“Nothing, really. You used to be friends, maybe you guys fucked in Paris, but no one is telling me anything,” Eric answers with a sarcastic tone.
“We didn’t fuck in Paris, okay?”
“Really?” Charlie raises her brow while leaning back in her chair. “I could’ve sworn—”
“No,” I say firmly. “We aren’t like that. Listen, I need to speak to Lex. Is he around?”
Charlie sighs. “Where do you think he is?”
I head toward Lex’s office, eager to leave Eric and his troubles. Noticing the door slightly open, I knock before entering, Lex welcoming me in. Taking a seat in the brown leather chair, my fingers skim the tip of the beer bottle in my hand.
“Rough night?”
“Morgan’s seeing someone else.”
Lex nods his head, resting back in his chair. “I understand. It hurts. Bound to happen, though.”
I bow my head, running my hands through my hair. “That’s the thing. It doesn’t hurt.”
“I see,” Lex simply states. “Does it have something to do with a certain someone in Paris?”
“I don’t know where my head is at,” I tell him openly. “I’m trying to make things right, be a good dad. My kids need me.”
Lex nods. He’s always been a good listener, and I respect his opinion. On the other hand, Haden would be telling me to hit the clubs and get some pussy to get over myself.
“Who am I to judge matters of the heart. Lucky for you, you missed my multiple breakdowns during operation ‘let’s win Charlotte back.’ Kate endured it all. She saw me at my absolute worst, the only person at the time who got through to me. You know what you got to do, so just do it. No more questions.”
“Yeah, Kate’s good like that.” I smile fondly. “The whole different continent thing doesn’t help. I guess, for now, I have to park that situation. It’s not like I can go back anytime soon, and she has a job she can’t exactly leave.”
“You know what you want, don’t let anyone else stop you from getting just that,” he says, wisely.
I nod my head in agreement. Although Lex is married to Charlie, I consider him like an older brother. He just understands me and never judges my poor life decisions.
“Are you really working? Or in here escaping Eric?”
Lex chuckles. “A bit of both. So, have you thought more about the offer?”
For the last two years, I’ve worked on some side projects with Lex. As much as I enjoy working for Lantern Publishing, I’ve outgrown the role as West Coast Operations Manager.
“I have, and it’s a great opportunity.”
“But?”
“No buts. I’m conc
erned about leaving Haden short, especially since we have a massive increase in sales, and demand is outweighing supply right now.”
“Listen, you leave Haden and Lantern Publishing to me. We’ll find someone suitable to replace you. As for you, you’ve peaked in that role. I have trust that you can drive this sector of Lexed. You’ve proven yourself no matter what’s been thrown at you.”
The respect of Lex isn’t something anyone should take for granted. He’s a mogul, a self-made billionaire.
“I’ll get my lawyer on the contract,” I joke.
“Your lawyer helped me draw the contract,” he admits, openly. “If I’m low-balling you, blame her.”
This opportunity is more than just a job offer. It would set me up for life. Although I’m financially comfortable having kept my condo back in Boston and another in downtown LA, my new place in Malibu set me back. The divorce with Morgan isn’t finalized with some loose matters still pending, and it won’t surprise me if she tries to ask for alimony.
“So, is that a yes?”