She took her glass into the living room, curled up in the corner of the couch, and turned on a random episode of Drag Race, wanting some distraction, but she immediately turned it off. She now associated the show with Reagan, and watching it would only bring back memories of their time together.

Instead, she took a sip of wine and tried to see her space through Reagan’s eyes. She must have thought it was cold and drab with no personal touches. So different from Reagan’s apartment that had pictures of family and friends everywhere. Now, as she looked around, she had never felt more alone.

Reagan was probably right. She wasn’t worth it. Why would anyone want to be with someone who couldn’t open up? Couldn’t be vulnerable. Couldn’t see past their own ambition. When Reagan had compared her to her mother and stepfather, that had hurt most of all. But it was the truth. That was exactly how she had treated Reagan and the whole night. Guess it was only a matter of time before I became just like them. She had probably always been destined to become like them. After all, growing up without love didn’t bode well for knowing how to love others. Now that she understood this was who she was, it was time to stop running from the truth.

Maybe it would be easier to continue living the life she did before Reagan. Keep her focus on work. Never let anyone get close. She was better off accepting her lonely existence. No one would get hurt that way, except maybe her. And I deserve it.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Jill’s back hurt from being hunched over her desk for the past couple hours. She straightened in her chair, glancing at Ash, who had been in her office taking notes for her as she worked. They looked bored as they scribbled on the side of their notepad.

Jill shuffled through a pile of papers, slamming her hand on the desk when she couldn’t find what she wanted. “Where’s the fucking schedule from design? Get Rebecca on the phone now. It should have been on my desk two days ago.”

“She’s not in this week.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? Get me her cell number. She’s going to put us behind if she doesn’t get her shit together.” When Ash didn’t move, Jill threw her hands in the air. “What the hell are you waiting for?”

“It’s almost seven o’clock on Christmas Eve, Jill. Have some compassion.”

“Ash, if you don’t get out of my office right now and get me her number, I will make sure you never step foot in this building again. Got it?”