her about my ... situation, she told me how your company helped her end her last relationship without drama or her having to deal with the messy aftermath.”
I nod again, a warm glow of pleasure and satisfaction at not just the praise but a job well done blooming behind my sternum.
“That’s BURNED’s goal, Ms.Summers. To make your breakup as smooth and painless as possible for not just you but the other person as well.”
“That’s admirable.” She once again surveys my office, almost as if expecting a camera crew and the host ofCheatersto pop out from behind my bookcase. “But I must admit I had my reservations, and I still do. While Charlotte speaks highly of you, it all seems a little ... unseemly.”
Clasping my hands on top of my desk, I slightly lean forward. This isn’t unexpected, and it’s not even the first time I’ve heard these words. Not from clients, not from other businessmen and women, not from my parents. Hell, it’s the only thing in recent memory that they’ve agreed on. But some people find the idea of a company whose sole purpose is to break up with someone on the behalf of their significant other as ludicrous at best, exploitive at worst.
But me, Levi, and Miriam? We see it as Kevorkian-ing a terminal situation—assisting a person in terminating a relationship before it goes from bad to downright nuclear.
It’s mercy, not ridiculous.
So while irritation spasms in my belly like a cramp after power walking too hard, I shove it aside. If I had a dollar for every sneer, smirk, or derisive comment aimed toward BURNED, I’d be able to afford weekly deliveries of her Louboutins.
“I understand your concerns. Why don’t you tell me your reservations and concerns, and hopefully I can ease them.”
“Well, it’s really one. At the risk of being blunt, what do you get out of this? How can I trust that footage of this meeting or the actual breakup won’t end up on a tabloid or trash gossip website? A person of my ... social status can never be too careful. Or skeptical, I’m afraid.”
“That’s a fair question.” I tilt my head to the side and pause, letting her know I’m giving her concern consideration. “We are a business, so our reasons aren’t completely altruistic. But it’s because we are a business that we ensure we protect our clients and provide them the best service possible. Our goal is to facilitate a respectful and civil resolution of a relationship for both partners. Yes, we want to honor our clients’ wishes, but we will not humiliate or steal anyone’s dignity. That isnotwhat we are about. So to answer your question about what we get out of this? The satisfaction of helping two people peacefully go their separate ways so they may find the person they’re meant to find happiness with or even joy with themselves. Plus, our not-insubstantial fee, depending on which package you purchase.”
I lean back in my chair, meeting her gaze, mine steady, unwavering. “As far as any of our meetings being recorded, we have an ironclad contract that ensures confidentiality and protects your privacy. Like I said, our intention isn’t to exploit you or your soon-to-be ex-partner. And if at any time during our meeting you feel uncomfortable, please feel free to end it.”
Valerie studies me for several long moments, then slowly dips her chin.
“Okay, Ms.Nelson. You’ve sold me. Let’s talk.”
“Wonderful.” Leaning forward again, I tap my keyboard and bring up her file. “Now, from the few details you entered on your form, I understand you and your boyfriend have been together for six months. I’m sorry that you’re parting ways, by the way.”
“Thank you.” She sighs. “This isn’t an easy decision for me. On paper, we’re perfect for each other. Both Ivy League educated, successful, wealthy, and ambitious. We have similar goals as far as where wesee ourselves five years from now with our careers, social affiliations, and family.”
Sounds more like the perfect applicants for a business partnership, but what do I know? I’m single. By choice.
But hey, maybe if I’d selected my exes on such exacting criteria, I wouldn’t have ended up with such raging assholes.
“Still,” she continues, “for the last couple of months or so, he’s been different. When we first started dating, he courted me. Took me to the finest restaurants, escorted me to gallery openings and galas. We were a supercouple—thesupercouple. But now, it’s all work, work, work with him, and he has no time for me. He’s not the same man from six months ago. It’s forced me to ...” She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip and turns her head away. But when she returns her gaze to me, the flint in her blue eyes belies the regret or sorrow of her actions. “It’s forced me to seek that attention elsewhere. I’ve found someone else who gives me what I need. What I deserve. So I need to end this with Cyrus as soon as possible. It’s dragged on too long.”
I’d like to say I’m surprised that she’s cheating—or that she’s admitting it to me—but I’m not. People’s reasons for breaking up with someone ceased shocking me around the middle of week two after we opened. And more than a few involved finding someone new. Like I’m a counselor or bartender, they tend to spill their relationship woes in this office, and my job isn’t to judge.
“Ms.Summers, we’re here for you. Tell me what you need from us,” I say gently. “On your form, you didn’t check which package you preferred. And that’s fine. We’re also able to customize a bundle for you. Just let me know what I can do to make this easier for you.”
She flicks her long sheet of hair over her shoulder, and a small wrinkle appears above the bridge of her nose.
“We were special to one another, so I’d prefer something more personal than a text or a phone call. But I also want him to fully understand why I’m ending our relationship ...”
“You mentioned your partner is a workaholic, so our dinner package will most likely not be ideal. But we do have what we call our ‘Dear John’ option. This entails writing a letter to him, and we’ll handle locating him, and when he’s home, we’ll deliver and read it to him.”
Valerie looses a small hum, tapping a fingertip against her bottom lip. Finally nodding, she says, “Let’s go with that. I’ll email a letter to you no later than tomorrow. When can you have this done?”
“Today is Tuesday. If you’ll have the letter to me tomorrow along with his schedule, we can arrange for everything to be taken care of no later than Thursday. We’ll notify you as soon as our services are complete.”
“Thank you.” She sighs heavily. “I just want this to be over with so I can start fresh.”
“Understood.” I smile, hoping it reassures her that she’s safe here and in a judgment-free zone. But damn. Inside? I’m wondering,Who is this guy that she’s so desperate to scrape off?“I’ll need his full name and a picture to ensure we approach the correct person.”
“Of course.” She reaches into her clutch and removes her phone. A moment later, she presses her screen and stands, stretching forward to hand me the cell. “His name is Cyrus Hart. Here’s a picture. I can email it to you.”
