Banking on Him

Chapter 27 - Serena

When I woke up, the sun was just starting to rise. I looked over at Reese who was still sound asleep. I sighed softly, realizing that what I was about to do was going to hurt him. I gently got out of bed, careful not to wake him. Luckily, there was enough light streaming into the room that I could easily locate my clothes. I stopped at the door, taking one last look at Reese. His sleeping form truly took my breath away. He was all chiseled muscles and sexy tousled hair. I turned to go before I could change my mind, silently shutting the door behind me.

I got dressed in the living room, taking one last look at a place that had come to feel like home. I contemplated leaving a note, but really, there wasn't anything left to say. The whole situation fucking sucked, but I was doing what I had to do. I got in my car and drove home to get ready for work.

As soon as I was safely inside my apartment with the door locked, I broke down, unable and unwilling to hide my emotions anymore. Last night, in front of Reese, I was trying my best to be strong. But now, here in my apartment, completely alone, I let myself feel all the pain this was causing me. The logical part of me knew this was for the best, but I was still mad at myself. I let myself think that everything would turn out alright when I always knew someone would end up getting hurt.

I finally got up off the couch and texted Erica that I would be in at nine. I knew she wouldn't get it right away, but it didn't matter anyway. I took my time showering and drying my hair, changing into my comfiest dress pants and a fitted t-shirt. Today, I just couldn't bring myself to care. I haphazardly straightened my hair and applied mascara before throwing on flats and heading out the door. I stopped to get coffee, knowing I would need much more than coffee to make it through this day without yelling at anyone. I had every intention of locking myself in my office and letting Erica handle everything, but still... I had been up all night.

When I got to work, Erica was there with a curious look on her face. I motioned to my office before she could say anything and she followed me in after I unlocked the door. "What's wrong?" she asked before I had even sat down.

I sighed and took a minute to get my emotions in check. I put on mascara.  I was not going to cry at work, goddamnit! 

Finally, I responded, "They asked Reese to be the newest board member."

Erica gasped, "What the actual fuck? We gave them a list." 

I rolled my eyes, "Apparently, they ignored it."

"What are you going to do, Ser?" she asked. 

I shook my head, "Nothing, it's already done."

"What do you mean?"

"They didn't even tell me. Reese did, last night after they all had dinner. He turned it down, but I ended things anyway."

"Why would you end things? You were thinking of leaving anyway." 

I nodded, "I know, but I haven't decided and even if he said no, I'd have to leave. If anyone ever found out, they'd assume I was the reason he said no. Besides, this is an incredible opportunity for him. He's young, and I truly believe he would be a good fit. He'd balance out all the old men we currently have, so I asked him to tell them he reconsidered and he would take it."

Her expression was full of sympathy, and I appreciated it, but I also knew I would be fine. "Don't give me that look, Erica. I'm going to be fine. I should have known from the beginning this would never work, so this one's on me. But can you do me a favor?"

"Anything," she said. I smiled, "I need to lock myself in my office and just work today. Can you handle any issues with the audit? Tell people I'm not feeling well. Whatever it takes." She nodded, "Sure. No problem."