Page 48 of Rival Hearts

14

ALEX

The week was better than I’d thought it would be, but it was still pretty shit. I had a plan, but putting that plan into motion was something else.

I’d reached out to three companies to partner with. The first, GreenWave Yachts, had seen right through my plan, and I was on the phone with Miriam Anderson, the CEO.

Gabe was in my office. We’d been talking when the call had come in.

“I’m just looking for a way to work together,” I said. “Surely, you can see the merit in us teaming up.”

“You’ve never wanted to play nice before,” Anderson said. “You’ve always been serious about being the only kid in the playground.”

I groaned inwardly. “Climates change, Miriam. It’s all in the name of business. When our values align, we should consider it and when—”

“You’re being called out on national television, you’re looking for a way to make the sting go away.”

“It wasn’t ideal,” I admitted. “But this can benefit us both. I don’t need to tell you how you can benefit from having someone like Chris Blackwood involved in your design process.”

“Our design process has been doing just fine, thank you, Alexander. I understand what you’re trying to do and in the same shoes, I might have done the same thing. But I don’t think ourvalues align, as you say, and I’m going to pass up on the opportunity this time around.”

“Thank you for your time,” I said politely, although I wanted to scowl and curse and tell her she was missing the point.

We ended the call, and I cursed out loud, letting it out.

“So, that went well,” Gabe said, sitting back in my armchair.

“Fuck,” I said again. “I have no idea how to deal with this.”

“You’re going to be fine. It’s not a big deal.”

I glanced at him, cocking an eyebrow. It was easy for him to say that it was going to be fine. He wasn’t involved in any of this—he had a stable IT job that didn’t step on anyone’s toes. He made a lot of money, he didn’t have to explain anything to anyone, and his life was simple.

It wasfinefor him.

“It’s just a lot to deal with,” I said.

“Sure, but you’ve always bounced back. I mean, you’re a Blackwood, for crying out loud. Everything always goes your way.” He grinned, but I didn’t return it.

I was so tired of everyone thinking that just because I was a Blackwood, shit was easy. I worked my ass off. I had a lot of people I had to answer to. It was a nightmare sometimes keeping our name high with all the fingers pointing in our direction.

Case in point with this nasty business with Charlotte and the campaign.

I wanted to say something about it, but since the night I’d met her, I didn’t want to mention her to Gabe at all—I didn’t want him to know I knew her. I was scared that I’d say something thattipped him off, and then shit would come at me from a whole different angle.

Gabe’s phone rang, and he groaned when he looked at the screen.

“Work,” he said. “On a Friday night.” He shook his head. “Fucking system implementation and they can’t get it right. We’re going to have to postpone.”

I nodded. “I get it. Work comes first.”

“Yeah,” he grumbled. “Next week, though, we’re painting the town red. Better wear your drinking shoes.”

I chuckled. “I’ll be ready.”

Gabe got up and left my office to take care of his implementation emergency. I sat back in my chair.

We would have gone drinking, and I’d looked forward to just letting loose. I could find someone else to drink with, though. Maybe my brothers. Ben or Chris, or both? Daniel was still out of town; I’d have to catch up with him later.