“And I’d still love to be the one to help her achieve her goals, but I don’t think she’ll even want to be in the same room with me after the way we left things tonight.”
Finally, there’s a smidgen of a smile on this woman’s face. “I’m Jude, the overbearing best friend. I’m sorry for being a bitch, but my girl is always so self-assured. I don’t like seeing her this way, questioning her self-worth.”
“I never wanted that for her. Tonight was a chance to answer some questions and find closure regarding my last relationship. Aspen lied to me.”
“Did she, though? You never asked what she does outside of your restaurant.”
“It just took me off guard. I needed some time to process, and she doesn’t want to listen.”
“Then maybe it’s best that you go your separate ways.”
“She is a phenomenal chef. She has what it takes to be successful in this business. Tell her to contact me if she wants to reconsider.”
“I will.”
“Thanks.” I shove my hands in my pockets and turn on my heel. Before I reach the lobby doors, Jude shouts after me.
“Why should she give you a second chance?” she asks with a mischievous grin.
“She shouldn’t.”
Telling Leonard about Venom wasn’t something I ever wanted to do. He’s a hell of a chef, but he is a judgmental asshole. He reacted as expected, ready to scream it from the rooftops until I reminded him of the NDA I’d just had him sign.
He’s not an ideal choice for Venom, or for Aspen, but I blew my chance with her. I still want her to take over as head chef for the club, so hopefully she finds his tutelage helpful. I’ve been throwing myself into running the kitchen back at Dulip, losing myself in my first love. Food.
I’ve pulled up her name on my phone a million times over the past few weeks, but I remind myself how badly I hurt her and shove my phone back in my pocket.
Flex has been messaging me about setting up a breath-play masterclass on level 3 at the club, but I’ve ghosted everyone while I wallow in self-pity. I’ve done it in the past, but I don’t have a submissive right now, so finding a willing sub for theevening just seems hollow. I can’t indulge with the one woman I want, so what’s the point?
I promised myself I would go to the club tonight and tell Flex to find someone else to do the masterclass. I’m sure Pierce or Logan could give sufficient lessons. It’s not either of their preferences, but they have trained plenty of subs in their time.
The restaurant was buzzing tonight, but as much as I enjoyed the frenzy of dinner service, it just doesn’t feel the same without Aspen. I enjoyed teaching and guiding her toward what I know will be a bright future.
As I come to a stop outside Venom, I wonder if I just missed her. The restaurant closed forty-five minutes ago. I greet the security guard in the lobby as usual before heading up to the bar.
I hear the guys before I see them, laughing so loud it makes me smile, something I haven’t done lately.
“Ryder!” They shout in unison at the sight of me. This is exactly what I need. I signal to Eli for a drink and stride over to see my friends. Everyone is in tonight. Dalton has Nadia perched on his knee as they joke around with Pierce and Freya. Helena drapes her arms over Flex’s shoulders, whispering something in his ear that makes him smile. Ford has his submissive sitting in the position at his side. I grab a seat from the next table and pull up beside Flex.
“Hey, bro. I thought you’d forgotten where we are.”
Eli sets a Scotch neat in front of me. “Hey, Ry. Long time no see.”
“Yeah. How’s the restaurant doing?” Eli handles all the alcohol purchases for Rooftop, so I know he keeps tabs on how it’s running.
“Amazing, but don’t take my word for it. Aspen is over there. She’s been a total rockstar.” I look to the other end of the bar where Aspen sits nursing a drink.
“Does she come down here often?”
“Yeah, for the past few weeks, she comes down after closing Rooftop.”
“She talking to anyone?”
“Me mostly. She was chatting with Matteo the other night. I’m sure she’d love to say hi.” She obviously hasn’t shared anything personal if Eli thinks she’d spit on me if I were on fire. Every cell in my body wants to go over there and stake my nonexistent claim, but I’ve already had one scene in the bar this year, and I don’t need another.
“No one wants to unwind with their boss. Just put her drinks on my tab.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll catch up with you later.”
