Page 72 of Starts with You

“You’re right, but, right now, I have to look after Piper. If you don’t think you can cover for me during my sabbatical, let me know,” she says coldly.

“I’m glad you’re finally taking some time off but hurt that you won’t let me be there for you,” Derek says with sorrow in his voice.

“This is for the best,” she claims.

“Piper, Seth told me that you and I—”

“We’re nothing, Finnegan Gil,” she snaps at me.

This stubborn woman has to listen to me, so I try it a different way, “Well, then you and Archer—”

“According to the documents Florence St. James just filed, Archer St. James died almost eight years ago. You and I happened to cross paths, but now we will go our separate ways. Have a great day.” She disconnects the call.

I stare at the phone, dumbfounded. “Who the fuck is Florence St. James?” I ask, and Derek immediately googles her.

My mother declared me dead. My mother. What the fuck? I guess she’ll be the last person I’ll visit if I ever decide to speak with that family.

“What do you know, she filed the documents around the time we rescued Teddy,” Derek says, slightly amused. “And yep, you’re dead, my dude.”

Archer doesn’t matter to me. I’m concerned about Piper. I point at the phone. “She doesn’t want to talk to me,” I say, feeling the weight of her words and her somber mood. “What the fuck did I do to her?”

Derek’s eyes flash with worry. He runs a hand through his hair and glances at the phone before turning his attention to me. “In my opinion, you should give her some time and seriously consider getting help from a professional therapist.”

“I don’t need therapy,” I refute.

“But you do,” he insists. “This is too much for a person to handle on their own. Charles and I will be here for you, but a professional can really help you work through this.”

Maybe he’s right, and this will be a good time to learn how to stop needing dream girl and start doing everything I can to get the real her. Even though I tried, and she rejected me.

ChapterForty

Derek

I understandwhy Piper worked nonstop—to block out the pain.

In my case, I’m avoiding thinking of her. I’m giving her the time she requested while being there for Finn. Most of my days are spent at the practice, handling the clients and the administrative duties Piper once had a handle on. I could hire someone else, but the work keeps my mind occupied.

It’s been six months since we ended the Zs. Finn has been seeing two therapists to help him deal with his past and his present while managing his emotions, as well as taking charge of his father’s businesses. The dummy CEO he hired years ago will be stepping down next year.

Our friendship has only grown stronger since the mission to destroy the Zs ended. I want to take the next step, but that won’t happen until Piper is ready. She might think it’s over, but I believe our connection is still there. Finn and I just need to make her fall in love with me—us—again.

I know he thinks of her often.

Us… well, I don’t know when things will change between us. We’re closer than ever. He recently moved out of his home in Brooklyn to an apartment near mine on Central Park Avenue. Every morning, Finn and I run around the park before heading to the gym.

Today is no exception. As we walk toward the gym, he says, “Did I tell you I met one of my brothers? Myles. Dad’s helping him with a documentary.”

“How did he react when he saw you? Or was it just like when you met Teddy?” I can’t help but laugh.

Seth told me how Finn freaked out while Teddy was hugging him and crying. Someone should’ve warned her that he’s a metal box without a heart. Well, he’s not, but he likes to pretend to be a soulless bastard.

He releases a short laugh. “No. It wasn’t as embarrassing. Seth must have given him some pointers because he never mentioned that I was his brother or Archer’s name. Overall, I like him. He’s smart and has traveled all over the world to interview important people—and create documentaries.”

“You should ask him questions about your past life,” I suggest.

“Actually, I was going to invite you to join us for dinner at my place later tonight. Myles and his oldest brother, Kingston,will be there.”

“You planned a get together?”

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