Page 77 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
Fred eyes me incredulously. “Okay, but how do we go about that?” he asks, clearly unconvinced that this is the best course of action.
I pick up my office phone and dial Darren’s number.
“Hey, it’s Oliver,” I say when he answers.
“Long time no hear,” Darren says cheerfully. “Did you make it back to Seattle safely?”
“We did. Thanks for asking. I need to ask you a huge favor,” I continue, my tone more serious now. “Do you think you can get me a copy of Jason Hall’s proposal?”
There’s a moment of silence before Darren responds, “I don’t know, Oliver. We rarely disclose those kinds of documents.”
“I understand, but this is really important. I want to know what he did differently than me, so that I can do better next time.”
There’s another pause before Darren finally speaks again. “All right, I’ll see what I can do. But I can’t make any promises.”
We hang up, my mind racing with questions and scenarios about how Jason might have outdone me. Nothing seems to add up right now—the only sure way of finding out is by comparing both our proposals and seeing who comes out on top.
“Let’s wait for Darren to get back to us with the proposal,” I say to Fred. “Jamie?” I call out.
Jamie quickly enters the room, her eyes aflame with curiosity. “Yes, Mr. Burke?” she responds, clasping her cell phone.
“We’re waiting for Darren Mickelson to get back to us with the proposal,” I explain. “When he does, make sure you have an email address ready for him so he can send the documents over.”
Jamie nods and types the directions into her phone before standing at attention again, ready to do what needs to be done.
“This is important,” I add sternly. “Make sure you take care of it right away.”
“Yes, sir,” she says, and returns to her desk.
Fred lets out a sigh, then relaxes back in his chair.
As we wait for Darren’s call, my mind wanders back to Catherine. I can’t believe I lost control and lashed out at her like that. She didn’t deserve it, and I need to make it right.
“I should probably talk to Catherine after this,” I say suddenly, and Fred looks up in surprise.
“Why?” he asks. “What does she have to do with this?”
“Yesterday, I was so pissed off about everything, I took it out on her. I hope she doesn’t think she’s at fault for Jason’s actions.”
Fred nods in understanding. “Don’t worry,” he says reassuringly. “She’ll forgive you when you explain everything to her. And by the time you get back, I’m sure she’ll have already gotten over the whole thing.”
“Thanks, Fred,” I breathe, and he smiles back warmly. “You’ve gotten pretty good at relationship advice as of late. Are you sure you’re single?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “I guess you’ll never know,” he replies playfully, dodging my question expertly. “Just make sure that when you get home, things are all sorted out between the two of you. You don’t want to ruin a good thing, Oliver. It’s been nice to see how happy Catherine’s made you recently.”
I nod, grateful for Fred’s wisdom. He’s right—I can’t let this situation ruin what Catherine and I have.
An uneasy feeling settles in my chest as I think about Catherine leaving for New York. I’m proud of her, truly, but the thought of her being so far away tugs at parts of me I didn’t realize were so deeply involved. It’s crazy how she’s become this essential piece of my everyday life. The laughter and comfort she brings, I can’t imagine losing that.
And it hits me—I don’t want to just stand by and watch her walk away, not without knowing how much she means to me. There’s a lot I haven’t said, feelings I’ve kept locked away. But she should know; she deserves to know. I’m scared, sure, but I’ve got to take the chance. I can’t lose her, not without trying, not without telling her everything.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the call comes in.
“Oliver, I got the proposal,” Darren says, his voice low and cautious. “But you need to promise me you won’t mention my involvement in this.”
“Of course, Darren,” I assure him. “I appreciate this more than you know. I’m going to connect you with my assistant. She’ll take care of the rest from here.”
I transfer the call to Jamie’s line, then rise.
