Page 21 of Envy
“What about you two?” I ask, removing the focus from Russell and me. “Have you been together long?”
Wyatt smirks at me. His smug smile confirms he knew I couldn’t wait to ask. Jackie laughs and shakes her head. “Well, I’ve known this man all my life and had to endure a lot of craziness from him over the years. But I couldn’t ask for a better cousin.”
Cousin?
I feel like such a fool.
With a permanent smile affixed to my face to hide my embarrassment, I chuckle along with Jackie. “Family is important,” I reply. When I look back at Wyatt, he slightly shrugs one shoulder as if to say“whaddya know?”
At the mention of family, memories of my father pop into my head. My expression changes to match my inner thoughts—sadness, anger, regret. My demeanor shift isn’t enough for Russell or Jackie to detect, but Wyatt notices. His playful “caught you” expression turns to one of concern and questioning. Before he can ask, servers arrive ringing small bells, signaling the group to take our assigned places at the dining tables.
Thankfully, Wyatt and Jackie are assigned to a table across the room from us.
Not that the space between us lessens the weight of Wyatt’s probing stare.
After dinner, the chairman asks Wyatt, Charlie, and me to meet with him. Once the crowd has said their goodbyes and left the club, the four of us sit at one table while our dates chat at the bar.
“I’ve talked to every board member tonight, and we all have a good vibe from you, Wyatt. You’re smart, resourceful, and resilient. If you’re interested in staying on as CEO, I think we’d all agree to that.”
My chin drops to my chest. That old bastard didnotjust go against me. My vision shifts between him and Wyatt, trying to reconcile what the hell happened. Wyatt examines my reaction for several seconds before replying.
“I appreciate the compliments. Your seal of approval is flattering. But I think Miss King’s initial assessment is correct. It’s time for some new blood in the company. Someone who is passionate about taking the company in new directions and making bold changes.”
“Your straightforward answer is much appreciated, Wyatt. You’re a good man.” The chairman stands and shakes hands with Wyatt. “Best of luck to you. If I can ever help you with anything, just say the word.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Turning to me, the chairman continues. “We’ll make our formal offer to the top candidate first thing Monday morning. She’s ready to join the team and has already provided several inspiring ideas for expansions.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Thank you.”
He nods with a smile and walks toward the bar to get his wife’s attention. I can’t help but watch as they leave together, holding hands and smiling lovingly at each other. With my attention fixed on them, I don’t even realize I’ve leaned back in my chair away from the table, unable to tear my eyes from them until they’re out of sight.
They’re so happy and so in love. I overheard him say during dinner they’d recently celebrated forty-two years of marriage. A sharp pain tears through my chest, stealing my breath and forcing tears to my eyes.
You’ll never have that, a voice whispers.
“Megan?” Wyatt questions, alarm lacing his tone. “Megan, what’s wrong?”
Unable to sit there any longer, I jump up from the table and call out to Russell. “I’m ready to go. Do you mind taking me home?”
“I don’t mind at all.” Russell quickly walks to me, wraps his arm around my shoulders, and pulls me close to his side. He’s seen my full-blown anxiety attacks before and has talked me through them. He turns to say goodbye to the room for both of us to get me away from prying eyes as quickly as possible.
Wyatt’s stance is unmistakable—his muscles are taut, ready to push Russell to the side and take his place. But he doesn’t understand exactly what’s happening or why, so he allows someone who knows me to handle the situation. Though he doesn’t like it at all.
That’s too fucking bad. I never had anxiety attacks until Wyatt Weston entered my life. Or, more accurately, I didn’t have them until the day he exited my life.
Inside my apartment, I can finally breathe again. These walls are familiar. My surroundings are comforting. Russell sits on the couch and wraps his arms around me, whispering comforting words. Focusing on my breathing helps calm my racing mind and pounding heart until I can finally sit up again.
“Thank you,” I say sheepishly. “That came out of nowhere.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.”
“What do you mean?”
Russell’s lips lift into a sad smile. “There’s a lot of unresolved feelings there, Megan. You’ve got to face everything that happened before you’ll ever be able to move forward and be happy again. With anyone, even yourself.”
Tears drop onto my cheeks when I look down. “I don’t know if I can face it, Russell.”
