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“I haven’t a clue. I have no memory of us having sex at all, and neither does she. If the condom wrappers weren’t sitting on the nightstand, I wouldn’t think we did anything.”
“Hold on a second. You really don’t remember having sex?” He cocked his head.
“No, Charlie. I don’t.”
“Damn. I guess you were drugged. So, tell me about this Willa Aster.”
“There’s nothing to tell. She lives here in New York and is between jobs.”
“Between jobs?” He chuckled. “Boy, did she hit the jackpot. What kind of work does she do?”
“She said she was a legal secretary, made one error, and they fired her. She’s beautiful but strange, Charlie.” I stood up and poured another scotch.
“Strange how?”
“I can’t explain it. She’s just—just—quirky, I guess.”
“She seems a little odd in the video. But then again, you two were drugged. You’re fucked, my friend.” He pointed at me.
“Why do you have to keep reminding me?” I took my drink to the couch.
“I’m not just talking with the company. I’m talking with her. What if she decides to sue you and take part of your money?”
“Willa isn’t going to sue me.”
“You know women are crazy. You said she’s between jobs. Living in this city, you could go broke after being unemployed for a week. She may see this as her golden opportunity to get rich quick.”
“She wouldn’t do that.” I tipped the glass to my lips.
“You’ve known her what—two days?” he said.
Shit. I’d never thought of that.
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” I got up and went to the kitchen, setting my glass in the sink.
“Listen, buddy.” Charlie walked up and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Get some rest and prepare for tomorrow. Whatever happens, I have your back. You know that.”
“Thanks, Charlie. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Now I have to go home and do damage control. Donna is having a fit over your Vegas shenanigans and told me she didn’t want me hanging with you anymore.” He sighed.
“I don’t blame her.”
“I’ll always be your best friend, and Donna will never change that. I’ll see you in the morning.”
* * *
I adjusted my tie,my fingers trembling slightly as I prepared for the wrath of the board members.
“Get it together,” I whispered, wiping a bead of sweat from my temple.
“Damien, wait,” My Uncle Kroy stopped me from entering the boardroom.
“I thought you were already in there,” I said, furrowing my brows.
“I got pulled out a moment ago. Come to my office.”
“Uncle Kroy, the meeting is starting.”