Chapter Two
LEXI
“Sounds like wrongful dismissal to me, surely?” Evan says after I’ve explained in broad strokes that I’ve been politely forced to resign.
I spared him most of the details—no, I spared myself. I skipped the parts about Mia Reed and the extortion. The less the word gets out, the better, and I have an NDA with the hotel group that would still stand, employee or not. That NDA covers my appearance in that video too, and to be honest, I want to keep it under wraps. “Please don’t push for me to get a lawyer and yada yada yada.”
“Why not?”
“I just can’t.” Because I am in the wrong. I crossed a line.
“Ooh-kay…” Evan’s voice trails off as he starts typing, his keyboard clacking away. “Whatever. Only you can do it, and I know not to push you. At least it means you can be home for Christmas for a change?”
A silver lining. For some. Christmas is always crazy busy in this industry, and it’s all hands on deck. Work is my perfectexcuse to avoid a family gathering that will only remind me of what we’ve lost forever. “Yeah.”
“I’m booking you a plane ticket. Tomorrow’s good?”
Bless Evan. He makes decisions on the spot with zero fuss. It’s hardly lunchtime, and the full impact of my situation has yet to hit me. “The apartment?—”
“Tessa’s moving out. You complained two days ago about how you need a decent roommate and finding someone would take more time than you can afford. Just give it up. Come stay with me and save on rent until you’ve figured life out.”
Not having the woes of city rent on my plate will make a huge difference. I don’t have to be in Manhattan anymore. I sink into the bench, nestling my chin into my coat’s collar. I’m getting cold now that I’m sitting still. “I suppose I can do that.”
“You suppose you can do that?” Evan teases. “Let me add an incentive: I solemnly promise to have zero dirty socks lying around, and to pick up my towels.”
I crack a small smile. He knows me so well. “Fine.”
“Cool. Pack your stuff. Put what you need to keep in storage and come take a breather. You haven’t had a break in like… How long have you been working for St Chalamet?”
Ten ungrateful years. “Too long.”
“Yeah, probably. Only one thing. Tris is going to be here too at some point.”
My stomach flips. “Tris?”
“Yeah. You remember Tristan.”
“Yes.” He’s hard to forget. “When?”
“I dunno. When his ship sails in. Literally.” Evan is typing again. “He usually gives me a heads up a day before. I’m not sure how long he’ll stay this time. It all depends on his filming schedule.”
Oh, Holy Mother of God and all the saints in a row. “Okay.” The perfect solution just got a skid mark.
Plus, this is all so vague and out of my comfort zone. I like my life organized. Controlled routine. Clean bedlinen twice a week. Things in their place. Tristan Martinelli will mess with any peace I can rake together at Evan’s place. Best I be gone before he walks into Evan’s house. If he stays only for a couple of days, I can fake going to see Dad over that time.
Though nobody is going to buythat. Now if only I had the funds, I’d fly to Alaska and stay with Mom. “I’ll come visit, but beyond that, I’ll have to think everything through. Can I call you later?”
“Sure, Pickle. This is a bump in your road. You’ll see. I’d love to have you over for as long as you need.”
“Thanks, Ev.” I kill the call and stare at the screen for a long moment, my fingertips white with cold. A wave of relief crashes over me. I have a plan—for now.
When his ship sails in.Tristan Martinelli. My teenage crush who crushed me.
I shouldn’t. Not today of all days.
Be strong, Lexi.I bite my lip, nostrils flaring as I try to contain the urge to snoop.
The lure is too strong. I’m a sucker for punishment and addicted to my phone as much as the next person. I swipe to open Instagram and swap my private Lexi O’Reilly profile for my incognito user1234sqwerty one.
