Page 108 of Alpha Ruined
“You haven’t been fine since you came back,” Carl huffs, sipping his coffee. Bree sits in his office during her lunch, forcing herself to eat her salad.
“You just said my articles were great,” she shrugs.
“No, damn it kiddo, you know that’s not what I’m talking about.” Carl sighs and places his soda can on his desk. “What happened there?”
She chews around a mouthful of lettuce. “Nothing. I went shopping and did my interview.”
“Really? So, you just stayed in your cabin, not talking to anyone for two weeks besides me or your mom?”
Carl doesn’t believe her and gives her a pointed look.
She makes a face back at him. “Yes.”
“You’re a liar. Tell me what happened.”
She huffs. “Why?”
“Because you need to talk to someone about it, and I can offer you some sage advice. I’ve been on this earth longer than you, you know.”
“I’m aware.” She stabs at a tomato viciously and sighs. “You’re going to think I’m crazy.”
“I already think you’re crazy, kiddo. You spend your lunchtime with me. And you don’t eat meat.”
A groan escapes her. “Seriously, Carl?—”
“I’m just kidding. Talk to me, Bree. Did you meet someone there? Did some guy break your heart that I have to go and beat up?”
The image of Carl trying to fight anyone, let alone Cole, is enough to make her chuckle. “You don’t have to do that. But…yes. I kind of did meet someone.”
“Excellent.”
She glances at her boss. “What do you mean,excellent?”
“I mean, I’m glad you met someone. You’ve been by yourself for too long.”
“Carl, that’s not the point of the story,” she insists, her chest constricting.
Her boss sighs. “Fine. So, what happened?”
“It just didn’t work out.”
“Why not? Did you like him? Did he hold open doors for you?”
She turns to her boss, baffled. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“I’m old fashioned. Did he?”
“I mean, yes, but?—”
“Then what’s the problem? If he treated you well and you liked him, what happened?”
“It’s not that simple,” she sighs.
“Of course it is. You always make things much harder on yourself than they need to be.”
She narrows her eyes. “What, are you my therapist now?”
“I’ve been your therapist since you started working here.” He peers at her over his sandwich with knowing eyes. “And you still haven’t answered my question.”