The Boss Crush

Dalia nods, braiding her fingers deeper into mine. “All right,” she says. “Let’s go.”

“You don’t have to do that, you can stay up here, relax, let me handle her. I understand if you’d rather—”

“What? No, I’m not going to stay here and hide, Lyle. I’m coming with you.” I can see the seriousness in her expression. “I’m not going to let you do this alone.”

We both run back inside. Her hand is still securely in mine, and I’m tempted to just drag her to my car and get us the hell out of here. I’m tired of this shit, I’m done doing damage control for my sister.

I don’t have the energy to keep cleaning up her messes and holding her hand. But this is my company too, and I won’t risk her destroying everything we built.

As I throw the doors open to the party, and run into the room, I’m afraid I’m too late. Sandy is standing on a table, her makeup is smeared down her cheeks, and her hair is tangled and messy.

Her gaze moves across the room, stopping on Dalia and me. “Speak of the devil,” she says, holding out her hand.

The entire room turns in our direction, every set of eyes is gawking, and waiting to find out where this little show is going.

Letting go of Dalia, I dart to Sandy. “What the hell are you doing?” I ask harshly through grit teeth. “Get down from there.”

“No, Lyle! This is what you asked for, this is what you wanted right? You want to destroy everything we built for her. This,” she snarls, leaning over closer to my face, “this is your fault.” Standing up tall, she holds her hands in the air, and silences the room. “Everyone! Can I have your attention? I have an announcement to make!” Dalia claps her hands with an evil grin. “I have some wonderful news to share. . .”

She purses her lips and smiles big, holding her hands up next to cheek. “Lyle Vox, the man we all know and love, the one who holds his reputation high. . .” Sandy swipes an open hand in my direction, driving every set of eyes my way. “Well, he just got our new employee pregnant. Can you believe it? He knocked up Dalia Greene.” Her words are slurred as she sways side to side.

Glancing back at Dalia, her cheeks are red, and she looks like she’s about to cry. Her breathing is picking up, and she’s starting to shy away, backing away slowly as everyone stares at her.

Sucking in a big breath of air, I know exactly what to do. I’ll play her game, but we both know, I can play it better.

Nodding, I lift an arm up as I turn to face the crowd. “Yes, yes, I know. I didn’t think it was going to come out this way, I was planning to have a pizza party or something,” I chuckle, which in turn makes everyone else laugh. “But I guess Sandy just couldn’t contain her excitement anymore.” Walking back to Dalia, I take both her hands in mine, and pull her into the center of the room. “It’s true. Dalia and I just found out we’re having a baby.”

The room lets out an audible gasp, and the air turns thick as jello. Everyone is looking between each other, gauging how they should react.

Should they be happy? Concerned? Angry? Upset?

No one seems to know, so they all stay eerily silent. Eyes wide, drinks in hand, waiting to see what comes next.

“But that’s not the only news I have tonight,” I say loudly, making sure I’m facing Dalia. “I can’t wait to have this baby with the woman I love, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.”

Dropping to one knee, I reach into my pocket, and pull out a small black ring box. Dalia throws her hands to her face, covering her mouth, while the rest of the room just watches.

Normally, I would care what other’s think, I’d search for their approval, I’d strive for their welcomed nod. But this, this has nothing to do with anyone else but us. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I only care what she thinks.

I’ve known since I was kid that Dalia Greene would be my wife one day.

Today is the day I make that happen.

“Dalia Greene,” I say, keeping my eyes on hers and taking her left hand. “There isn’t a day that’s gone by in five years where you didn’t cross my mind. And then you walked through that door. The moment I saw you, I knew we were meant to be. I don’t ever want to spend another day without you.”

Pausing, I run my thumb across her knuckles and watch a single tear trickle down her cheek. But that tear isn’t a sad tear, it isn’t one that comes from any pain. That tear is the happiest tear I’ve ever seen.