And I thought I had problems.
That instantly reminded him that he actually did. He picked up his phone and checked it.
“Fuck’s sake,” Samantha said. “I thought you said no phones in the office?”
“I use this for work as well.”
“Hypocrite.”
“I’m the boss. I’m allowed to be.”
Samantha stared at him. He had to admit he’d been like a bear with a sore head ever since he’d come into work that morning. He also had no intention of discussing the previous evening with her. As the hours passed, his anxiety became overwhelming.
“Talk,” she said.
“There’s nothing to say.”
She steepled her fingers.
“I’m waiting.”
“Fine,” he replied. “Noah and I had a bust-up.”
She frowned. “What about? Aren’t things rosy in the garden of love?”
“I don’t know if there’s a future. There’s too much working against us.”
“Such as?”
Cracking under the pressure, Carmine relayed the events of the night before. Samantha listened in silence. Which was a major feat for her.
When he’d finished, Carmine exhaled.
“And he’s not called?”
“Obviously not.”
“Okay, Mr Snippy,” Samantha replied. “You’ll have to be the one to blink.”
“No chance.”
Samantha shook her head. “Remind me which one is behaving like a child?”
He threw a paperclip at her.
“It’s serious,” he said eventually. “How can I be with someone who withholds huge parts of his life? And don’t start going on about my family.”
Samantha threw her hands up. “I wasn’t going to say anything. You know me. Never had an opinion in my life.”
Silence descended on the room. Carmine could hear noise from the street outside. Everything was closing in on him. He hated arguing with Noah. Yet, he remained convinced he needed to take a stand. He wouldn’t be in a relationship where he had to constantly bite his tongue but Noah was allowed to discuss their business with all and sundry.
“Anyway, I’m going to sort my family out.”
“When?”
“Today. I’m going over to show them the designs. Just me, Mum and Dad. Once I’ve told them, I’ll go to Raoul. Then it’s all out in the open.”
“Do you think that will entice Noah back?”
