“Yeah, it makes sense. He loved her more than money. He loved her more than his position at the company. He risked it all to be with her. But now that he’s lost her, he wants his company back. And I don’t think he would use me for that. He must have been looking for the right person this whole time to do that. Maybe even someone to love again.” I fiddle with my hands, and I realize I may be talking too much.
“He doesn’t sound like a New York sleazebag to me, Belle. He sounds like a good guy. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the sewer rats from the Prince Charmings in this world. So don’t let your guard down.”
“What if it’s all or nothing, Lia? What if I have to let my guard down, because I have no choice?”
Lia crinkles her brows at me. “You always have a choice.”
I swallow. “This is the part I can’t talk about. But I have to take a chance, or let him go.”
“What do you mean?” Lia asks with a concerned tone.
“Lia, this is huge. That’s why I wanted your advice. You’re such a good friend. I had to ask you.”
“Look, Belle, I had my doubts about him. When he showed up at the door, I mean, obviously he’s gorgeous.” Lia crinkles her brows. “But the car, the money, the house…it all spelled sleazebag.” Lia pauses and runs her fingers over the back of her hand. “But when you told me about his fiancée, and everything he did for her… That sounds like a man to me, sweetheart. You may have hit pay dirt in more ways than one.”
Lia smiles up at me, and I know that she is right. There is no way Kalin would have done all those things for Rebecca if he were a money-grubbing sleazebag. He risked everything to be with her, and it was only when she passed that he turned his attention back to his company. Even then, it was because he wanted his employees to be treated better, and the new board was voting themselves higher pay at their expense. I wipe at the small tears ready to escape from my eyes.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
“I was just thinking about everything Kalin was ready to give up for her, how much he sacrificed for her.”
“Yeah, I know. Prince Charming.”
And then it hits me like a ton of bricks. These executives who stabbed Kalin in the back at his lowest point deserve to have the company wrenched from their greedy hands. My toes are bouncing on the floor and I look up at Lia with wide eyes.
“What’s gotten into you, Belle?”
“So if I can help him take his company back from those back-stabbing monsters, don’t you think I should do it?”
“Hell yeah, girl!” Lia quirks her brows at me and gives me a strong nod.
I shift over to Lia and give her a big hug. “You’re my best friend, and I’m not going to ever forget it.”
“I know, babygirl. I told you I’m here for you. Are you going to tell me what’s up now?”
“No.”
Lia’s jaw drops in an exaggerated expression.
“But soon, Lia. I will tell you soon.” I smile at her and hug her again. “Thank you.”
“Lia wipes her eye and watches me bounce up from the couch. “Boy, you’ve got something big going on.”
“Not a word, Lia.” I bring my index finger to my lips.
Lia holds her hand up. “I’m not sayin’ a word. I don’t know what’s going on anyway.”
Chapter Nine
The next morning I check my phone to find a text from Kalin.
Kalin: I hope you’re considering what we discussed. I would really like an answer from you in in a few days.
A few days? I am getting married and having millions of dollars in stock transferred to me, and he needs an answer in a few days?
Me: What if I don’t give an answer to you in a few days? Can I still see you?
Kalin: I want to see you regardless of all of this. But in order to mitigate further damages to the company and employees, we need to do this sooner rather than later.
Me: How romantic!
I receive a text from my college friend Caitlyn.
Caitlyn: Are we still on for lunch?
In all the craziness, I completely forgot we had a lunch date.
Me: Yes, be there soon!
I rush out of the room. “Lia, can I borrow the car? I have a lunch date that I completely forgot about. I would have taken the bus, but….”
“It’s no problem, Belle. I’m going to be extra good to you from now on.” She smiles between bites of toast and strawberry jam.
“You’ve always been extra good to me, Lia. Like I said, I won’t forget.”
“Sure you don’t want to ask for a ride in a limo?” She smiles, her tongue between her teeth in a playful smile.
I grimace at her.
“Okay.” She throws me her keys. “Take your time. I’m studying today. I just need the car by seven for work.”