Page 62 of The CEO's Sweetheart Deal
I don't answer directly. Instead, I gesture to the grocery bag. "You mentioned more alcohol?"
Sydney gives me a look that says this conversation isn't over, but allows the change of subject. "And macaroons."
Despite everything, I manage a small smile. "You're a good friend, Sydney."
"The best," she agrees, pulling out the tequila. "Now let's get properly drunk and forget about men who complicate our lives… and not start any more fires, okay?"
“I need to clean up the kitchen,” I protest.
“I’ll get it later.” She opens the tequila and hands it over to me, sans glass. “Let’s watch some bad TV. What do you say?”
As she scrolls through shows, I try to focus on the future, on everything ahead of me. I’m starting fresh with a new job, leaving Oscar and the mess that comes with him behind.
I’m looking at the road ahead… but, unfortunately, still getting tripped up by all the steps I already took. Oscar will always be a part of me, no matter how badly he hurt me. The thing to do is – somehow – learn to live with that unfortunate reality.
CHAPTER 25
OSCAR
Two weeks.
Two weeks of hell since Alice walked away on that tarmac. Two weeks of sleepless nights and distracted days, of throwing myself into work to avoid thinking about her. And failing miserably.
I glance at the clock on my office wall. Nearly eight. Another late night, another excuse to avoid going home to my empty house, to my empty life.
At least there's one victory to savor: the layoffs at Rooted Pantry have been officially reversed. Every single terminated employee has been offered their position back, with a substantial retention bonus as an apology. Most have accepted, including Sydney — though I suspect that has more to do with the job itself than any goodwill toward me.
Jack and Halston are gone — voted off the board after the unauthorized layoffs came to light. A small victory, considering what it cost me.
I close the financial report I've been staring at for the past hour without absorbing a single word. What's the point? The work will still be here tomorrow, and my brain checked out hours ago, replaced by an endless loop of Alice's face — hurt, betrayed, walking away.
Sighing, I shut down my computer and gather my things. The office is empty, my footsteps echoing in the silence as I make my way to the elevator. The security guard nods as I pass through the lobby.
"Another late night, Mr. Glynn?"
"Looks that way, Ted." I manage a tight smile. "Have a good one."
"You too, sir. Get some rest."
Rest. As if that's possible when every time I close my eyes, I see her.
Outside, people laugh down the street. Cars honk. The wind whistles. Life goes on, I suppose, but it feels like I’m stuck in a loop, unable to move forward.
Loosening my tie, I walk toward the parking garage where my car waits. Maybe I shouldn’t be leaving the office. There’s nothing – no one – waiting for me at home, and–
"Oscar!"
I freeze at the sound of my name, for one wild moment hoping… but no. I know that voice, and it's not Alice's.
I turn to see Sydney approaching, her red hair unmistakable even in the dim light of the street lamps. She's wearing jeans and a casual jacket — not her work clothes — which means thisisn't a coincidental run-in. She came here deliberately, past work hours, to find me.
"Sydney," I say cautiously as she reaches me. "Hi…”
"I figured you'd still be here," she says, gesturing to the building behind me. "Your car was in the garage, and the security guy said you hadn't left yet."
"Should I be concerned that you're tracking my movements?" I ask, only half-joking.
"Please.” She rolls her eyes.
