Page 17 of The Deal Breaker
“Anyway,” she continued. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but…”
His breath caught in his throat. He must have missed what she’d said.
Way to go, Cabot.
He forced himself not to interrupt and apologize. Those were just words, however heartfelt, when his actions for years would contradict them.
This was her time to talk. Not his.
She rubbed her eyes. “I’ve been putting it off telling you something. I can’t wait any longer.”
Dash wanted to put her at ease. “Whatever you have to say won’t change anything.”
Her gaze, full of compassion, met his. “I’m doing what I can so nothing will change for you.”
“I appreciate that.” Even if he had no idea what she was talking about. It didn’t matter. Whatever she said, they would move on so he could make up for neglecting their friendship.
Unless…
Dash’s heartbeat roared in his ears. What if it was too late? What if she no longer wanted him in her life?
CHAPTER FOUR
On the couch next to Dash, Iris drew her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. Quitting would hit him hard, which was why she’d been waiting for the right time to tell him. Tonight wasn’t it.
The apartment search today had drained her. Twice, she and Henry had arrived at a place only to find someone turned in an application minutes earlier. Sure, she could do the same which Iris had, but she hated being next in line if the first applicant fell through.
Talk about frustrating.
But she hadn’t given up. They looked at other apartments. Only those had been too expensive or too run-down. One building had been in such bad shape she’d told Henry’s chauffeur, Frank, not to stop.
With less than a week to find a place and move, she couldn’t stop worrying. Having nowhere to live brought back memories of finding herself jobless and homeless when her father sold their restaurant. If only that had been the worst thing he did…
She inhaled deeply to slow her racing pulse.
This time, however, was different.
Iris didn’t need to rely on anyone but herself. Granted, she’d used over a third of her bonus to pay the culinary school tuition. But she also had a credit card, a savings account, and a Roth IRA. None of which she had when she was twenty-two. Worse comes to worst, she could move into a short-term rental or a room somewhere until an apartment opened up. She had enough money to live on while she was in school and for three months after that.
No reason to panic.
I will find a place tomorrow.
“Iris?” Concern filled Dash’s voice. He stood and paced in front of the coffee table. “Please talk to me.”
Dash had been manipulated by his parents, so he didn’t play games with others. He was open, honest, and for a twenty-eight-year-old billionaire, a tad naïve. Those things made him who he was—a really nice guy.
She might not have the same IQ as him, but she wasn’t stupid. There wouldn’t be a good time to tell him, no matter how hard she’d been wishing otherwise. She should have given her two-week notice last weekend. She hadn’t, so she had to do it now.
Iris shivered. “Give me a minute.”
“Take all the time you need.” His tense jaw contradicted his words, but he attempted a smile. A half-hearted one with no teeth showing. “I’m going to grab a soda.”
“I don’t have any.” She didn’t drink the stuff—too sweet—but she used to keep cans on hand for Dash until he stopped dropping by. “There’s iced tea and flavored water.”
“Oh, okay.” His brow wrinkled, something it did when he was thinking. “Want anything?”
“No, thanks.”
