Page 55 of Dream Chaser

No more.

No more disrespect. No more humiliation.

“Sit down,” Preston hissed. “Don’t make a scene just because you can’t handle the truth.”

I inhaled shakily, hoisting my purse onto my shoulder. “I won’t sit and listen to you disrespecting me. I’ve had enough.”

My heart slammed against my ribcage. The room spun. I blinked, gripping the edge of the table. It kept gyrating, like I was on a carousel ride. Swallowing, I sat back down carefully.

Preston laughed. “Nova, the drama queen. What now? Your back again? Hope that job of yours pays for insurance.”

“Get out,” I whispered, clenching my eyes shut. The spinning had to stop—needed to. I breathed in and out, focusing on the air filling my lungs.

A scoff came from Preston’s side. “Quit looking for pity.”

My eyes stung. When I opened them, the room was still. So was Preston, staring at me.

“I meant what I said.” I stood again, clutching my purse. “If David continues renovations, I’ll call the police again. He’s been warned. As for you and me—we’re done.”

Preston scowled. “You can’t.”

Rage flared in my veins. He thought my words were empty threats, but I wouldn’t let him guilt-trip me. “Watch me. My lawyer will be in touch. From now on, all communication will be through him. And unless you want to be charged with theft, I would strongly recommend mailing my keys to him.”

I stormed out of the coffee shop without looking back and stalked down the street, gulping in the cool evening air to steady myself. The phone rang again, and I answered.

“Hello?”

“Nova,” Alejandro said, his voice warm. Less than a month ago, he intimidated me, but now, hearing him brought me calm. “I just wanted to check how the meeting with the attorney went. Is now a good time?”

I sat on a bench under a streetlight. “Yes. It went well. Thank you for helping me find him.”

“Nothing to thank me for.” After a beat, he asked, “Are you okay?”

I should never underestimate his perceptiveness. He read through me with ease, and I was thankful he couldn’t see me. “Yes. Just tired.”

Papers shuffled. He must’ve been at the office still, working. Despite allowing everyone to work from home, he rarely did that himself. “You should get some rest then.”

“What about you?” I asked. “Are you resting?”

He let out a tired chuckle. “Not yet.”

“Not great at taking your own advice?”

“I don’t have any plans tonight. Thought I’d work on a deck pitch for Iron Core.”

“Motocross helmets?”

“Didn’t think you knew.” Surprise colored his tone.

“I read about them.”

“A motocross rider who signed with us last month might be a good fit,” Alejandro said. “I’m just stuck. Not sure what I have is good enough, but I’m out of fresh ideas.”

“Need help? I’m just a few blocks away from the office.” The words slipped out before I thought them through, but I’d rather feel useful and help at the office than go back to Eleanor’s and intrude on her quality time with her family.

Alejandro was quiet for a beat. “It’s late, Nova,” he finally said. “You’ve done enough overtime lately. You should rest.”

Disappointment landed like a rock in my stomach. I could insist, but if he didn’t want me there, there was nothing I could do. “Okay,” I whispered.