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The slope was slippery, and I was losing my footing in this conversation. “There’s nothing to talk through. It won’t work between us.”
Duke put his arm around Serena. “Did you tell him?”
I looked down at my feet. That was the hardest question of all. “Not yet. I will when he gets home. I didn’t want to do it over the phone.” I started for the door.
“Echo, come here,” Serena called.
My dog bounded up to her, tail wagging as always.
She bent down to hold his collar. “You have to stay and talk to Josh before you leave. I’m not letting your dog go otherwise.”
“Leaving without talking is a chickenshit move,” Duke agreed.
Holding my dog hostage was mean, but effective. “I said I would. I’m just taking my bags down.”
Duke let go of Serena and snatched one of my bags. “Let’s go, cupcake. I’ll help.”
I hissed a breath out, but didn’t have anything to say, so I followed him to the door.
I turned. “Serena, you’ve been great. It just won’t work between Josh and me. I can’t explain it right now.”
“I’ll call you later,” she said.
I sniffed and nodded. I’d give her the best goodbye hug ever when I came back up.
* * *
Josh
I’d spentthe last two hours at Dennis’s office, asking for advice on dealing with my Dad and the London situation. In the end, neither of us had a good solution. Selling off the European operations was the best we could come up with, and neither of us felt certain that would fly.
Dee greeted me as I walked back into my Rossi’s office. “That Mr. Snyderman was by, and whatever he said didn’t make Nicky very happy. She left without a word, and she always says goodnight.”
I put my bag down. “Thanks for the heads up.”
I’d warned Harold to leave this place alone, and if he was stirring up shit, I’d be the one calling a meeting with Dad next time.
After a quick tour of the offices, I didn’t find Nicole, although her office door was open. My final check was with Cynthia up front.
She confirmed that my girl had left the building in a hurry.
Closing up her office and my own, I packed up and headed home myself. It was Tuesday, so she’d be at the condo tonight. After my altercation with Dad, I could use a stiff drink and some cuddle time with Nicole. I texted her before starting the car.
ME: On the way home. Should I get some takeout?
I figured she might not feel like cooking; I certainly didn’t.
No return text arrived before I parked at home.
Oliver greeted me in the lobby. “You just caught her, sir.”
I gave him a quizzical look.
He approached with his hand out. “She gave me this to give to you.” He handed me a key—the condo key I’d given Nicole. “She just went up again.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Nor do I, sir. I shall miss her, and that nice dog of hers.”
