I should have known. Matt can’t keep his trap shut to save his life. That’s one thing I don’t like about him. I’m a private person and keep my business to myself because A. people don’t need to know and B. people say they want to know the real you, but in reality, they want the truth but never the scars.

Matt didn’t tell Darien about Little Miss Rainbow moving in with me to be malicious, and even though he’s a fucked-up person, he doesn’t bad-mouth people unless they do some shady-ass shit. Sometimes, he gossips more than the women on Golden Girls.

I rub my hand on the back of my neck, averting my eyes to the nurse with short blonde hair winking and smiling at me. I don’t acknowledge her and glance back at Darien.

“You fucking like her,” he states like it’s a fact.

“I don’t like her. I love how her pussy would feel around my dick. Two different things, D.”

“Bull. Shit. I know you like the back of my hand. Spill your bullshit to someone else. You help women but your spiteful ass wouldn’t move a woman into your home unless you’re feeling her,” he says.

“Are we gonna stand here and talk about my shitty love life? Or are we gonna talk about American Banking and getting it out of the shithole?” I massage the back of my neck.

He shoves his hands in his pants pockets, leaning against the wall. “A guy named Oliver contacted me, wanting to buy twenty-five percent of the company and come on as a board member. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia. I interviewed him over the phone. I would meet with him, but we just had Cydney. Alana needs me to stay home with her for the first few weeks.”

“How much is he offering to put in?” I lean against the pale walls as a nurse passes out food trays to each room.

“Thirty mil, that should cover the cost of the loss. I told him to let me run it by you before I take his offer.”

“All right. Send me his contact info. I’ll see if I can fly out later this week to meet him in person. I want to see what his motives are before letting him become a board member.”

If you’re going to choose a business partner, you choose one like you’re going to marry them. Someone who is open to communication, who is loyal and committed. If you don’t, it can leave you emotionally drained and paying money out the ass like it’s alimony.

My phone buzzes and I pull it from the back pocket of my jeans. I click on the bubble; it’s a text from Cora.

Cora: Can u come get me? Mom forgot to pick me up from my ballet lesson.

Me: I’m on my way.