The Contract

Chapter 19 - The Fake Honesty

"They were all over each other's face, making me feel so single!" Kourtney cried out while I twirled in my seat.

"How did everything change in a week? She was the single ass and we were the ones getting around " Bethany muttered and I only glanced at them.

"It's not my fault Ken isn't back" I responded and she pouted. "Why did you say I should reschedule the appointment with the new couple anyways?" Kourtney asked, taking a seat opposite me.

I sighed and sat up. "I'll be out for a week"

"Where are you going?" Bethany fired. "Italy"

"Italy? Oh my gosh"

"I'm gonna visit the Ferraris, we scheduled it this Wednesday" I explained and Bethany sat down.

"How are you feeling though? I mean, meeting his family could be a lot. I remember the time I had to meet Eric's family " she said and Kourtney turned to her.

"That doesn't count"

"It does!"

"I'm okay" I cut them both off before they start another shitty argument. "Remember I told you I was friends with Travis, we go way back "

"Still finding that hard to believe"

"What happened though? What happened in those three years?" Kourtney asked and I let out an inward sigh and leaned down on the table.

I don't talk about those three years but I've kept lots of shits to myself for way too long...

"So as we all know, parents aren't my biggest fans"

"Yep" they both agreed. "Mrs Ferrari always hoped we grow out of the whole friendship idea and cut ties but then we went to college together and shits started getting real. Mr Ferrari was kinda cool with it all, he tolerated me I guess but then the time came for Travis to choose between the company and our friendship"

"Why did he have to choose?" Bethany asked an important question. "Our friendship was seen as a distraction to him and if I could remember clearly, Travis wasn't cut out for all this business bullshits but then he made a decision..." I paused and thought about that day.

"It's pretty obvious what he chose" Kourtney sang and I looked up at her. "Yeah but then he got back and apologized for everything he'd done, he regrets it all now " I diverted to the lie I was supposed to tell.

"And you forgave him?" Bethany questioned. "Yeah, I had-"

"I mean, yeah, we preach forgiveness but it's you, Pearl. We know you, you don't forget shits. Did you hurt him?" Kourtney asked.

I scoffed and leaned back on my seat. "You guys are just hysterical"

"That means you've had the hots for him since highschool then, since you forgave him easily!"

If only they knew I still had the urge to hold his head under water until the bubble stopped. I looked away and faked a smile. "I guess, you could say that"

"She's so in love!" They both yelled and I let out an exasperated sigh. "The point is, I'll be out for a week and you guys gotta handle anything that comes up here"

"Yes boss" they chorused and I rolled my eyes. "Just a little heads up though, the wedding might get hijacked by Rosalia, my Mother In-law " I informed and they both groaned.

________________________________________

"Miss Vega" I looked up to see Layla by the door. "You've got a visitor" she informed and a figure appeared by her side and I recognized him immediately.

I got up as he walked. "Thank you" I excused her and turned back to the man in my office. "Mr Simmons " I called and he shot me a smile and stopped at my table.

"Miss Vega" he responded and I pushed out a smile too.

I forget that dinner we had and stay professional.

"What brings you here, Mr Simmons. Do you have an appointment?"

He gently grabbed my hand, totally ignoring my question. He rubbed the finger where the ring was at. "You should have told me you had something with Mr Ferrari, I would have backed off" he mentioned.

"Well, now you know"

He chuckled and let go of my hand. "He's the reason you rejected my offer to Brazil" he said. "Not really, it wouldn't be appropriate, would it?" I reiterated and he only stared with that smile still on his lips.

"You are a smart young woman, Pearl, that's one of the reasons I like you"

Nope, that was the second reason now.

"What exactly are you here for, Mr Simmons?" I asked. "I'm just wondering if you got the payment I made"

"Yes, we did, we would refund the extra you added" I replied and he laughed. "Don't be silly" he rounded the table and stopped beside me, I turned and stared into his pathetic green eyes.

"What about dinner?"

"You know I'm engaged" Even saying it out loud doesn't make me believe. "You and I both know it's just a ring, it's never too late to call it off" he reminded.

That was totally true but... it's good money.

I leaned in on his ear and respectfully said, "Fuck off"