Page 14 of Mister McStudmuffin

“Okay, then. As you are all aware, Hayes moved back to his home town—my home town as well—so he could raise his kids in that small town environment. Over the months that he’s been there, we’ve had many discussions about the future of H & J Funds.”

Murmurs start crawling through the room.

I hold my hands up. “Don’t panic. No one is losing their jobs. Instead, we’re officially moving the headquarters of H & J to Saddle Creek. This does not mean you have to move there too. Just that that is where Hayes and I will be. We’ve already bought the perfect building and are making necessary adjustments to it.

“If, however, you want to join us at the headquarters, we would love to have you. This will be our main satellite office. So, feel free to remain here. But for any who choose to move,” I look straight at Chelsea, who is now standing straight up, “the company will offset some of your moving expenses. Does anyone have any questions?”

I glance around the room and see one hand up. “Kyle? What’s your question?”

“When are you leaving? I mean, when is your last day here?”

“Today is my last day here.” Again, my eyes find Chelsea. Her lips are parted and she looks… devastated. Every cell in my body is demanding I go to her, pull her into my arms and hold her until she doesn’t look so damn sad. But that’s not my job.

I am her boss—well, really more like her co-worker at this point—and nothing more.

I answer a few more questions and then when I look back, Chelsea is no longer standing there.

ME: It’s done.

HAYES: Are you sure this is what you want?

ME: No. But it’s what I need.

HAYES: Maybe you should tell her the truth.

ME: What? That I’m a fucking idiot for being in love with her for three years? That I’ve been waiting for her to dump her loser of a boyfriend and pick me? Absolutely not.

ME: I made my intensions clear on Friday night. She made her choice.

HAYES: I just don’t think it’s that simple.

ME: Just because you found your happily ever after doesn’t mean you know everything about relationships.

HAYES: I didn’t say that. But I know you. And I know Chelsea.

ME: Whatever, man.

ME: Mike must be dying of some incurable disease or has a magic dick. She is completely devoted to him.

ME: I’m tired of being the pussy waiting in the wings.

HAYES: But what if SHE’S your happily ever after.

ME: Nah. I don’t get one of those.

ME: Mike got mine.

chapter

eight

Chelsea

“He’s still ignoring your calls and texts?” Charlie asks.

“And my emails,” I say.

Two weeks ago, I’d started with an email. First, a more casually toned one since I thought we were friends, followed by a more formal one.