Chapter Twenty-Four
TROUBLE IN PPARADISEfor APPropriate Designs?
Justin rolled his eyes at the pretentious article title, but as he read, annoyance turned to shock and then anger. Why wasn’t Antonio taking over the job as CEO? Was he going to be this spiteful about the entire thing?
It wasn’t supposed to go this way. True, Justin didn’t know what to say to Antonio and hadn’t talked to him in a week, but that would blow over. They’d figure things out, establish new lines, and right their friendship. His chest pinged at the word, and he ignored the nagging sensation. If Antonio wasn’t accepting the CEO position, did that mean...?
Justin refused to assume. He needed answers. He dialed Antonio’s number, wincing each time the phone rang in his ear, and disconnecting when it went to voicemail. In-person visit it was, then.
Antonio’s office was empty. Justin snagged one of the developers, who told him Antonio left for the day. At noon, on a Monday? That didn’t make sense.
He could second-guess where in town he’d find Antonio, but one thing was certain. If he wasn’t at home, he would be sooner or later. Justin would wait there.
By the time Justin reached his destination, he was fidgeting so much, he thought he might crawl out of his skin. He didn’t like not having answers.
Fortunately, Antonio’s car was in the driveway. Justin forced himself to walk to the front door, rather than sprint, and knocked.
The Antonio who answered had dark circles under his eyes and wore a scowl. “I almost ignored you.” Instead of inviting him in, he leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed, blocking the entrance.
“At least I know the not answering my calls was intentional.” Justin wasn’t sure how to lead into this conversation. “Why did you turn down the CEO job?”
“Excuse me?”
Now that he’d asked the question, Justin’s out-of-control thoughts tumbled forward. “You can’t walk away from this. How is that right, after you gave me so much shit about up and quitting?”
“Okay. Let’s ignore the elephant in the room and address your concerns.” Sarcasm dripped from Antonio’s voice. “I didn’t turn down any job. They never offered it. I found out I was being let go thanks to a press release and a poorly timed buyout offer.
“I— What?” That didn’t make any sense.
“You heard me. The board doesn’t think I’m capable of acting without your influence, so they pushed me out. You walk away because you’re a whimsical jackass, and everyone pays the price.”
The words stung, and Justin didn’t have a retort. “But you’re perfectly competent.”
“Why are you here?” Antonio asked. “To demand answers I don’t have about a decision I didn’t make? If so, the conversation is done.”
Justin’s mind stumbled at the wash of hostility. This sucked, and it was mostly on him. “I’m not sure why I’m here. I miss you. I want our friendship back.”
Antonio gave a bitter laugh. “I’m still missing the apology in everything you’ve said. The part where you’re sorry you made decisions about our company, without consulting me. Where you realize your actions have consequences.”
“I’m here to fix things.”