Great! she replies. Also? I totally adore your boyfriend. Don’t tell him I said that!
As I sign off, my smile is automatic, even if it hurts. Tasha’s excitement and gratitude toward Nick give me a fresh stab of regret for just how badly I left things with him last night. I don’t know how I’m going to fix the mess I’ve made. I’m not even certain that I can.
If he can forgive that I’ve lied to him about my work and living situation all this time, I doubt he’ll be as willing to overlook the rest of my secrets. Not when he can have any woman he wants. Women who don’t come with my baggage and the complications they would bring to our lives.
He doesn’t need that kind of burden. And I can’t ask him to bear it for me.
Nine years ago, I put a monster in a box. I locked it up tight and threw away the key, and I can’t open it ever again. Not even for Nick. God, especially not for him.
He would never look at me the same again.
No one would.
Shoving the ghosts of my past back where they belong, I shower quickly, then pull my damp hair into a ponytail and brush on some mascara and lip gloss.
It’s so warm and sunny outside, my impulse is to slip into one of the summer dresses Nick bought for me in Miami. But today it doesn’t feel right to touch any of the gifts he’s given me. They don’t belong to me. Not anymore—if they ever truly did. And wearing any of them now would only worsen the ache inside me.
Instead, I toss on a pair of jeans and flats and top the outfit off with a breezy linen blouse. I grab my purse and cell phone, then catch the subway to Midtown.
Tasha is at one of the tables on the main floor going over schedules with a couple employees as I walk in. She waves, then says something to the crew before they all get up and go back to work.
“Hey, girl!” She hurries over and pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m so happy to see you.”
I return her smile, feeling genuinely pleased for her. “How’s it going?”
“Awesome.” Her brown eyes are wide with enthusiasm and energy. “Nick had his attorney call everyone in early this morning to tell them about the changes. They’re all being really cool about the fact that I’m managing now. I don’t think anyone’s sorry to see Joel gone.”
I nod, taking in the busy, but less harried, vibe in the place today. And I can’t help but notice that the dress code is already improved too. No more low-cut tops and high heels on any of the female servers. Like Tasha, the other women are dressed in black pants and tops, but with decidedly less cleavage on display.
As we’re talking, Kimmie comes out of the kitchen area carrying a crate of bar glasses, still steaming from the dishwasher. Her blond hair is limp and drooping in her face as she schleps the heavy glassware to the bar and begins racking it up for the day’s use.
Tasha catches my amused look and shrugs. “I demoted her to kitchen runner. She might be the only one who’ll have trouble adjusting to the new world order around here.”
I shake my head, unable to tame my smile. “You’re bad.”
“Hey, I just want the work done right. And I’ll be fair about it. I told Kimmie if she works hard and does a good job, I’ll consider putting her back on the floor at some point.”
I laugh, feeling overwhelmed with joy for my friend. I have no doubt she’s going to make Vendange an even bigger success. “I’m glad this all worked out for you, Tasha. You deserve this.”
“I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m going to do my damnedest to make you proud.” She grins. “I don’t suppose I could talk you into coming back to Vendange, now that Joel is gone?”
“Ah, probably not a good idea.” I don’t tell her that the new owner likely wouldn’t clear me for hire anyway, especially since that Nick and I aren’t on speaking terms. “I appreciate the thought, but I’m sure you’ll do fine without me.”
“You know what’s really amazing? I get to hire a night manager in a couple of months after things smooth out. Not only do I have this great opportunity with better pay, but I’ll get to spend more time at home with Zoe too.” She’s beaming, practically glowing with happiness. “I owe all of this to you, Avery. Well, and to Nick, of course. Speaking of our favorite bazillionaire, where is he today?”
“I don’t know.” I try not to sound as dejected as I feel, but I can’t escape Tasha’s narrowed stare. “Last night when he dropped me off, he said he had business to handle this morning. I haven’t seen him. I’m not sure we’re speaking at the moment.”