Deal With My Best Friend

It's Done!

Eliana's POV

I gripped my coffee cup, fighting back tears of anger and bitter sadness, but I couldn't fight the urge.

"No... no more crying for that moron. I'm done crying for him. As of today, Calvin Franco is dead to me." I said aloud as I lifted my chin in pride, fighting back tears and taking a deep breath, letting it out softly.

I was done crying for Calvin and done with the countless nights falling asleep alone in bed while he was shamelessly entangled with his mistress.

If he really thinks I am nothing but a gold-digging nobody, then he better think twice, because I didn't graduate top of my class for nothing. Sure, I had the money and resources to back me up, but I never used them to my advantage. I proved my worth all on my own, which is why he always thought he was dealing with a random girl.

"Seems you forgot I graduated from the same damn school as you, Cal. You really think I am nobody?" I thought aloud, almost laughing as I tugged the side of my lip into a hint of a smile.

"You and that little w***e of yours are about to find out just who I really am," I said, grabbing my phone and speed-dialing my assistant, Dana.

"It's done. He signed. Pull all our collaborations and investments with his modeling agency immediately. Freeze Calvin Group's investments and terminate every contract with models we've hired from his agency without delay. Secure all supplementary cards in my name that the Francos use. Stay in close contact with Eleanor regarding the jewels and clothing she's putting up for auction and donation—every penny must be donated to our charity list."

Dana hummed in agreement as she typed away as I gave her the last directions. "Got it, boss. I will keep you updated. Also, Mr. Piercen just sent the reservation confirmation for tonight’s runway. He requested a meeting with you for tomorrow to talk about the new Calico project in Beverly Hills. I sent his proposal over to you with Alfred. Should I schedule him?" she asked, making my stomach flip.

"He doesn't need to be scheduled, he knows he's welcome any time any day, why would he schedule? Dumb cowboy, he makes me so mad. I'll call him myself, thanks, Dana. I'll be taking the rest of the morning off. I will see you by noon, and I'll push the rest of my meetings to tomorrow."

"Copy. Over and out," she says, hanging up.

I was hosting a new clothing line launch tonight, unveiling myself as the co-founder of E.V.’s, a multicultural social media creators corporation and fashion line, during a major runway show.

I dialed Brooks number, listening to the phone ring once before he picked up.

"Well, look it here? This must be my lucky day to have my darling Belle call me so early in the morning. How are you, doll?"

"I'm great. How are you, Brooks?" I say with a big smile as I take a sip of my coffee, setting the cup back down.

"Not bad now that you called. Care to be my plus one tonight? Or are you too busy attending to Carter?" he asks, making my eyes roll.

“Have you forgotten I'm the host? You're the one attending with me tonight as my plus-one. So don't be late.” I say, hearing him drop something on the other end.

“W- uh… really?” he says, sounding nervous, making me chuckle.

“Yeah, silly. You promised to be there, remember? So you better be there early. I need help setting up the fairy lights.” I say, making him chuckle.

It was a Brooks habit to call the guys who crushed on me by a different name than their own. It used to bother me a little, but I knew he did it jokingly, so I started doing the same with his girlfriends.

I could hear him rustle papers, which meant he was still in his office. "Boss! News!" I heard his assistant run inside, staggering for breath.

"God dang it, Kenny... I'm on the phone!" he said in a heavy Southern accent, making me chuckle.

That was Brooks for you. You could say the saying was true to a T with him. You could take the boy out of the country, but you can never take the country out of him.

But that's what I loved most about him. He was a fierce businessman, untouchable to many, and would not think twice to make your business go bankrupt– if he saw it as just.

But deep down he was still humble, still the nicest, sweetest guy you'd love to sit and talk for hours on end.

He tried to cover the phone, but I could hear it clearly: "Your friend, the hot and sexy one, Eliana Vargas! She is getting divorced, boss! Now you can ask her out.”

“WHAT?” I hear him yell, kicking off his seat as he abruptly stands up.

“It’s true, his friend, the cute lawyer girl, Shannon, just sent me a message. She’s on her way to the court right now!” he says, making my mouth agape and my eyes widen.

“Boss, you finally have a chance. Ask her out. Go for it!”

“Oh s**t…” he says, probably forgetting I was on the line and listening to their conversation.

He quickly grabs the phone again, clearing his throat.

“So… uh, Ellie, hon… sorry, I, uh…. Oh f**k. How much did you hear?” he asks worriedly.

I wanted to be mad. I had just emailed Shannon the document, and she'd already told Brooks. But— a part of me was touched that I had friends who cared about me and… though I wasn't ready to move on to a new relationship, I was a little flustered to think of the possibility that Brooks could have a crush on me.

If only this were in my early years, when we were teens, and I had a big crush on him.

Brooks is the best guy I have ever met besides my daddy. It would have been great to date him back then.

“Everything. But though the rumor is true, and I will be strangling my attorney after this, I am not ready for dating.” he paused, sighing in what sounded like disappointment.

“Uh, Ellie… I'm sorry, that… Kenny spoke out of context; he doesn't know what he's —”

“But when I'm ready, I’ll let you know… maybe we can go on a date in Playa Del Carmen in that little corner restaurant you mentioned to me last Christmas,” I say, making my stomach flutter.

“Wait, Ellie, are you for real?”

“No promises… I’ll see you tonight. Don’t be late, Mr. Piercen.” I say as I hang up, feeling my cheeks flush with a hint of heat.

“What is wrong with you, Eliana? You just got divorced.” I berated myself, fisting my hands, taking a long breath, and pressing the back of my hand to my heated cheek before fanning myself.

“Boy… It’s hot in here, Josie!” I yelled for my maid, standing up and walking to the kitchen, coffee in hand.

“Do we have ice? I changed my mind; I need iced coffee.” I yelled out, making Nancy chuckle behind me.