“Has Piper signed the dissolution papers yet?”Harry asked.
“No.She’s dragging her feet.”
I sincerely hoped it wouldn’t take much longer.Considering that the benefits were heavily weighted in her favor, it made no sense why she was delaying it, and I knew that she knew that.This was purely a power play.
So, it was with bitter amusement that I now found myself back in a city I had long left behind, starting over and facing off against another maddening, intriguing woman.
When I’d first met Piper, it had felt like the universe aligning itself.She’d arrived just when I’d needed it, promising to help find the funding for my first bar.Like destiny, it had felt perfect.Love and work colliding.She’d brought in the money, I’d built the brand, and it worked.
It seemed like the perfect partnership.
I’d had no idea that she would rip my world out from under me.
“Need me to take a look over the figures?Make sure she isn’t reneging on your deal?”
“No, the lawyers are taking care of everything.”
“You should have fought for more.”
Removing my glasses, I pinched the bridge of my nose.I was completely sick of this conversation.The faster the papers were signed, the faster I could move on.“There are a lot of things I should have done, Harry.But I have my name and the settlement, and I will just have to accept it as a lesson learned.”
“It’s still disgusting that she’s profiting off of your hard work.”
An understatement if ever I’d heard one.
There was no doubt that I was angry—at myself most of all.All that work, undone by a single document I’d signed years ago.Before anything had even existed.
My own feelings of outrage were stirring, making it clear this conversation needed to move on before I got worked up.“Right.Well, there’s a lot to do, and I’m sure you’re busy with the baby, so I’ll let you get back to it.”
“Don’t be a stranger, Sam.And good luck.”
I sighed, staring at the phone.
How did I end up back here?Starting over after a decade.
At least half of the blame rested on me.Piper and I had hurt each other deeply, but if I hadn’t let love blind me, I wouldn’t have made the decisions I had.Taken the risks that had ultimately resulted in my downfall.Her actions since the breakup were fueled by a pain I understood, and for that, I was fully to blame.
I’d left Chicago convinced I’d return a success.I’d left behind family, friends, my life to achieve it.I’d moved as far away as I’d been able to, to chase it.
And in the end, it hadn’t mattered.I’d still failed.
Home had been a backup.The last resort if all else didn’t work.I just never thought I’d actually need it.
So, ok.I’d fallen.But I could get back up.I would make this work.I just had to stay the course.Be smart.Not do anything reckless.
