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When I pulled out the little red box, Alicia went pale. Fear flashed in her eyes, and I knew right then what she wanted to avoid. She didn’t even try to hide it.
“I’m not ready to be a mom,” she said.
“They’re just earrings.” I handed her the box. She hesitated to take it. Not exactly the reaction I’d hoped for, but it confirmed my gut instinct.
I took the box back before she could open it to see for herself, realizing in that moment that Alicia and I were over.
I bought the earrings out of some twisted form of protest, trying to prove to myself that I didn’t have to follow my father’s ridiculous plan of marrying for convenience. I didn’t need that South American alliance, or whatever business venture he wants to rope me into. Maybe I was trying desperately to prove that I was unavailable in the face of my father’s idea to get married to someone I didn’t know.
I sensed the end was coming for Alicia and me. I just didn’t expect it so suddenly.
I’m not ready to be a mom.
Her words hit me harder than I expected. They opened my eyes, making me realize how far apart we really were.
It wasn’t the earrings she rejected. It was Brooke. I knew it, deep down in my gut. I think I’ve known for a while now. The truth is, I wasn’t in love with her, and nor was she with me. We were simply good together, and we had a good time. Unless we’re away on a vacation, sipping fine wine and champagne, enjoying life and relaxing in a pool at an expensive resort, she doesn’t want to be a part of my world.
She wants me, but not Brooke. It’s like this with most of the women I meet. They don’t want the whole package, but I don’t come without Brooke. She’s my world. My life. My everything.
Still, being with Alicia helped me in other ways, mainly that she kept me distracted from Cari. Helped me to keep my assistant out of my head. Alicia was never going to fit into my life long-term, but it was good while it lasted.
Because I didn’t love her, it didn’t sting too much. Her shock was almost comical. “You’re getting the bill? We haven’t even ordered the main dish!”
“You’re right. This isn’t going to work. I’ve lost my appetite.” I waved over the server, paid the bill and walked out, not looking back as she called after me.
I’m done with her.
And honestly? It’s a relief.
I head towards our office building, needing to get some files. This day couldn’t get any worse, because my father hit me with an unexpected trip to put some pressure on partners in Sacramento.
I have a feeling he’s doing it to piss me off. I told him I need more notice as I don’t like springing these trips on Brooke, but now I'll be glad to get away for a while and clear my head. It sucks to be away from Brooke so unexpectedly, but I'm going to make it up to her soon. I'll tell her tonight about the surprise I have for her.
I’m shocked when my father, Dex, and Zach walk out the revolving door. It's late in the evening and I have no idea what they’re doing together. I wait for them, needing to know if there’s a Knight family dinner tonight that I've forgotten about.
“Hey,” Dex slaps me on the back. “What’re you doing going back to work so late?”
“Yeah.” Zach looks at me quizzically.
“Is there a dinner tonight?” I ask.
“You'd know if there was,” my father replies.
“Then?” I feel oddly left out. What am I missing?
“Nothing much. We were discussing plans for expanding into foreign markets with the online learning sector,” Dex explains. He’s always so perceptive. He can sense my unease, and the question bouncing around in my head. What business are they talking about without me? With a slight shake of his head, Dex dismisses my concern. I wonder if the old man has been talking to them about the same marriage arrangement he's trying to force me into.
I don’t even know if Zach knows about it.
“Are you set for Sacramento?” my father asks.
“You’re going to Sacramento?” Dex looks disappointed.
“Got no choice. But yeah, I am. For a few days.”
“We'll get those drinks when you get back,” he says.
“What drinks?” Zach’s gaze flits from me to Dex.