“I know everything,” Katie says. “I learn it all in the books I’m always reading.”

We look at her, not sure whether she’s serious or joking.

“And from some life experience,” she shrugs. “You boys aren’t as smart as you think. It’s obvious when both of you are deeply in love.”

Neither one of us speaks for long enough that Katie takes it as an indication that she’s to leave. “Well, it’s been—”

“Did Erin tell Monique why she quit?”

I mean, I know she was upset about spending the night in my office, but upset enough to leave without even talking to me? Upset enough to quit?

Katie lets out a long sigh before saying anything. “Unfortunately, I don’t really know everything. I didn’t ask and Monique didn’t offer up that information, if she has it.”

That’s disappointing. I need to get answers, find out why—

“However, I decided to check the drawer of her receptionist desk, and it turns out she left a letter for you.”

Katie pulls out a white envelope with my name on it. She walks over and hands it to me. Leave it to Katie to leave the best part for last.

Erin must have come back at some point and left the letter in the drawer, knowing that her good friends she’s always talking to up front would go through it and get it to me. And that’s exactly what Katie had done.

“Is that it?” Asher’s anger has for sure gone down. He seems mainly curious now. Probably wants answers just like I do, but for different reasons.

Katie shrugs.

“Yeah, I guess. The ball’s in your court now, Jim.”

She once again makes to leave, but turns around before exiting. “Listen, Jim. I don’t know how you feel about this girl, but she’s become a friend of mine, and I’ve been through some of this myself, so I’m going to give you some advice right now, and please don’t interrupt me.”

I nod, trying not to think of the audacity of taking advice from her. But she’s right— she’s been through it, and she probably knows more than I do. I still feel shell shocked at even figuring out I’m capable of love.

“From where I stand, you have two options,” she says. “You can leave Erin alone. She’s left quietly without any fuss and the firm can move forward with no blemishes to its name. Because I need you to know something. I like you. You’re not a bad guy, but since my husband, and Madilyn’s, and Ruby’s, are all tied up in this with you, if you do something to put us at risk, your ass is on the curb. People have families to feed around here.”

I know she’s right, in her own gruff, blunt way. Business or love? Love? Do I… love Erin? Or am I starting to fall in love with her?

“However, if you’re serious about Erin, I say go for it. I find the whole business or love debate redundant. It’s easy to have both if you’re willing to work for it.”

Woah. I feel like she just read my mind. She really might just know everything.

“And with that, I’ll leave you two. Make the right decision.”

She’s out the door just as quickly as she’d arrived. Damn that Katie, so full of wisdom for her young age.

“That crazy Katie. No wonder Madilyn likes her so much.”

Asher shakes his head. He’s clearly just as amazed as I am.

“I think you’re right. I feel smarter and wiser after that.”

Asher looks away from the door and turns to me.

“It’s pretty much was I had said, first,” he says, always one to want full credit. “But seriously. Before we make any rash moves, you need to take care of your problem.”

He’s right. I have to deal with Erin first.

“Just tread carefully. This could go so many different ways. Please take my advice this time? And Katie’s, for that matter?”

“I will. I promise. I don’t want to lose Erin.”

His eyes crinkles in surprise, probably taking me seriously for the first time in this conversation.

“Okay, good luck. Welcome to the club, buddy.”

“The club?”

“Of men who never thought they’d fall in love, then proceeded to do just that.”

I smile, half thinking he was going to say, “Sugar Daddy Central.”

Asher pats my arm and leaves my office. He closes the door behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I sit back down and begin to formulate a plan. But first things first, I need to find Erin. I know I can’t just show up at her house, not after everything she’s told me about her parents. But then how?

I turn the letter in my hands. It’s thin. It dawns on me that I’m afraid to open it. Unopened, there are endless possibilities for what Erin’s note could contain. Given the circumstances, it’s probably bad news, but a man can hope. I take the plunge and open it up. There’s a single piece of paper inside with not much written on it. I take a deep breath and read it.

Dear Mr. Reed,

Sorry, I’ve left with such short notice, but I took some time to reevaluate my recent choices and realized I couldn’t work with you anymore. This doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy our time together. I’m just too conflicted. Please take care of yourself.

Erin.

My heart drops. The letter is so formal. Why does she keep doing this? I know she had to make it look innocuous, not knowing who might find it or read it, but still, it fucking hurts.