Chapter 15
Jade
I lean back in my chair as I close down my computer. Today started a little rocky, but I think it ended pretty well. Leading that meeting tomorrow is such a big deal and I can’t believe Hunter believes in me enough to do it. Checking my phone for the first time all day, I see I have messages from my friends in our group chat checking if I’m coming to the pub, along with multiple photos of the three of them slowly getting drunker as the day goes on. Replying as I leave my office, I let them know I’ll be along shortly. I then pull up my mum’s number and send her a quick text.
Jade - Hey! First day went really well. I love it here and get this. I get to lead my first client meeting tomorrow.
Mum - That’s amazing. I knew you would smash it.
Jade - Thanks, Mum. How are you getting on?
Mum - Today has been a good day. Me and Henry have been to the specialist and things are moving in the right direction. Henry surprised me with a trip to the spa this afternoon to get a massage.
My heart swells because she really is lucky to have Henry.
Jade - You deserve it. I’ll come and see you on Wednesday. Please make sure you keep taking your tablets and listen to everything the doctors are telling you.
Since she woke up from her coma I know I’ve been a little overbearing at times but seeing her in that hospital bed so frail and weak broke me.
Brain tumor .
The two words that changed our lives forever.
Mum - Jade, I'm the parent, not you. I will take the doctors seriously and I’m taking my tablets. Like I said, Henry is looking after me. You need to stop worrying so much.
Jade - I know sorry. I just love you.
She’s so strong, and her road to recovery is long. She is a warrior, but some days are harder for her than others. With her having to rely so much on others when her whole adult life she’s been both mum and dad. She gets mad at me for trying to parent her, but I can’t help it.
Mum - I know my little gem. I love you too.
I used to hate her calling me that, but now I need to hear it as many times as possible because there will be a day when she won’t and that thought is too much to bear.
When I reach the reception, I look up from my phone and catch Hunter watching me while he talks with Dexter I spot the mischievous look in Dexter’s eyes as he glances between the two of us, letting me know Ted must’ve told him about my history with Hunter. That or I have it written all over my face that I want my new boss to throw me over his shoulder again. Realistically, it could be both. Blushing slightly at the thought, I hurry out of the office before I do something I massively regret.
Searching the bar, I find my friends in a booth toward the back. I sink onto the plush red cushions next to Beck with a sigh, dropping my tote to the floor. He pulls me in for a side hug. “So, Miss High Flyer, how did it go? We were expecting updates,” he slurs.
Sitting back, I blow out a breath. “I need a drink first.”
“That bad?” Lily asks.
“Not bad, just not what I expected.” As Beck leaves to order me a drink, I turn to Lily and Trixie. “So, what have you been up to?”
“Not much. We went to watch that new thriller this afternoon and then we’ve been here ever since,” Lily fills me in, but I notice that Trixie seems a little distant.
“What was the film like?”
“You’ll have to ask Trixie and Beck that one.” Lily snorts. “I may have fallen asleep.”
“Yeah she was snoring so bloody loud, we nearly got kicked out.”
“I was not, I do not snore, Trixibelle McKenna.”
“Hey, less of the Trixibelle.” She scowls at Lily just as Beck comes back with a tray full of shots, cocktails, beer, and wine, I cock an eyebrow at him.
“You never said what drink you wanted, so I just covered all the bases.”
“Never change, Beck.” I take the white wine from the tray and take a sip. Feeling my whole body relax, the slight hit of alcohol taking the edge off.
“So it wasn’t a tequila shot type of first day. Thank God. You on tequila is both fun and exhausting.”
Trixie, however, grabs the tequila shot and downs it. And I notice Beck’s jaw tense as he watches her intently.
Okay, what have I missed?
“So, spill the tea.” Trixie elbows me in the side and I know I have to ask her what that was all about later. Beck’s staring into his pint, frowning, and Lily seems oblivious to what’s going on with these two right now as she’s buzzed. Giving Trixie a look, she subtly shakes her head and motions with her hands for me to continue.
“So, my office is amazing. I’ve got a PA called Ted who’s a literal godsend already. You guys will love him. I’ve managed to impress my new boss as he wants me to lead the meeting tomorrow with a client.”
“That’s amazing,” Lily shrieks as she places her glass on the table. “So, that all sounds like the perfect first day. What aren’t you telling us?”
“It’s my boss.”
“Urgh. Don’t tell me he tried to feel you up?” Beck obviously has shaken himself out of whatever mood he was just in.
“No.”
"Talked to your tits instead of your face?” Lily tries.
“No.”
“He made you do some weird initiation?” Trixie wrinkles her nose up at her suggestion.
“No, definitely not that.”
“Come on then, tell us.” All three chorus.
“It’s Max.” I take another sip of my wine and wait for their reaction. I almost laugh as they all have the same look on their faces as they each frown at me.
“Max? As in Max, who could literally make your ovaries explode just by looking at you Max?” Lily questions.
“Max, who gave you multiple orgasms and made you realize that was even possible, Max?” Beck jumps in.
“Max, who you abandoned your friends for so you could have wild Gladiator sex, Max?” Trixie adds.
“Max, who didn’t call you after? And made you mope around for weeks because he never called and you haven't been with another man since Max?” Lily says.
“I didn’t mope.” Crossing my arms, I sink further into the booth.
“You totally did.” Trixie laughs as she balls up a napkin and throws it at me.
“Well, he’s now completely off-limits, Max, because he’s my boss.” I raise my glass in mock cheers.
“Well, shit,” Beck says, as they all slump back into the booth with shocked expressions on their faces.
“Except he’s actually called Hunter.”
“Oh, sexy name.” Trixie sighs. I swear I see Beck frown slightly, but he takes a big gulp of his beer to hide his expression.
“So how did that reunion go?” Lily questions.
“It wasn’t all smiles to start with, that's for sure. But after we both had time to process it we actually had a good meeting and, like I said, he said I can lead the meeting tomorrow.”
“Okay, that’s all well and good, but tell me… is he as gorgeous as I remember?” Lily is practically bouncing in her seat.
“Oh, yeah. The man wears his suit far too well. It's like office porn. You know how my knees go weak for a man in a suit. And this afternoon he had his sleeves rolled up, his expensive Patek Philippe showing. I'm sure I was drooling all over the proposal I was presenting. I was a hot mess. That image will be in the bank for a while.”
“So he still sets your lady parts on fire?” Beck smirks, flipping a beer mat between his fingers.
“Beck. Lady parts? Really?” I chuckle.
“What? I was trying to not lower the tone. Would you prefer me to say he still makes you wetter than an otter’s pocket?”
“Beck.” All three of us shriek.
“Well, does he?” Trixie prompts me.
“I hate to admit it, but yes. There’s still something there for me. I don’t think it’s gone away, but I’ve got to get this little crush under control because I can’t be lusting after my boss. But also, he was mad when we first met because apparently, I left without leaving a note.”
“But you said you left one.” Lily points out.
I tip my wine glass towards her. “I definitely did.”
“So how are you going to play it?” Trixie questions.
“I’m just going to do my job. You guys know how much I’ve wanted this type of position. I can’t get tangled in some sort of office drama or relationship that could jeopardize my dream.”
Trixie holds her glass up. “To Jade and following your dreams.”