“Reagan left because I’m a selfish prick.”
“You're kidding.”
I shake my head. “Nope. She said I wasn't in this with her because I work too much and am never home.”
“Shit. Does she know what you're trying to do?”
“No. Because I couldn't get her hopes up if I wasn't going to be around.”
“Leo.” Kai grabs my arm, forcing me to look at him. “You're not being a selfish prick. You're trying to step back so you can be there for the two of them. You have to tell her.”
“The candidate fell through today, so what's there to tell her?”
Kai scrubs a hand down his face. “Really? Why is it so hard to find someone to take over a billion-dollar tech company? People should be able to run those in their sleep.”
The smirk on his face makes me want to punch him. I'm running on no sleep and I'm angry. Angry that another person gave up on me.
“If you're not going to drink in silence with me, then you can leave. I don't need to add you to the list of people who are pissed at me.”
“Fine.” Kai waves a finger at the bartender, ordering another round. “But I refuse to believe this is the end for you two. I saw you together. You were a fool in love.”
“A fool for sure.” I'm being a sad sack, and I don't even care to hide it right now. “Now this kid isn't going to know their dad, and I'll see them maybe once every few years once she goes home.”
“How about I take over the company? It can't be that hard.”
I choke over the sip I just took of my fresh drink. “I wouldn't trust you as far as I can throw you. And that's a metre, max.”
“I'm offended,” Kai scoffs.
“I'd believe you if you weren't smiling. You've never stuck to anything in your entire life.”
“Ouch. Thanks, big bro.” His tone is mocking, pulling me out of my misery, if even for a minute.
“I'm just going to be a sad sack for the rest of my life.”
“Jesus. This look is really unbecoming on you.”
I slam my drink down, scotch coating the sticky bar. “I loved her! Why else would I be so miserable?”
“Then do something. Find a better candidate to take over your company. Take a leave of absence. Your company is stable. It's not like it's going to go to crap if you aren't there.”
Kai's words ring in my head. If only it were that easy. “It's the only time I get to see her. To make sure she's doing okay.”
“Okay, now you sound like a stalker.”
“I'm going out of my mind with worry.” I sink my hands into my hair, tugging on the long locks. “I keep thinking something is going to happen to her or the baby, and I won't be there. And what kind of man will that make me?”
“Why would something happen?” Kai pauses with his drink halfway to his mouth.
“Because her blood pressure is high. I'm sure all the stress of me not being there didn't help. Fuck!” My voice rings out through the quiet bar.
“Shit. Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I didn't want you to worry. It's all I've been doing to keep it together, and now I find stupid reasons to walk by her office just to make sure she's okay.”
The buzzingof my phone stirs me awake. I fell asleep on the couch in my office reviewing the latest financials. Enough to make anyone sleep.
“Hello?” My voice is groggy, not paying attention to the caller ID.
