My Ex-Boss Wants Me Back

CHAPTER THREE

I looked at my phone ring. Listening to its sound and staring at Clyde's name made my heart race. I couldn't tell if it was out of fear or anger.

What if he had found out about Michael?

What if he tried to take him from me?

At this thought, the feeling of fear faded and all I felt was rage. The only way anyone was gonna take my child from me was if they killed me first.

Walking into the auction hall today beside Adrian felt awkward. After the kiss that night, I had tried to avoid being in proximity with him.

Today, we drove to the hall separately as I had gotten my car fixed the day after.

Being close to him clouded my judgment and made me feel things I already buried deep down inside me.

Real estate development companies had gathered to bid for the Hartwick Industries building and the turnout wasn't bad for a location that my team members described as “high risk.”

“Sold!” The bidder announced, and the auction ended after two hours of back and forth. Adrian and I had successfully purchased the building for 4 million dollars. And I was certain that we'd turn out double the profit in the first quarter after development.

Company heads and team leaders gathered around us to congratulate us and I sighted a few looks of disdain from afar.

The crowd dispersed and Adrian and I made for the door leading out of the hall.

“Genesis, I… we need to talk.”

I stopped walking and turned around to face him. The moment I'd been dreading had finally arrived.

“Right now? I'm sure whatever it is could wait till we announce this good news to the team members.” I asked with a smile that I hoped masked how queasy I really felt.

“No, it can't. We have to talk about it right now.”

“Okay.” I tucked my hair behind my ear, waiting.

He ran his hand through his hair and let out a growl of frustration. “Look, Genesis, the past few days have not been easy for me. You've been avoiding me since that night and I think I need to be honest about how I actually feel about you. Gen–”

“Genesis Simone?” a husky voice asked from behind me.

“Who is asking?” Adrian shot out before I could answer.

This man looked weirdly familiar, but I couldn't quite place where I knew him from. And just like a storm, it hit me. Brad Simmons!

“OMG, Brad is that you?” I chirped happily.

“Yes! I knew it was you, Genny.” He said, punching the air in mock triumph.

I threw my head back in laughter. This was a pleasant surprise. And an unexpected one at that.

“What are you doing here? I thought your move to Europe was permanent.”

“Yeah, I thought so too, but man, the real estate market is very big in the States and I couldn't resist moving back.” He said, grinning from ear to ear, just like I remembered him.

Adrian cleared his throat.

“Oh my God, I'm so sorry. Where are my manners?” I laughed. “Brad, this is Adrian Chase, my boss. And Adrian, this is Brad Simmons, my best friend from reception to high school, before he left for Europe.”

“Chase's Empire, right?” Brad asked with a big smile, extending his hand for a shake.

Adrian reluctantly took his hand and nodded.

“Yeah. What do you do?”

“Oh, I started my architectural firm last year, and we've been making real progress, I tell you. Crestline Group. You've heard of it?”

“Yeahh! I have. You partnered with Atwood Group on the Lakeside project, right?” I interjected with awe. I didn't know that was Brad.

“Yes. And I've long been looking to work on such projects as this one your company just cinched today. I feel like that location has so much to offer in both housing and retail spaces. Here's my business card.” He pulled two out of his wallet and gave one to each of us.

“Give me a call after consideration, and I'd send someone over with our portfolio and what wonders we could create for you in this project!”

Adrian's phone rang at that moment, and he excused himself to pick up the call.

“It's work, Genesis. We have to go now. Nice to meet you, Mr Simmons.” He said, giving Brad a quick handshake while looking at me.

“I'm sure you can manage without me, Adrian. I really want to catch up with Brad. I'll head over to the company soon. Will that be okay?” I asked, tongue in cheek.

“Ohh… it's fine then. Just don't stay too long.” He said, leaving with an expression I couldn't quite place. Surely he wasn't hurt, was he?

A few minutes later, Brad and I were sitting over cups of coffee, catching up on old times.

“Genny, look at you. You look even more beautiful than I remember.”

I gave a soft laugh. “Nobody has called me Genny in a longgg time.”

“How have you been? Are you married?” He asked.

“Nahh, I'm not. But I do have a son. Michael, he's the cutest little thing ever.” I laughed and whipped out my phone to show him pictures of Michael.

“He's so cute, Genesis. How's his dad?” He asked innocently.

“It's… a long story. But we're not together.”

“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But he's in the picture though, right? You know, with Michael?” he inquired.

“No. It's just Michael and I.”

“Oh, okay.” He laughed awkwardly.

There was a momentary awkward silence but it dispersed as we spent the next hour talking about how cute Michael was and catching up on what we had both been up to after college. The talk soon moved back to business.

“You know, you have so much potential, Genesis. Chase's Empire is lucky to have someone as skilled as you as their team lead.”

“I know, Brad. And I'm lucky to have them also. Adrian gave me a chance even when I wasn't as experienced as this.”

“It's no surprise he did. He recognized your potential. But have you considered going solo?” He asked in a low, serious voice.

“Solo? Like starting my own company?” I replied.

“Yes, Genesis. You have everything it takes to start your own company. And I could sponsor that.”

“Really?” I asked, intrigued.

“Yeah. I'm looking to investing in real estate start-up companies. And it wouldn't be a bad touch to start with yours, my beautiful friend,” He answered.

“That sounds exciting, Brad. But–”

“But what, Genny? You really need to see the bigger picture. A company of your own, ran by you in anyway you deem fit? You could be out here acquiring buildings for your company, not someone else’s… Think about it before you say no.”

“I… I'll think about it, Brad. Thank you for believing in me,” I said with a smile.

“My gut tells me it's the right thing to do. Plus, we could do so much more together, you know.” He winked.

I was genuinely confused, but I gave him a thankful smile nonetheless.

I watched a frown form on his face as he stared straight behind me, out of the café.

“Is that–”

Instinctively, I looked behind me and the sight made a frown form on my forehead too.

How dare he?!