We already have some potential clients who are very excited about our new offices. There’s a company based in Northern California that wants to move part of their operation to Denver, and they’re shopping for a local advertising agency.

  Overall, I think this was the right decision. London sounded good, but it’s more like a place to visit. I wish I had spent an entire summer working for them in London when I first started at Blend Media.

  I regret not doing a semester abroad in college. It was just too expensive to even consider it at the time.

  One day, I’ll be able to travel to Europe on vacation. Visit Tuscany. My heart stops for a moment. Damn it, why did I have to bring Miller Archer into my thoughts?

  Because he owes me that trip. Not because I think about him. He’s ancient history. Miller Archer and I were like two stars who collided one night. We merged together, burnt like a thousand suns, and instead of becoming a new star; we collapsed into a black hole.

  One moment, we felt what it was to be consumed by the eternal fire of love. We were immortal. The next moment, everything died.

  Did I love him?

  With all my heart. The poor sucker remained shattered for a long time. I glued it back together. I’m not sure if I’m ready to fall in love again, but I hope I find someone someday.

  New York taught me a lot—like relationships don’t last forever, and Tinder isn’t for everyone. But now, I’m back in Denver.

  After two and a half years, I get to call it home again.

  It feels like after a lifetime of opportunities later, I am back home.

  “Home,” I repeat as I drag myself through the airport toward baggage claim.

  There’s construction along the way. Too many detours from the gates, to the train, and in the terminal. Honestly, I thought this would feel different.

  What happened to the trumpets, red carpet, and the party waiting for me at the terminal?

  There’s no such thing. Not even a small welcome party.

  “Catching the red-eye is a great idea,” I said when I booked my plane ticket. “You’ll have all morning to get things done.”

  I should’ve listened to Thomas. He offered to pick me up, as long as I arrived at a decent hour.

  Did I listen to him?

  Nope.

  Now, I’m tired, the airport is full of assholes pushing everyone around to grab their bags and get to the rental busses first. I take a deep breath and make an executive decision. There’s no way I’ll be standing in line waiting for my turn to rent a car—I’m going to fall asleep standing.

  Since I don’t have much energy, I cancel my reservation online and take a cab. Seriously, my eyes are tired, and I doubt I’ll be able to keep them open during the drive. A cup of coffee could help, but I see there’s yet another long line.

  Next time I think about taking the red-eye, I should remember this. Or, I should take a nap and not work the day before.

  Claire: Morning, what’s the update on the apartment?

  In other words, can I go home and sleep after my meetings?

  Danielle: Your furniture is arriving at nine, I should have everything ready by noon. You can come over to my house and take a nap if you want to. I saw you worked during your trip.

  Claire: I’m meeting with the contractor.

  Danielle: You should’ve taken time off before the move or to move. I can’t believe you gave us a week of vacation, and you’re just jumping from one office to another.

  Claire: Don’t worry about me, I’m good. I just need a shot of espresso and maybe a nap after my meeting.

  Danielle: I’m just saying. You’re not superhuman.

  Claire: Thank you for caring, I’m fine.

  Fine is a relative word. I’m so tired, I fall asleep in the cab. This is a sign that I need a triple shot latte, a bed, and some breakfast to give me energy.

  Though I’ll never let Danielle know, she was right about the nap. I should have at least dropped my stuff at her place. Nothing I can do now. I drag all my bags to the coffee shop and order a coffee, buy an egg sandwich and cookies for later. I wonder if I should drop my stuff at Thomas’ bar? It’s not far away from here.

  We have to talk about his life. I can’t believe he sold his company and just opened a bar and has a mini-brewery.

  When I arrive at what will be the new home of Blend Digital Media, I take a picture, but unlike the one I took at the airport, I don’t post it on Instagram. I want everyone to see the new place when they step out of the elevator. The main reception is empty. There’s only one elevator, and thankfully, it opens right as I push the button.

  Once I arrive at the twentieth floor, the doors slide open, and the first thing I spot is the elegant logo of our company above the reception desk.

  Everything looks the way we imagined it. I spend the next couple of hours with the contractor, discussing each area. I inspect every surface; ask him to repair a few details in the drywall that the movers messed up as the furniture arrived.

  When everyone leaves, I go to my office. It’s just perfect. It faces the Rocky Mountains, that’s a view I can’t copy anywhere else. I’m excited about this new stage, as well as looking forward to many breathtaking sunsets while I work.

  Maybe this isn't my company. Owning five percent of it doesn’t make it mine, but it’s enough for now. The final decisions will always be made by Shelby and Edith. Jonathan and I don’t mind.

  It’s okay. I’m going to be fine. Am I nervous? Of course.

  I'm worried about a lot of things. I'm starting all over again. It shouldn’t be too hard, I have my family, and my employers supporting me. But this is all new. Then, there’s the competition.

  23 Media Inc. has become one of the biggest agencies in the country. They are one of our main competitors. We’re in their turf. Miller’s turf to be exact. My head spins just thinking about seeing him again. It’s inevitable. I know at some point we’ll cross paths. I just hope it won’t happen any time soon.

  Shelby asked me if I foresee having any problems since my former employer would be my biggest competition. She knows our entire history. Well, not everything. No one knows we fucked in his office, even after we were over.

  I still can't believe I let him fuck me.

  But that’s in the past. There won't be any issues. I assured Shelby, and I keep telling myself the same thing every day since I decided to relocate to Denver.

  It's over. I’ve moved on. Kind of...

  What happened between us was just a crazy weekend and it ended long ago. I shouldn’t even say we had a thing. It was nothing. Really, I’m not worried. Everything will be okay.

  Fine, I might be lying. I'm worried about what would happen if I see him because, honestly, a part of me has been planning his murder for a long time. Paying a hitman isn’t an option since I don’t want any witnesses. Getting rid of the body might be a lot of work.

  The biggest issue with my plan is that killing another person is—technically—illegal.

  Fortunately, I have a nice Plan B that might be as fulfilling as seeing him die. Which is why I’ll enjoy watching his company crumble from underneath me.

  Maybe that's harsh, but it's what he deserves. I haven’t been able to have a relationship since him. It’s like my heart might be back together, but I just can’t get past the first or second date.

  What I’m going to accomplish, in the next few years, is going to take a delicate balance of destroying the enemy while I don’t fuck up the biggest opportunity of my life.

  Danielle: All done, your apartment is set up. Some of your boxes are already here. Your neighbor is HAF.

  Claire: Haf?

  Danielle: Hot as fuck. I call dibs. I’m heading home, call me if you need me.

  Claire: The equipment will be here tomorrow at nine. I need you here at seven.

  Danielle: Tea in hand, boss.

  Claire: You can have my neighbor as long as I can have Chris Hemsworth and Ryan Reynolds.

  Danielle: Sorry, they’re married.

  Claire: Then my neighbor is off-limits. Let’s exchange notes about him tomorrow. Maybe we can watch him work out at the gym. :wink emoji:

  I walk through the floor one last time before I head home. This is perfect, let’s hope nothing goes wrong.

  Twenty-Nine

  Claire

  My office is only a couple of blocks away from the apartment building where I’m going to live for the next year. After the lease is over, I’ll decide if I want to buy a property in the area or closer to my parents.

  As I approach the place, I’m gaping at the view. I regret having my bags with me. The building is so beautiful. Glass, steel, and a modern aesthetic that copies the architecture of places like Singapore and Saudi Arabia. I can’t wait to see the view from my apartment. I bet the pictures on the website are nothing compared to the real thing.

  Oh, who cares if someone takes my luggage while I try to snap a few photos. I give in because this is something I have to document. Setting the bags down for a moment, I reach for my phone and click the twin glass towers, posting it on my Instagram and adding a video with a panoramic shot.

  The place looks like a luxury hotel. The main doors slide open, there’s a concierge at the front desk who greets me, “Good afternoon, you must be Ms. Solis.”

  “I—yes, that’s me,” I say, confused that he recognized me.

  From where?

  “Your assistant gave me a pretty accurate description of you earlier when she dropped off this envelope.”

  “Thank you so much. I’m Claire Solis,” I say.

  “Emmett,” he says, shaking my hand. “Welcome to the building. If you need any help, just call me.”

  I put the envelope inside my purse and continue toward the elevator bank but stop when I hear someone calling out my name.

  “Claire, is that you?”

  The voice sounds familiar, but it’s not Danielle. Courtney couldn’t be, she lives in Iowa. Who can it be? When I turn to my left, I regret not running faster. It’s Lola Archer jogging my way. Right behind is Crystal, her mother.

  Oh God, what are they going to do to me? Probably slap me for breaking up with Miller. God knows what the asshole told them about me. Something like, “The gold-digging bitch only wanted my company. I fired her ass immediately.”

  Would he have done that?

  He promised not to make me look bad. He also promised to give me the best birthday ever and it was the worst. Then there’s Tuscany. I’ve still only seen the place through pictures. Asshole.

  “Claire,” Lola repeats.

  Could I fake amnesia?

  This isn’t a good sign. If these two are here, will Miller be around?

  Why today?

  I look like a truck ran over me and I haven’t slept in a year. I pray that he isn’t nearby. If, or more likely when, I see him again, I have to look spectacular. Out of a Prada catalog, not like a character of The Walking Dead.

  “Lola, hi,” I say stiffly.

  Why is she hugging me?

  These people don’t care about my personal space. Okay, that’s also a sign that Miller might’ve been nicer than I thought.

  He didn’t make me look like a shitty bitch after we broke up, or his sister wouldn’t be hugging me as if we were best friends.

  Actually, it feels like they are about to roll out the red carpet. This is too much for the ex, isn’t it?

  When I see Thomas’ ex-girlfriends, I just nod, smile, and walk away. I remind myself the Archers are strange creatures.

  “Sweetheart, you have no idea how good it is to see you,” her mother greets me and hugs me too. Then cups my face and says, “You need some sleep and food. You’re too skinny.”

  “Umm, yes, it’s nice to see you?” I manage to say, instead of, Lady, you’re crowding my personal space.

  Why do moms keep telling me I look too thin while my clothes are like, “Keep eating all that frosting, and your jeans won’t fit.” I’m one cookie away from having to buy new clothes. Which I’m okay with. I don’t need to be skinny.

  “How’s the new job?” Crystal asks. “I can’t believe I get to ask that after so long. Of course, it’s not new, but how is everything going?”

  “Well, you know...it was hard at first. Getting used to a new environment and—”

  “Without family,” she finishes for me, hugging me again. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

  She frowns, looking at my luggage and holding my arms with both hands. “You’re back, aren’t you? Not just visiting for a couple of weeks.”

  “Well, I’m moving back. At least that’s the plan,” I answer, pretty confused at the familiarity.

  We haven’t seen each other for more than two years. Yet, here she is treating me as if I’m part of the family. I can feel the invitation to their family gatherings on the tip of her tongue. The answer is no. I don’t get along with my ex’s family, I want to say. But I don’t because they haven’t asked anything.

  “I’m so sorry,” she says, clutching her pearls. “We meant to visit you so many times, but with your schedule and ours, it became almost impossible. Then, there’s Lola.”

  Wait, why would you visit me? Your schedule and mine? I turn to Lola, not knowing what’s wrong with her. Should I be concerned?

  I feel kind of crappy because what if she’s been sick? We’re not close but I like her. In another life, I wish we could’ve been friends. Looking at her from top to bottom, I spot the bump. She’s having a baby. Dammit, I want one.

  “Congratulations!” I say. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you for everything,” Lola says. “I meant to call you but what can I say, it’s been overwhelming.”

  Everything? Overwhelming…what is she talking about and can someone get me out of here, please?

  “There’s no need for that,” I tell her, because seriously, what would she call me for? “I totally understand.” Not.

  “That’s what he said, that you understood.”

  “He must be over the moon,” Crystal suddenly says.

  “Well...” who is he?

  Are we talking about the asshole she calls son?

  I hope he’s on the moon, without equipment, dying of asphyxiation.

  “Maybe he didn’t tell you, but the first few months were hard on him but—”

  “Mom, I’m sure she knows. Anyway, how about if you come to dinner next Sunday?”

  “Sunday?” I look at my luggage, wondering if I can hide inside them until these crazy women leave.

  “Is it too soon?” Crystal questions.

  “Mom, why don’t you call Milo instead?”

  “Well…” Let’s not summon the overlord. If I see him, I’ll probably murder him.

  I check my shoes. Yeah, they could do the job. If they don’t kill him when I stab him with them several times, at least he’ll bleed.

  “My parents arrive on Sunday,” I answer, satisfied with the image of Miller on the floor bleeding to death. “They drove my dog for me, and I’ll still be settling in, so I don’t think it’ll work out.”

  “Then the Saturday after, but that’s all the time I’m going to give you,” Crystal says with conviction.

  The woman has a plan and no one can stop her. Except, I won’t be going anywhere near her.

  “You owe me lunch, dinner, and a few family reunions,” she adds.

  “Of course.” I fake laugh the way I do with my clients when they make terrible jokes.

  What is she talking about?

  Your son owes me a vacation in Tuscany, and you don’t see me knocking at his door demanding retribution.

  “Well, just give me a few weeks.” Around five hundred of them.

  “I wish I knew you were coming in today.” She shakes her head, reminding me of Mom, who takes failing as a mother really serious.

  “At least, you have food, so that’s good,” Crystal says a bit upset. “We’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

  How do they know I have food?

  Did they meet Danielle? At least, she ordered me food. God bless her and those amazing organizational skills. Wait, if my assistant met them that means, Lola is my neighbor.

  Well, Danielle, your next task is finding me a new place to live far, far away from these people. For now, I have to hide from them.

  “Hey, please, you don’t have to worry about it,” I brush away their worries and take a step further away from them.

  Obviously, she doesn’t get the hint because the woman doesn’t move away. “Did you just come from the airport?”

  “No, I went to my office and spent most of the day there. I didn’t have time to bring these here. Now, I just need a shower to wash the day away and to take a long nap.”

  “That isn’t right, he’s going to hear about this from me.” Her voice can be heard all around the building.

  That’s my cue to leave. Though I’d like to plot her son’s assassination with her, maybe give her a detailed presentation of some of my latest ideas on how to commit the perfect crime, I’d rather stay away from the entire Archer family.

  “Well, it was a pleasure to see you.” I wave at them and rush through.

  Seriously, Danielle is fired. I live in the same building as Lola Archer and knowing Ms. Friendly, she already made friends with Lola.

  Hopefully, Miller is still the same asshole who avoids family. Meaning he’s never coming here. Never. Please, let me be right.

  Thirty

  Miller

  My day has gone from bad to worse.

  My Harley was stolen. Kevin, my stupid brother-in-law, called me at six in the morning to let me know about it. That’ll teach me not to lend anything to him. He left it at the bar. He was too drunk to drive. The bike isn’t there anymore. We had to go to a police station in the suburbs to report the crime.

  The police officers laughed. Kevin left it with the keys.

  “Did you put a bow on top?” one of the officers asked.

  They’ll try to search for it, but they said not to hold my breath. The insurance doesn’t want to pay because again, he left it with the keys in the ignition. My lawyer is working on that. There’s no clause on the policy that states they won’t pay up due to stupidity. In this case, Kevin’s stupidity.

 

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