Page 65 of One Bossy Date
Zoe laughed politely, shaking her head. “I’ve heard a lot about you too, Dax.”
“Oh, is that so? That I’m stunning?”
“Something like that.” Zoe chuckled.
“It’s no surprise. My infamous name always makes the headlines of the Windhams’ conversations.”
“Meaning Mom’s,” I added, and he nodded.
“Pretty much, yeah.”
Zoe beamed at him, clearly enveloped by his charming words. “She’s just concerned about you, like any mom would be. Let me leave you two alone. I need to get ready, going out with a few friends. See you later.” She gave me one last look and disappeared. I was somewhat relieved to see her go. I didn’t want to acknowledge how I felt when I saw her and Dax interacting.
“Take a seat, Dax.”
“‘Sup?” He fell back onto the armchair. There wasn’t a single trace of the stiffness he’d so flawlessly displayed the last time he’d attempted to sit down in a very similar chair. His young body healed quickly, and I was glad for him. “I came to meet your woman, but you don’t look very happy. Then again, I guess that’s not exactly your resting state.”
I glared at him, then sat back in my seat as well, spearing my fingers through my hair. “Humphries canceled.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. I’m looking for new options now.”
“Dude. Why? It’s Christmas—just give it a fucking break.”
“If I don’t set this up now, I won’t be able to leave for Chile before New Year’s.”
“So what? Is that such a bad thing?”
I narrowed my eyes. He knew I wanted this more than anything. He knew I’d planned to be back in Chile all along.
He could likely feel my questioning silence and explained himself without prompt. “Look, bro. Mom thinks you’re staying. She’ll be gutted if you just leave without warning. Not to mention Zoe.” He lowered his voice, hiked his thumb over his shoulder and raised his eyebrows. “She’s fuckinglivingwith you.Thatchick. Why do you wanna fuck this up?”
“Fuck what up? It’s all a lie, Dax. You know that. I can’t continue to live in this illusion forever, and neither can Mom.”
“So, you really wanna just up and leave?” He shook his head like it was the most ridiculous thing ever. Like we hadn’t discussed this. Like I was an idiot.
I leaned back in my seat, trying to gather patience. “Yes, I do. I did before and still do.”
Dax lifted his hands in surrender. “Fine, man. I just think it’d be good for you and everyone else if you stuck around a bit longer.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Dude, you only live once, so try to forget work. Live a little! Besides, it’s almost fucking Christmas. Nobody’s fucking working. The big dogs are with their families. So honestly, what the fuck are you doing, bro? Just relax. Take a few days off, for Christ’s sake.”
I hated to admit that Dax’s advice rang true.
Everything had changed in a matter of minutes, but I’d make it work—I wasn’t going to throw away the dreams I had for this company. I’d find a way to get this contract set up, and then I’d go about my life the way I saw fit. But for now, maybe Dax was right. Maybe I should just take a break and worry about everything after Christmas.
“My intention was to leave by New Year’s,” I grumbled, “but it seems I’ll have to postpone.”
“Bro, so what? Whether you leave on New Year’s Day or in three months’ time, what difference will it make in the long run?”
He was right, again. “None.”
“Exactly. Reason I’m here though, bro,” Dax interrupted my thoughts, “last week I read a pretty good article on green energy. Looks like you’re right on the money with your ideas.”
“I’d say.”