I only got my chance to come back to Chicago because I was engaged to Marie. Peter didn’t question me once when I said I wanted to come back. He thought he wouldn’t have to worry about me anymore.
“I don’t think you’ll make those mistakes ever again.” They were all bad deals that went south.
“I nearly lost my company Dante and I owe it to you for helping me to bring it back up. Like a phoenix rising from ashes,” he says with a chuckle and runs a hand through his gray hair.
“I’m glad to help.”
“How’s um… the Activate project going?”
It’s times like this when I wonder if he’s genuinely asking me about the project or if he’s asking me how I’m doing resisting Rachel.
“Great. Allen’s enthusiastic,” I state. He knows me well enough to know I definitely don’t mean that the positive way it sounds.
“He’s a go getter isn’t he? I like his fire. He has the ability to tackle his projects fiercely. He’s good with ad copy and Rachel’s great with an audience. She can spot when to change things up and make it better. They make a good team.”
“Yes, I agree.” Except for when he’s staring at her tits and checking out her ass.
“I think he might like her too which is great. I want to see her with someone good. it’s time she stops serial dating. She should be thinking of settling down.” He eyes me up, probably looking for some reaction from me.
He’s not getting one though. He won’t and he looks thrown by it.
“I agree.” Is all I say.
“Dante… I know things have been slightly awkward between us since we had that talk about Rachel.”
“I won’t disagree that they haven’t.” I’ve never been a guy to hide that’s what makes this absolute shit. That and the fact that I’d probably be the same as him if it was me. I say probably, because there would be factors to consider.
At least I’d consider it and not just shoot him down the way he did to me.
“You do understand where I’m coming from right? She’s young and it’s a phase… I just didn’t want you to take advantage of that.”
As if I would. “I understand Peter and I’m glad you think Allen is a suitable match for your girl.” I stand. I’m done here. There’s no need to encourage this talk that might lead to an argument if I stay.
“It’s not that he’s a suitable match for her,” Peter says quickly. “He’s just better suited. They’re practically in the same age group. I hope it won’t be a problem working with them.”
I wish he’d just cut the shit and get to the fucking point right off the bat instead of hedging around the bush.
“Peter… it won’t be a problem with them. I’m here to do a job, not fuck around.” It’s a half truth. I wasn’t fucking Rachel in the office.
“I just think it would be wise to keep things professional between you two and not encourage her to make it otherwise. She’s excited to work with you, but I think we both know the reason for that.”
“I gotta go,” I answer. Guilt and rage is never a good combo for me. not with him.
Salvatore’s offer is very attractive, it means travelling though and being away, being away for a very long time and being away from her.
I couldn’t even stand to be away from her today. If I leave that will change us too.
But what am I even saying?
Can I continue this relationship when Peter just impliedly issued me with another warning?
Chapter Eight
Rachel
Giselle and Jia both squeal with delight as I confirm their suspicion of my whereabouts last night.
I’m so glad we have the kind of friendship where I can tell them everything. Matt and Jeff love me to no end and there’s not a thing they won’t do for me but I tend to think they’d be just like Dad on this occasion.