Page 80 of Rewrite the Rules

Roland laughs. “Rich, smug bastard. How do I even begin to thank you?”

I lean back. Looking at the relief on his face, I feel like I’m three million dollars richer, not poorer. “Thank me by keeping your chin up during the tough times. That money still won’t be enough. I’m going to look over the financials monthly and provide guidance on where we can try out new strategies in new markets. Rychess is going to turn around, it’s all about timing. But until then, I needyouto stay in that executive chair, Roland. I trust your conscience. No one else. I won’t work with another CEO. Clear?”

Roland nods. His eyes well and he doesn’t try to hide it. His heavy silence tells me everything I know he’s struggling to say. He takes a moment to compose himself as I swirl the whiskey that tastes like burnt lighter fluid around my mouth.

“And you can keep this bottle,” I say, setting my glass down as I turn up my nose.

“Lewis, let me ask you something. It’s been what? Eight years since your green ass came knocking on my door? You’ve stuck with me this long, but what’s the sudden inspiration for all this confidence in Rychess…and your personal generosity?”

“Well shit. I always thought I was a generous kind of guy.”

“You don’t take personal risks like this. Not since the day I met you.”

“People can change.”

“People can. You though?”

“Pretty mouthy from the man whose company and ass I just saved.”

Roland balks in laughter. “I’m kidding. I’m just in shock. Seems like Colorado suits you.”

It does. My days away from my new home are dim. But it’s not Colorado. I miss her when we’re apart. “Something like that.”

“You head back to Denver tomorrow, right? Do you have plans for dinner tonight?” Roland pours himself another drink and holds out the bottle of Macallan, but I cover the top of my glass with my hand.

“I do now. Why don’t you invite your family? We can go to that hibachi place you guys are obsessed with. Dinner on me.”

Roland holds up the check I gave him one more time. “Haven’t you been generous enough?”

“I’m in a good place right now. Take advantage.”

He’s on his office phone immediately, coordinating.

Me:I’m coming back tomorrow. Will I see you?

Adler:Of course you will see me…at my desk. I work for you.

I’d complain but I’ve learned to love her snark. The day she is serious with me is the day I know things have gone terribly awry.

Me:My flight is later. The office will already be closed.

Adler:Oh, I see. So, this is a booty call?

Me:I’m just asking if you’d like to hang out.

Adler:You’re in luck. Girls’ night is cancelled tomorrow.

Me:My place or yours?

Adler:Mine. Your home is too fancy and I plan on living in my sweatpants all day tomorrow.

Me:You’re going to wear sweatpants to the office? A little unprofessional, no? *winky face*

Adler:You can take away my freedom sir, but not my casual Fridays. That is where the militia draws the line.

“Who are you texting?” Roland crosses his arms, a knowing smirk curling the corners of his lips. I shove my phone in my pocket and stand up in a hurry.

“No one, I was asking my assistant about something. You ready? Were you able to get a table for five?”

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