“You thought I was an idiot for wanting to start that company,” I said.
“Yeah. Because you were thinking with your gut and not your head. But I trusted you, and your gut took us to the fucking top. I trust your gut, even if you don’t right now. If it’s telling you to open up to this woman, then do it.”
“What if she turns out to be like her?” I asked.
“You want my honest opinion?”
“That’s why I asked.”
“No one could turn out to be like her. That bitch was a piece of fucking work. You knew you should’ve never married her. You went against your gut on that one, and it screwed you over big time. If your gut’s with this woman, go for it.”
“How the hell did you make that seem so easy?” I asked.
“Because you’re rotting your brain away in the mountains. It’s okay. I expected you to get dumber.”
“Asshole.”
“Dick. You’re missed here, by the way. You know you always have a spot here if you want to come back. Namely, mine. Because this job is bullshit, and I’m over it.”
I chuckled into the phone as I shook my head.
“I don’t know if I’m coming back,” I said.
“Don’t worry. It’s been four years. You have Lanie now, and plenty of shit still going down. It’s here if you want it, but I’m not holding my breath.”
“Well, I should get off here. Lanie still isn’t up yet, and if she sleeps any longer, she won’t nap.”
“Have fun with that. I’m about to go deal with a bunch of whiny toddlers too,” he said.
“The Board of Investors?” I asked, laughing.
“That’s them. Talk with you soon. And by soon, I mean not a month from now.”
“So, two months?” I asked.
“Goodbye, asshole.”
CHAPTER 13
Amanda
“Well, I’m checked in!”
“You know you can come stay with my at the cabin. You think it’s a death trap, but it’s just a little old,” I said.
“I’ll take my chances with the hotel. There’s this cute little coffee shop I passed by. It was called ‘Coffee Creations.’ Want to meet me there?” Sarah asked.
“I’ll meet you anywhere. I’m so excited to see you!” I said.
“Meet you in fifteen?” she asked.
“Make it thirty. I take it easy going down this mountain.”
“See you then. I have so much shit to tell you it’s insane.”
I was ecstatic that Sarah was finally in town. I knew she couldn’t stay long, but it would be wonderful to see her. I cleaned myself up a bit before I went into town, taking it slow as I drove down the mountain. It didn’t matter how many times I traveled that road in my life, I would always have minor panic attacks going down it. Coming up wasn’t an issue. But being pointed down at the ground for seven miles?
It turned my stomach every time.
By the time I arrived the coffee shop, I was ready to lunge into Sarah’s arms. I wrapped myself around her and picked her up. I swung her around as the two of us giggled, and I could feel people staring at us in the coffee shop.
But I didn’t care. This was my best friend, and I had no idea when I was going to see her again.
“Okay, okay, okay,” Sarah said. “I can only take so much loving at once.”
“Yeah, yeah. I hear you,” I said as I sat her down. “Ready to get some coffee?”
“Oh, I already bought it for us. A large white chocolate mocha latte for me and a large hot mocha raspberry coffee with creamer for you.”
“Bless you,” I said breathlessly. “I have the most incredible best friend alive.”
“And don’t you forget it. Oh! Before we leave, remind me to stick all your art shit in the trunk of your car.”
“It’s not shit, and you’re not going to at least come visit the cabin?” I asked.
“Nope, but you can always come visit me in my hotel room,” she said, grinning.
“Wimp.”
“Weirdo.”
“I’ve missed you,” I said.
“I’ve missed you, too. Any word from your dick ex since his shit on the plane ride down?”
“Not a word,” I said. “Now, what’s all this drama you spoke of? I’m ready for my daily dose of pettiness.”
I watched Sarah’s face sink the moment I brought it up, and I reached over and took her hand.
“Boyfriend shit, I take it?” I asked.
“Ex-boyfriend shit,” Sarah said.
“What? What happened?”
“I found out he was cheating on me, Amanda.”
“Well, he wasn’t really a winner, to begin with,” I said.
“Come on. Work with me here.”
“Sorry. How did you find out?” I asked.
“He called me from jail.”
“Wait, wait, wait. Back up a second. How the hell did Blake wind up in jail?”
“I haven’t told you?” she asked.
“I think I’d remember a fucking conversation about Blake going to jail, Sarah.”
“He got into a fight with someone at a gas station. From what he told me, some guy was yelling at his pregnant girlfriend, and Blake stepped in. Punches were thrown, and both of them were arrested.”