Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
CHLOE
T he golden sunlight streaming into my third-story office warms my skin. I can see a sliver of the ocean from my window and the sun is starting to dip down into it.
I would normally be heading home by now, but Liam and I have our first session at seven o’clock. He was not able to meet any earlier in the day because, of course, he is very busy and important. I frown as I scroll through online articles about him.
He is rich, successful, and celebrity handsome. Quite involuntarily, I felt my breath catch when I saw him in person at his office. He is that good-looking. Any woman would want to get lost in his toffee-brown eyes.
But Google doesn’t reveal any history of long-term relationships, just one-off paparazzi sightings of him with models and other high-society women. His business exploits are the only thing he’s known for—his extraordinary success in print and digital media. He’s clearly a busy man, buried in a self-imposed prison of meetings and obligations.
I need figure out how best to help him.
I told Olivia I’d help her only son, and I want to do right by her. She is the sweetest lady and I recognize my own countertransference—she reminds me of my mother. And I want to put Olivia’s mind at ease.
Besides, I enjoy the more challenging clients, and Liam will likely be my Mount Everest.
A knock at the door makes me jump, and I slam my laptop shut.
Michael, my older brother, lets himself in before I have a chance to invite him. The tip of his surfboard crashes against the door as he navigates it inside.
He leans his board up against a wall of folded-up moving boxes.
“What can I do for you, Michael?” I ask, even though I already know why he stopped by. One of his favorite surf spots is walking distance from my office, so he drops in unannounced quite often to hassle me.
He’s wearing his spring wetsuit with short sleeves, and I can see he’s still damp. He chooses the white faux leather armchair to plop down in. He ruffles his golden hair and puts his sandaled feet up on the ottoman like he owns the place.
Things between us have been rough since my breakup with his best friend, Lucas Green. Michael had to pick a side when we broke up and I was the loser.
“Luke is pretty steamed. Half the company? Really, Chloe?” His callous tone and stiff body language speak volumes. He’s not very laid-back for a surfer.
I take a deep breath, trying to control my own emotions. I’ve spent a few nights crying over the shitshow our breakup has become since we were in business together.
Lesson learned: Never date someone you work with.
I don’t need Michael to see me break down. He’d think my tears mean I want Lucas back. We had our good moments, but we are over with a capital “O.” It didn’t take me long to realize Lucas was unhealthy for me—too angry and domineering, always trying to manipulate me into doing what he wants.
His mounting legal troubles didn't help his mood either. When he hurled his cell phone against the wall, furious that I’d answered the door and spoken to one of the debt collectors, it was the final straw for me.
But Michael doesn’t want to listen to my side.
“We established this company together,” I explain coolly. “I put in half the effort, so half the company is mine. I’m simply proposing that I get my fair share. He should be satisfied.”
Michael squirms in his seat, eyebrows drawn. He has no right to meddle in the worst breakup I’ve ever gone through. He is my brother, and it hurts like hell that he’s not on my side.
Still, I know it is affecting him too. Lucas probably blames Michael for even introducing us.
“Look, just talk to him?” Michael asks, stealing a candy mint from the dish on the side table and popping it into his mouth.
“About?” I scoff. “Lucas is a big boy. I am not responsible for him. It didn’t work out, okay? I need something— someone —different.”
Michael stands, lips firmly pressed together in frustration. “I’m just saying, you need to talk to him. He’s not happy.” His voice softens a little now, surprisingly. “You two were so great together. At least make peace.”
He grabs his surfboard and stalks out of the room before I have a chance to respond.
Fuck .
My blood is boiling. It makes me sick that Lucas is weaponizing my brother against me. As mad as I am at Michael for siding with Lucas, I understand how easy it is to get sucked in by Lucas and believe his version of reality.
My eyes drift to the ocean once more. The sun has disappeared, and the sky is vibrant streaks of red and blue. I can see the Ferris wheel is lit up brightly now on the Santa Monica Pier.
I stare at the spinning Ferris wheel lights, hoping it will hypnotize me to forget the last ten minutes. I exhale slowly, trying to calm down.
I need to be on my game when Liam arrives any moment now.
Liam is influential and he has the power to help or hurt my professional reputation. Unfortunately, we are off to a shaky start. Most clients seek me out, not agree out of obligation to their mother.
But Liam’s workaholism is familiar territory. I’ve witnessed it in past relationships—up before dawn, home after dark—constantly needing to finish one last task. I was invisible .
I could never be someone like that again. No self-respecting woman could. Which is why I fully intend to radically alter Liam’s views. I told him I’d stake my career on it, and I will. I just have to help him take that first step, and it may be a doozie.
I glance around the room, giving it a last look before Liam arrives. I notice there is a puddle by the door from Michael’s surfboard, soaking into the stack of moving boxes against the wall.
Shit .
I need to pack up and be out of here in a couple weeks. I love this office space, but I can’t afford the rent anymore since Lucas and I split up the business. Even with Liam as a new, full-price client, it won’t cut it in time.
I rummage through desk drawers until I find a roll of paper towels. As I hurry over to the wet spot, I realize it’s never-ending—the mess in my life.
I’d much rather focus on other people’s messes.
Liam will be a good distraction. He views his life as tidy, but I intend to shine a light on the cobwebs.