Page 73 of Catalyst

Have I become so obsessed with building our portfolio that I’ve lost sight of our true mission? Probably.

“I fucked up.” I finally break the silence with my confession.

“Okay. I’m sure there’s a solution.”

“Not this time. I said some things I shouldn’t have to Ellie, and now she’s barely speaking to me.”

“Did you apologize?”

“Yep, this morning.” I sigh.

“And she still hasn’t forgiven you?” He raises an eyebrow in surprise.

All I can do is shake my head, making him whistle in response.

“You really did fuck up. Well, you’re on your own then, man. I’m kind of out after saying sorry. I have no idea what to do if that doesn’t work.”

I chuckle. “Honestly, me neither. I guess I’m just going to wait her out. Keep showing up and try not to say anything else idiotic.”

“I want to ask, but I’m afraid I’ll hate you, too. Hurting Ellie is a punchable offense.”

“I wouldn’t tell you even if you did ask. And I’d deserve the punch.”

We keep walking around the store, both of us taking in everything we’ve accomplished. “I think I’ve forgotten why we opened the store in the first place. I’ve gotten caught up in the idea of becoming as successful as possible, and it’s clouded my view of what we’ve already accomplished.”

Matthew opens his mouth to respond, but I interrupt him. “I know you’re going to say you’ve been telling me that all along, but you could’ve screamed it at me until you were blue in the face, and it wouldn’t have sunk in. Not like it is now. I’ve probably lost the best thing that’s ever happened to me, all because I was too blinded by my destructive need to be in control.”

“I’m glad you’re finally seeing the light, brother. And we can thank Ellie for that.”

“Yeah, I guess we can.”

“You’re going to fight for her, right?” Matthew asks.

“Until she tells me to stop.”

CHAPTER34

Ellie

The tables have turned,and I was not prepared for it.

After our talk on Monday, Adam gave me the space I asked for. He only spoke to me if it was work related and left me alone the rest of the day. Tuesday was similar, with the exception of lunch. He sent me my favorite dish from the Mexican place we like because we normally eat together on Tuesdays. On Wednesday, I found a silly quote written on a rainbow sticky note sitting on my desk. I teared up when I saw it. He also used a pink highlighter on one of the contracts he needed me to go over.

Yesterday, there were six bags of Sour Patch Kids sitting on my desk with a note that read,I know I’ve been sour, but I promise to be sweet from now on.That one was obnoxiously cheesy, but I can’t deny that it made me laugh. I also got several deliveries of my favorite snacks over the course of the day, and with each one, my will to stay mad diminished. He hasn’t brought up anything personal during any of our meetings. He’s been professional to the max, and I’m grateful he hasn’t pressed me for an update on our personal relationship.

I’m starting to feel silly for not being able to forgive Adam yet, which, of course, makes me mad at myself. I’m allowed to be hurt for however long I want to be hurt, goddammit.

Sighing, I rub my palms across my face. I haven’t even attempted to wear makeup this week, given all the times I start to tear up. Adam is entirely too tempting for his own good, even when he’s not trying to be cute. And then I get mad at myself for wanting to run straight into his arms, and then I cry. Partly because I’m not ready but also because I miss him. I’m pathetic.

My office phone rings, pulling me out of my musings. “This is Ellie,” I answer.

“Hey, Ellie. This is Travis. I’ve found something.” The IT guy sounds more animated than the last time I talked to him, and I tell him to meet me in my office. I quickly check both Matthew’s and Adam’s schedules to see where they are and if I need to reschedule anything. Once that’s done, I race to the conference room, where Adam is in a meeting, and burst in, my excitement palpable.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt. Mr. Ellis, you’re needed in an emergency meeting right away.”

“Apologies, Tom. If you’ll reschedule this meeting for Monday, we can finish our discussion, but I’m pleased with your progress.”

Adam stands and follows me out of the conference room. I can’t wait a second longer to tell him. “Travis found something. He didn’t tell me what yet, but he should be waiting in my office now.”

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