Page 99 of Lost Love

“What for?” I scoured my office for the paper my assistant put there this morning, but everything was a mess of sheets on the floor from where we both threw papers earlier.

“Goodbye, son.” He turned around, laughing.

“Wait…” I looked up, but all I saw was his bony back, sliding out the door as he waved to my assistant.

What the hell was he talking about?

My mind was buzzing. Like a dog to food, I pushed aside files and memos until I found the paper tossed to the side with loose sections.

Quickly, I flicked toward the back, scanning for something, some shred of hope that bloomed in my chest. I flicked the page, and a picture of Ari and his grandmother made me stop. I scrolled down to the bottom and the headline caught my eye immediately.

OnlyFans Star Caught in a Compromising Position

Fuck me.

A picture of a wide-eyed Jake with his pants around his ankles and her on her knees had been taken by a cell phone underneath the stall.

That lowlife piece of shit scum. What I wouldn’t give to slam his face through sheetrock.

But as quickly as rage came, it went.

She was single, and so was I.

Anticipation tingled all over. She’d have to still want me. We were a match, a match that our grandkids could speak about one day of the love we shared.

She was the one I woke up thinking about and went to bed dreaming about.

She was the one, and I couldn’t wait a second longer to tell her.

24

Pepper

All I wanted to do was binge-watchBridgertonin my pajamas and eat baklava and ice cream. Instead, I was on my way up to Lourde’s apartment.

It wasn’t every day you announced the opening of your own interior design company, and I had a feeling great things were about to come their way. Their work spoke for itself, and with the recent media exposure of Barrett’s townhouses, their name was front and center. I doubt they had to wait very long for the phone to start ringing. Going out on their own was a natural progression and a testament to their unique style. Like moving on from a broken heart was the natural progression for me.

So suck it up, I must. I exited the elevator doors and smoothed down my red dress. I quickly scanned the room for him but couldn’t locate him. I hoped to hell he wasn’t coming, but with Ari and Magnus here, he was bound to show up. Hell, it was his sister. I’d be a fool to think the Diamonds didn’t stand by each other every step of the way.

So much for a small and quiet gathering. Lourde had invited half the goddamn block. The scent of sweet pickles and sharp cheeses invaded my senses and drew me further into her apartment.

Spotting Barrett, I lowered my gaze, finding him holding onto his fiancée, his hands holding her close in a protective and loving embrace.

Damn, was it that hard to have what they had?

Surrounded by Olivia and a group of people with familiar faces, I picked up a glass of champagne and walked toward them.

“Pepper!” Olivia squealed and rushed toward me, throwing her arms around me. “I’m so glad you’re here. I felt like the third wheel with these two.” She rolled her eyes toward an overly affectionate Lourde with Barrett.

“Wouldn’t miss it. I’m so happy for you both. I brought you a gift for your new office,” I held up the wrapped box just as Lourde and Barrett said hello.

“Oh, thank you!” Lourde said, pulling me tight. “I’m so excited for tonight,” she whispered in my ear, and I looked up to find Barrett staring down at me.

“I’m excited too,” I agreed, happy for my friend.

Olivia tore open the gold packaging. “What is it?”

She handed Lourde the unwrapped box. Opening the box, she pulled out one of two ceramic mugs.

---