"And don't call me or text me either," I added for good measure.
Veda stood from the barstool, backing away while sobbing harder, but she respected me enough to leave me alone. That itself was salt in a wound, that she had even a smidgen of compassion for me. It would have been much easier hating her and weeding her out of my heart if she weren't so amazing and beautiful.
I wanted to hate her, I really did, but being in the same room with her only reminded me of how much I cared. It was how Iknew I wouldn't be able to survive being around her for work or anything else, for that matter. I loved Veda more than life itself. Tearing her out of my heart was going to be excruciating.
When I felt a light hand on my back I turned abruptly, ready with a full snarl and nasty retort to tear her head off but it was Robert. He wore a somber expression and carried himself like a father.
"We should talk, Asher," he said, sitting down.
He'd have to pry this drink out of my cold dead hands as far as I was concerned, but he was welcome to try.
God knew, I needed someone to try.
28
VEDA
My heart was heavy and every muscle in my body ached from sheer exhaustion as I sat in a chair outside Robert Lang's office. I'd come in today after not sleeping at all last night with one objective—I had to tell the board everything. Not only did they deserve to know the truth about both Asher and Clayton, but they would want answers as to why their star intern wasn't showing up for work.
I stopped by my desk to see it'd been cleaned out for me. My things sat in a small cardboard box on top of it, ready for me to pick up and carry out, like someone didn't want me here anymore. Judging by the glowers and grimaces I got from every staff member but Jared, I assumed it was all of them. I couldn't blame them after what I'd done, but it still stung a little.
When Robert walked out of his office, standing over me while fixing his tie, I stood to shake his hand.
"Ms. Porter," he said, nodding. We didn't have an appointment, though I'd been patient enough this time to wait for his secretary to call him out instead of storming right into his office this time.
"Mr. Lang, I'd really like a chance to speak with you and the board, if that's okay." After everything I'd done, I knew I had zero right to walk into this office and ask things of them. They could have me removed from the property by security and no one would stand in my way to stop me from being booted out.
From what I'd seen, Asher wasn't here, though, so it made for the perfect timing to get this over with. It was the right thing to do to set the record straight, and I knew I had to do it for Asher's sake.
"Ms. Porter, the board is very busy and?—"
"Please, it will take just a few minutes." My bottom lip quivered as I spoke. "And I know it will clear the air. Asher deserves this…" I looked at him with pleading eyes as he sighed and looked to his secretary.
"Barbra, please call the board. Tell them we'll have an emergency meeting in the board room in ten minutes." Relief settled into my chest as Barbra lifted an eyebrow at me.
"Sir, Mr. Locke and Mr. Locke aren't even here." I hated her accusing expression, but soon, this would all be behind me and I'd never have to look any of these people in the eye again. I just couldn't stand the thought of Clayton getting away with all of this and Asher falling off the wagon so hard he quit and gave his brother the reins.
"Call them, please," Robert said, nodding at the outer office door. He gestured and said, "Shall we?" and I followed him through.
We were halfway to the board room before he spoke again, saying, "I must say, Veda, it takes a lot of guts to come face up to the accusations against you."
My throat worked around a knot forming. I coughed to loosen it up and said, "Yes, well most of them aren't unfounded. I just thought you should all know what I've been dealing with. I want Asher to have the best chance possible at recovery and?—"
"Is that what this is about?" he asked, stopping at the board room threshold and opening the door for me.
I snuck through, but walking into this room brought back memories. It was where Asher first kissed me. Where I told him off and suggested he get sober. It was where he tore me to shreds in front of his board and where I recorded that romp we had, hoping that would be that and my job here would be done. It was bitter sweet as I stopped by the drink station and frowned at Robert.
"I love him, okay? I know it's stupid, but I do. I hated seeing him in that bar drinking, and I hate knowing I'm the reason for that. I want what's best for him, even if he hates me."
My body felt like an old car that might vibrate apart at any second. Everything shook and trembled with anxious tension as Robert put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it, but he didn't get a chance to respond.
One by one, the board members filed in and took their seats. Most of them had professional expressions, but a few of them looked at me with open hostility, much the same way Clayton had looked at Asher every day for the past two months.
"Thank you, everyone, for coming." Robert started our impromptu meeting for me. It gave me a moment to collect myself. "As you all know, Misters Locke are both out today for personal reasons, but we have a pressing matter to hear." He turned to me and nodded. "Ms. Porter, whenever you're ready."
The room suddenly felt claustrophobic. I didn't know whether to cry or vomit. My palms were drenched with sweat, my mind racing, and all I could think about was making sure Asher got sober again and stayed sober. My tongue clung to the roof of my mouth as I positioned myself at the head of the table where Asher usually stood and opened my mouth to speak.
"Hey, everyone," I started, hands trembling as I gripped the back of Asher's chair for support. "Thank you for coming. I know I'm probably not your favorite person right now, but I appreciate your taking time to listen to what I have to say."
