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Chapter 25
25 Dinner and Disaster Stokes
25 Dinner and Disaster Strikes!
(Winona)
I really didn't want to get picked up by Jayden outside the building we work in. But he insisted. No need to change because it's a business dinner, right? The attention will become good publicity, right?
Sure, more like he wasn't giving one more second than he had to in case I changed my mind. Probably was right too. If I'd gone home I may not have kept my promise.
Yet another night where I don't tuck Abby into bed myself. I need to discuss my workload and make my daughter my priority. But I may as well get this over and one with. Maybe this will finally help him see we aren't meant to be and he can go be with Ashlyn.
His black sports car rolls in to park out the front. People at work definitely saw me get in the car of the CEO. Judy's phone is probably blowing up by now. I straighten down my pencil skirt when I'm seated in the body-hugging seat.
"Must we really throw fuel on the fire by making this so public? It's my work reputation too. We all know nothing can touch you. Not really."
Jayden just smiled and accelerated into the stream of traffic. I rather he didn't mess my head up with his stupid smile.
"You're nervous," he states a little further down the road.
""You think?"
"Don't be. I have real business talk to get through tonight."
"I can hardly wait. Where are we going?"
"Leonardo's"
"What!? Dressed in my work outfit? Are you completely mad? I'll be dragged on every online platform for my lack of style. Judy will have a field day with how below you all I am."
"Want to go shopping? We have time."
"You did this on purpose didn't you? Just to get me on a date other than business."
"No, of course not. I'm happy to be there with you in what you're wearing. I don't see why it matters." He says like any man who has no clue about why attending the country's most exclusive restaurant in your work outfit is bad. "Just dinner would be the local pub not Leonardo's," I point out.
"Well, it's business and I have a reputation to uphold, can't be seen just anywhere." He gives me a chuckle and I realize he's teasing me.
I'm very relieved, I laugh with him. "That was so wrong. I almost had a heart attack."
"We're going to the local Italian. But I could totally get into Leonardo's if I wanted.
"A twelve-month waiting list could never keep the Jayden Brennan out."
25 Dinner and Disaster Strikesi
"Next dinner date maybe."
"Next time? This is one date for a second wish, remember?"
"I do remember but I still have a third wish."
""Can you u
you just stop talking and drive? I'm tired and I want to get this over with."
"Your wish is my command."
I glare at him and he chuckles.
**
"So, I need every target to be hit on time. Do you think you and Phillip can keep to that timeline?"
I nod and before I can stop it, I yawn. It's been two hours of non-stop mind-bending numbers and targets and pie charts. But I'm grateful that it hasn't been me fending off personal talk. "Okay. Enough business talk. Dessert?"
"After that pasta and salad, no way. You go ahead if you want."
"I think a nightcap instead. Port or brandy?"
"Port."
Jayden waves the waiter. Two of your best ports."
"Certainly Mr. Brennan. I trust everything was to your and Mrs. Brennan's liking?"
My heart almost caves in my chest. I knew this would happen.
"Winona and I are here as business associates. We are no longer husband and wife." Jayden informs him like it's talking about the weather.
"My apologies for assuming sir." Then he rushes off to get the ports.
"How embarrassing." My face feels hot. I must be red as fire.
"We need to be able to navigate such situations."
"I know but it just shocked me. I guess it wasn't common knowledge that your leave of absence was because of amnesia. Not everyone knows the full story!" "I don't even know the damn full story," he says.
The ports arrive and we sip at them. The sweet fruitiness of it is a perfect nightcap and I'll be very glad to kiss Abby on the forehead and snuggle down myself.
"I think I am starting to remember things, bits and pieces."
Jayden's words make me angry. I don't need to hear this right now, or ever. I'm too tired to handle the crazy emotions it causes.
"Why should I care? What's done is done. Let's just move on. After tonight I hope you get me out of your system and go back to Ashlyn. I've already moved on, and you should too." 25 Dinner and Disaster Str
"I will decide for myself who I want to be with."
"Of course, you always did. But so will I. Just because you begin to remember and feel bad for your behavior, doesn't mean I'll drop everything and come running back."Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
He stares at me without saying a word so I just keep ranting my
truth.
"I tried and tried just to have you believe your mother and Ashlyn and rip my emotions to shreds. I don't see how we can ever be anything but business associates now. You hurt me badly. You promised me you'd never do that." There, I've said it. I feel a weight as lifted off
me.
He nods and I see real sadness and regret in his eyes and on his face. "Regardless of my memory, I am sorry I hurt you by being such an asshole over the divorce. I just
My cell phone rings and I raise my hand to stop him talking. This ringtone is never on silent, and I know
my throat. It's Anne. who it is immediately. My heart jumps int
"Hello, Anne? Is everything... Oh my God! I'm on my way!" My worst fears are realized. I disconnect the call and stare in horror at Jayden.
Abby is in the hospital.