Page 52 of High Rise Secrets

Why the hell is Aiden calling me on a Saturday?I ignore my best friends for now, knowing they are all calling to threaten to kick Ethan’s ass all the way to kingdom come. I don’t need to listen to that right now in an attempt to make me feel better.

I call Aiden, and he picks up almost instantly. “Girl, the fuck did you do?” he asks.

I shake my head.Apparently, a lot that I’m unaware of. “I have no idea, why? What’s going on?”

“I got an email from Ethan yesterday, requesting your transfer to a different department. What the hell happened? The rumor is you guys have been sleeping together, but I didn’t want to ask you if it’s true. I figured you would tell me.”

He’s transferring me. This day is already shaping up to be wonderful.

“We are. Actually, we were dating, but things went south last night. You know what, though, Aiden? I’m quitting anyway. I’ll draft up a letter and drop it off on his desk today when I go to clear out my stuff.”

Aiden lowers his voice. “What are you going to do?”

I lay down on my bed, my wet hair sprawled against the pillow. My chin quivers, and I wipe at my eyes, then take a deep breath and clear my throat. “I already have another job lined up.”

“Addy…” he trails off.

“It’s fine, Aiden. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make sure to leave my letter with Mr. Freeman, and I’ll also email you a copy for my HR record. I gotta go. We’ll chat later, maybe get together for some drinks. Bye.”

I hang up before he can get another word in.

I thought Ethan was my savior, my white knight. Turns out he’s just a loser in tinfoil like the rest of them.

I press the palms of my hands over my eyes, stopping the sting of tears.He’s not worth it.Maybe if I say those words enough, I’ll start to believe them.

Chapter 34

Ethan

After talking with my mom, my head is a little clearer. I hung around with her for a few hours but decided to head home early in the afternoon. I try to call Addison, but after one ring, it goes to voicemail.

“Addison, I’m so sorry about last night. Everything about it was fucked up, and I acted like a complete asshole. I’m not asking for forgiveness, because I know I haven’t earned that. I just want a chance to explain. Call me.”

I hang up, hoping she calls me back and I can see her before Landry and Lia’s cookout. I will grovel at her feet if I have to. Addison Snyder is the best damn thing that has ever happened to me, and I was a fucking fool for treating her like I did. In my tequila daze last night, I couldn’t see it.

I pace back and forth in my house, unable to stop the nervous energy coursing through my veins. Nothing short of being able to see her and hold her again is going to make me be able to relax.

I try texting her, but I’m not surprised when a half-hour later I still haven’t received a message back. I hop in my car and drive to Landry’s, hoping I can get her alone to talk with her privately. I pull into the driveway and try Addison one more time—nothing. Her car isn’t in the driveway, but she could have gotten a ride from one of her friends. On a resounding sigh, I get out and knock on the door.

Landry answers, and his easygoing smile fades as he sees me.Guess good news travels fast.“H-hey, Ethan. I didn’t think you were coming after—”

“Is she here? I really need to talk with her.” I look past him into the house and when he doesn’t answer right away, push past him. I make it about two steps inside when Eden steps in front of me, her arms crossed over her chest.

“You’ve got a lot of balls showing up here today, Ethan, after treating my best friend like a prostitute and throwing money at her.”

I rub my forehead. “I need to talk with her.”

She steps closer, and I take a small one back, trying to keep space between us. “You don’t get that right anymore. Not after how you treated her.” She shakes her head in disgust. “Addison has a heart of gold, and she trusted you with it, but you trampled over it instead.”

“I know—”

She holds her hand up in front of my face and points her finger at me. “You ruined her. She’s been in love with you for nine years.” She holds nine fingers up, emphasizing her point. “I never want to see your face around here, or anywhere close to her, again.”

I push her finger out of my face and shake my head, keeping my features stoic. “You’re not her protector. She’s a big girl.”

“You’re right. She’s a big girl and can fight her own battles, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve an army standing behind her.”

Lia and Everleigh step into view, their arms crossed over their chests in defiance, and I turn to see Landry. He holds his hands up as if to say ‘don’t get me involved’.