She’d spoken to each of her three clients. Then, she’d canceled contracts and refunded retainers for the rest. She was honoring her money-back guarantee even if a few were taking advantage of the policy, given she’d introduced them to their future spouses and the wedding invitations were in the mail.
A lesson learned.
An expensive one.
The office phone kept ringing. The calls were from the media, wanting to ask her questions or requesting an interview.
By the time four o’clock rolled around, Hadley was wiped out. She slumped in her chair, trying to see past the tears brimming in her eyes. She hadn’t cried yet today, and she didn’t want to.
“Hadley?” Ella stood in the doorway. “Henry Davenport is in the lobby. He wants to see you.”
Seriously? Hadley had no idea what the guy wanted unless he was canceling their arrangement, too. “Send him back and then go home. We’ve done all we can today.”
“Tomorrow is a brand-new day. We will survive.” Ella's optimism never faded. “You built the company from scratch. You’ll do it again. I have faith in you.”
“I appreciate the support and your confidence. I hope you know I’ll give you a glowing recommendation if needed.”
Ella shook her head. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I appreciate the offer, and I will update my resume, but I don’t think I’ll need to use it.”
Gratitude washed over Hadley. She was so lucky to have Ella. “See you tomorrow.”
Her assistant grinned. “You can count on it, boss.”
Hearing “boss” reminded Hadley of Lex and Rizzo.
And…Blaise.
Something pressed hard against her chest. She forced herself to breathe, but it wasn’t easy. Even after everything that had happened with Blaise, her heart missed him. She missed him.
And that made her feel like an idiot.
She wanted—no, needed—to forget about him. It would take time, but she hoped not too much.
The office phone rang. Hadley grimaced. The media sure was persistent, but she’d told Ella at three o’clock to let all calls go to voice mail. They could delete the messages tomorrow morning.
A few minutes later, Henry strolled in wearing a designer suit and looking as if he’d just stepped off the pages of a glossy fashion magazine.
Hadley stood. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
Henry walked around the desk and hugged her.
She wanted to cling to him but fought the urge and let go of him.
He stepped away from her. “Rough day?”
Nodding, she motioned to the chair on the opposite side of the desk. “What brings you to San Francisco?”
“I was compelled to come.” Henry sat. His gaze was earnest. “I’m sorry for what happened with Blaise.”
She forced herself not to react and sat. “Thank you, but it’s not your fault.”
“I recommended you to him.”
“Still not your fault.” She kept her voice steady. At least she hoped that was how she sounded. “An apology isn’t necessary.”
“I’ve heard rumors about your business.”
As if on cue, the office phone rang again. She would have lots of messages to delete.
