“You’re fucking someone else?” My voice breaks. “You’re breaking up with me because you found someone new?”
My office door flies open.
His hand moves to shield his eyes as Sheryl barges in.
“Everyone can hear you two.” She glances at Alexander before her gaze settles on my face and the tears streaming down my cheeks. “Rob called Mr. Foster. He’s on his way down here, Olivia.”
Fucking Rob. He’s a junior assistant who is always in the middle of everyone else’s business.
I don’t care if he heard this. I don’t care who hears this.
My life is changing forever. It’s not supposed to be muted or tranquil.
“You can go, Sheryl.” I motion toward the door.
“Gabriel just gave you a promotion,” she points out. “Don’t give him a reason to change his mind.”
I curse under my breath for confiding in her after I got back with our coffees hours ago. I had to tell her. It impacts her life just as much as it does mine.
“I’m leaving. We wouldn’t want your promotion to be in jeopardy,” Alexander spits out. “I’m done here. We are done.”
***
“We were supposed to be celebrating your new job tonight,” Kate says as she wraps her arm around my shoulder. “Not trying to mend your broken heart.”
I sob against my hands. “Why does it hurt so much?”
“You love him,” she points out in a whisper. “If you didn’t, it wouldn’t be this painful.”
I’ve been stuck in the middle of my couch since I got home.
Mr. Foster gave me the afternoon off. By the time he got to my office, Alexander was gone. Gabriel caught me with tears running down my cheeks.
He didn’t question the source, but told me that he wanted me to take the rest of the day for myself.
I did. I went to Kate’s shop, cried on her shoulder, ate half a sandwich and then somehow ended up back here with her next to me.
“I’m an old pro at this.” She moves to stand. “I helped Tilly when her heart was broken. I’m making us some tea.”
I look down at the watch on my wrist. It’s been a constant reminder of my mother’s pain.
She never fell in love after my dad’s death telling me that he was the love of her life, and that left no room for another man in her heart.
I feel that way now too.
Alexander owns every inch of my heart. I can’t imagine it any other way.
“Is your mom still coming to visit?” Kate asks gently. “I can sleep on your couch. She can stay at my place if that works for the two of you.”
It’s a generous offer, but not necessary.
I know my mom will want to comfort me, but it will be in the form of retail therapy and midday movies.
She avoids her pain. She’ll avoid mine too.
“I told her I needed to postpone the visit for a few weeks.” I wipe away a tear running down my cheek. “I think I can handle things without her.”
“You’ve always got me to turn to.” She points to the kitchen. “I’ll get the tea started. You stay put.”